By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Benihana and licensing agency Surge Brands have just released the first licensed product since the agency signed on with brand owner The One Group. The debut licensed product, Benihana Teriyaki Chicken Crisps from Flock Foods, brings the restaurant’s signature flavors into a high-protein, keto-friendly snack. Available at flockfoods.com, … [Read more...] about Benihana and Surge Brands Release First Licensed Products Under New Partnership
North America
Dragon Ball Gets Its First-Ever Game Inside Minecraft
TLL Staff Toei Animation has expanded the Dragon Ball Z licensing footprint into gaming with the launch of the first-ever downloadable content pack for Minecraft. Available now for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, the Dragon Ball Z x Minecraft DLC allows players to participate in battles inspired by the anime’s World Martial Arts Tournament, with options for solo, cooperative and … [Read more...] about Dragon Ball Gets Its First-Ever Game Inside Minecraft
Bioworld Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support Emerging Brands
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief As a former startup founder and CEO, I know one of the toughest obstacles to success is gaining that initial capital you need to launch your business. Bioworld Merchandising apparently agrees with that view, as the leading pop culture brand company has created a venture capital fund dedicated to helping new and emerging companies get off … [Read more...] about Bioworld Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support Emerging Brands
Surge Brands Brings Licensing Horsepower to Skip Barber Racing School
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Surge Brands has been appointed global licensing agent for Skip Barber Racing School, revving up for an expanded consumer products push from one of motorsports’ most enduring training institutions. Founded in 1975 by Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee John “Skip” Barber, the Skip Barber Racing School marks its 50th anniversary this year with … [Read more...] about Surge Brands Brings Licensing Horsepower to Skip Barber Racing School
Disney Partners With OpenAI on Billion Dollar Content Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has signed the first major content licensing for OpenAI's Sora platform, raising fears of job losses among content creators. Disney frames the debate differently, however, saying the deal brings "... these leaders in creativity and innovation together to unlock new possibilities in imaginative storytelling." The … [Read more...] about Disney Partners With OpenAI on Billion Dollar Content Deal
Paramount Goes to War With Hostile Bid to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Caption: David Ellison claims the board of Warner Bros. Discovery has failed to properly consider its offer, and to put it in front of shareholders. Paramount has launched a full takeover battle against rival Netflix, making a $108 billion offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. That's despite the fact WBD's board of directors … [Read more...] about Paramount Goes to War With Hostile Bid to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery
Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, Reshaping Hollywood
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Streaming giant Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery have agreed to an $82.7 billion acquisition deal that will reshape the U.S. entertainment industry. The definitive agreement will see Warner Bros. Discovery splitting up its assets. As was previously announced, WBD’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global, will be split off into a … [Read more...] about Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, Reshaping Hollywood
Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Two of the industry’s top experts in food and beverage licensing are warning of some short-term pain before the sector enjoys a long-term gain. Ross Misher, founder and CEO of Brand Central Group, and Peter Cross, the VP of Strategic Partnerships for Broad Street Licensing Group (BSLG), say that licensees are pulling in their horns as … [Read more...] about Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy
Cardsmiths Releases Its Largest Digital Trading Card Launch Yet
TLL Staff Cardsmiths has released Currency Series 5, the largest product launch in its history, expanding its portfolio of art-driven trading cards with a collection that blends traditional finance themes with blockchain culture. The series is now available through Cardsmiths’ website and select retail partners. The new set features returning artists Gunship Revolution … [Read more...] about Cardsmiths Releases Its Largest Digital Trading Card Launch Yet
Mark and Ari Freedman Launch Reboot Brands and Bring Back Certs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A fascinating new brand company, Reboot Brands, was just launched by the founders of licensing agencies Surge Brands and Surge Licensing. Reboot is a brand company with a difference, headed by Ari Freedman, CEO of Surge Brands, and father Mark Freedman, CEO of Surge Licensing. The two stalwarts in the global licensing industry said … [Read more...] about Mark and Ari Freedman Launch Reboot Brands and Bring Back Certs