By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and music producer Timbaland has launched an AI entertainment company, Stage Zero, which will manage its first 'signee', an AI pop artist named TaTa (pictured here). In doing so, Timbaland has also plunged the rest of the world into a Black Mirror episode that—unlike TaTa—is unfortunately very real. Stage Zero, co-founded by Rocky … [Read more...] about Opinion: Timbaland’s New AI Pop Star ‘TaTa’ Ushers in the Age of the Uncanny Valley
North America
HI-CHEW and Menchie’s Launch New Frozen Yogurt Collab
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Morinaga America and Menchie's are launching a limited-edition HI-CHEW frozen yogurt flavor as part of their long-standing licensing partnership. Inspired by the Blue Hawaii candy from HI-CHEW's Fantasy Mix, the licensed frozen yogurt features a blend of sweet citrus and juicy pineapple fruit flavors. The new offering is created with … [Read more...] about HI-CHEW and Menchie’s Launch New Frozen Yogurt Collab
Home Chef Cooks Licensed Meals with Grillo’s Pickles and Tucson Foods
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Home Chef is launching new licensed meal options in partnership with Grillo's Pickles and Tucson Foods as part of its updated summer line-up. Available until September 1, Grillo's Pickles and Home Chef have debuted a limited-edition ready-to-bake Pickle Pizza meal. The new Pickle Pizza features toppings like mozzarella cheese, pulled pork, … [Read more...] about Home Chef Cooks Licensed Meals with Grillo’s Pickles and Tucson Foods
Rich’s Debuts Baileys Partnership at IDDBA 2025
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Rich's and Diageo are showcasing their new Baileys licensing partnership at the 2025 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) conference. Located at booth #2425, Rich's will give IDDBA attendees a first look at its new portfolio of Baileys branded products, while also featuring live demonstrations and experiences. Featuring a … [Read more...] about Rich’s Debuts Baileys Partnership at IDDBA 2025
Dunkin’ Celebrates Donut Day with Stoney Clover Lane
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Dunkin’ has partnered with Stoney Clover Lane to debut a limited-edition accessories collection to commemorate National Donut Day. Celebrated June 6, the National Donut Day collection combines Stoney Clover Lane’s luxury accessories with inspiration from Dunkin’s coffee and donut varieties. “We’re thrilled to partner with Dunkin’ for … [Read more...] about Dunkin’ Celebrates Donut Day with Stoney Clover Lane
Taylor Swift Reclaims Ownership of Her First Six Albums
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Taylor Swift has officially regained ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums, marking the end of a lengthy dispute over the rights to her early music. Swift announced the acquisition on her official website, calling it a long-awaited resolution. “All of the music I've ever made now belongs to me,” she wrote, describing … [Read more...] about Taylor Swift Reclaims Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Tom Aspinall Joins Forces with Champion in Knockout Apparel Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is entering the fashion arena with a new opponent: mediocrity in athletic wear. Champion, the sportswear brand known for inventing the hoodie, has unveiled a new partnership with Tom Aspinall that delivers a one-two punch of performance and style. Aspinall is a British MMA star who currently competes … [Read more...] about Tom Aspinall Joins Forces with Champion in Knockout Apparel Partnership
Products of Change Highlighted Sustainability at Licensing Expo
By Kathryn Brand Editor, Products of Change The Products of Change team was out in full force at Expo, between holding the fort at our booth showcasing the UN’s 17 SDGs and how are members are activating them, to walking the show floor, attending meetings, and hosting panel sessions on the main stage and Networking Hub. With so many engaged attendees coming by the stand to … [Read more...] about Products of Change Highlighted Sustainability at Licensing Expo
James Bond Brand Owner Danjaq Says It’s ‘No Time to Die’ for the Super Spy’s Trademark
Dubai-Based Developer Claims James Bond Trademarks Have Expired Due to 'Lack of Use' Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's greatest fictional spy, James Bond, now faces another mortal threat, this time from an Austrian-born, Dubai-based billionaire. Joseph Kleindienst, who is currently building a $5 billion luxury resort complex in Dubai called 'The Heart of … [Read more...] about James Bond Brand Owner Danjaq Says It’s ‘No Time to Die’ for the Super Spy’s Trademark
Expo Wrap-up: Licensing Industry Unites After a Solid Year of Growth
Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Licensing Expo 2025 concluded this week in Las Vegas, drawing more than 12,000 industry professionals from around the world. This year's Expo highlighted the continued momentum of the global licensing industry, which grew by $13 billion in the past year. Organized by Informa Markets' Global Licensing Group and sponsored by Licensing … [Read more...] about Expo Wrap-up: Licensing Industry Unites After a Solid Year of Growth