Mattel Inc. this week announced its Drive Toward a Better Future program, unveiling the Matchbox Tesla Roadster, its first die-cast vehicle made from 99% recycled materials and certified CarbonNeutral. The Matchbox Tesla Roadster will be available starting in 2022. The release is Mattel’s first step on a product roadmap intended to make all Matchbox die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic by 2030. The roadmap is in line with Mattel’s goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across all its products and packaging by 2030. This first vehicle in the new, sustainable Matchbox line is also partnered with Natural Capital Partners. The Matchbox Tesla Roadsters have been certified CarbonNeutral by Natural Capital Partners, and the carbon offset credits are going towards a fund preserving… . . . read more
LeMans Revs Up Licensing With IMG
Prestigious Race Renews Licensing Deal The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has renewed its longstanding, exclusive worldwide licensing representation agreement with IMG for 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest active sports car endurance race, through 2024. Since being appointed in 2008, IMG has built a robust portfolio of more than 80 licensees for the prestigious event, which has been held annually near the town of Le Mans, France since 1923. The Centenary of the race in 2023 will open up further development opportunities for key categories including apparel, toys and games, collectibles, homeware and accessories. “We are proud that the ACO has once again entrusted us with the 24 Hours of Le Mans consumer licensing programme,” said Arthur Virapin, Senior Licensing Director, IMG. “In the last four years… . . . read more
Playmobil Launches Classic Volkswagens
German toymaker Playmobil has partnered with equally storied car manufacturer Volkswagen to bring out their own tiny car line for kids. First announced in September, the partnership has resulted in the release of a classic VW Beetle and the original VW Camper Bus, known in Germany as the ‘Bulli’, and unofficially by a generation of young American travelers as ‘the hippie bus’. The van even includes its own hippies! The camper van comes as well equipped as its real life counterpart, with its 74 pieces including a sleeping area, kitchen, removable roof, storage space, two figures, roof rack, and a wide range of camping accessories. The VW Beetle also comes with a California surf vibe, released with a roof rack to hold surf boards and travel gear. Playmobil has been… . . . read more
Shell Hires Beanstalk As Global Licensing Agent
Beanstalk scored a major new client, becoming the licensing agency for Shell, one of the world’s largest energy and petrochemical companies, operating in 70 countries and boasting 80,000 employees worldwide. Beanstalk announced this week its partnership with Shell to extend the company’s brand into a range of consumer products and services. The program will look to leverage Shell’s legacy and will extend into relevant categories including toys and collectibles, apparel and accessories. The worldwide licensing initiative will further reflect and reinforce Shell’s commitment to becoming a net-zero energy company, Shell officials said. “We are very excited to partner with Beanstalk to work on extending the Shell brand into exciting new areas,” says Satish Murthi, Commercial Manager, Brand Licensing and Protection at Shell. “We believe Beanstalk’s expertise, network and professionalism will… . . . read more
Corporate TM/Brands Up 2.7% in 2016; Food/Bev & Tech Lead
Retail sales of corporate trademark/brand-based licensing were up 2.7% worldwide in 2016, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. The U.S./Canada made up…
Roundup: Promotional Partnerships
See the latest in promotional partnerships
Featuring: Real Madrid and Xbox, Sony Pictures and Nickelodeon, NBCUniversal and Crunchyroll, and more…
Video Games in the Pipeline: 40% Sequels, 30% Licensed, 20% New IP
Over the next two years, releases of video games based on original IP are going to take a backseat to sequels, reboots, and licensed titles. Just…
Licensing in the $40.4 Billion Theme Park Business
The amusement/theme park business is ramping up, and for licensed brands, it’s only getting better. See the top parks and new licensing intiatives from Disney, NBCU, and others worldwide…
TLL Survey: Corporate Licensing Up 3% in 2015 Fueled by Food/Beverage & Automotive
At $27.6 billion, corporate trademarks and brands accounted for 27% of all retail licensed sales in the U.S. and Canada in 2015, the most of any segment (followed by fashion at 20% and sports at 14%), according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey…
Licensing By The Numbers
Follow the numbers driving the industry.
Featuring: VW scandal, University of Texas, Peppa Pig, Halloween retail, U.K. toy sales, and more…