The Licensing Letter

Canada

Guess Who Founders Sue Former Bandmates for ‘Fake BS Shows’

By Gary Symons The Guess Who, one of the great bands from the 1970s, is embroiled in a lawsuit between four of the original members. Guess Who founding members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, who wrote most of the music, are suing their former band mates Jim Kale and Garry Peterson, as well as the rest of the current lineup of The Guess Who. The two musicians accuse the … [Read more...] about Guess Who Founders Sue Former Bandmates for ‘Fake BS Shows’

Nelvana Releases First Videos Based on Piñata Smashlings

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Children's studio Nelvana has produced six new Piñata Smashlings short videos in partnership with Toikido. The partnership also appears to be just the beginning for the two companies, as Nelvana says it is now working on a full animated series. Toikido is a UK-based company that created Piñata Smashlings and the 'Piñataverse' with … [Read more...] about Nelvana Releases First Videos Based on Piñata Smashlings

‘Arthur’ Creator Marc Brown Hops Into New Kids Series With CBC

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Epic Story Media (ESM) and CBC Kids have confirmed a licensing agreement for the new preschool comedy series Hop. Created by Marc Brown, the Hop animated series follows group of friends that is led by an enthusiastic frog named Hop who has one leg that is shorter than the other. ESM has engaged the non-profit organization RespectAbility as … [Read more...] about ‘Arthur’ Creator Marc Brown Hops Into New Kids Series With CBC

Spin Master’s Billion Dollar Deal to Buy Melissa & Doug

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Spin Master has agreed to acquire Melissa & Doug in a move designed to bolster its presence in early childhood play. The Canadian toy and production company has grown to become one of the largest toy companies in the world, and this week offered $950 million to buy out US-based Melissa & Doug. Spin Master says the acquisition … [Read more...] about Spin Master’s Billion Dollar Deal to Buy Melissa & Doug

Electronic Arts’ Fan Base Explodes For Football and Hockey Games

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Electronic Arts is celebrating the release of two of its blockbuster games, EA Sports FC and EA Sports NHL. EA has become known over the years as the top designer of sports-related games, covering the gamut from auto racing to American football, but globally, it's EA Sports FC that has become the company's top sports franchise. For many … [Read more...] about Electronic Arts’ Fan Base Explodes For Football and Hockey Games

Spin Master Wins Global Toy Rights to New Dora the Explorer Series

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has secured the global toy licensing rights for the upcoming Paramount+ original series, Dora. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, Dora is a new preschool series that is based on the original Dora the Explorer entertainment franchise. The upcoming CG-animated preschool series will feature established characters and … [Read more...] about Spin Master Wins Global Toy Rights to New Dora the Explorer Series

Lululemon and Peloton Go From Fitness Foes to Fitness Friends

Parties Agree to 'Stay in Their Lane' in Five-Year Strategic Agreement By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The fitness war is over, as lululemon and Peloton have signed a strategic global partnership in which both parties agree to stick to what they know best. The two fitness companies were formerly embroiled in legal action, with lululemon accusing Peloton of copying their … [Read more...] about Lululemon and Peloton Go From Fitness Foes to Fitness Friends

Construction Zone: Spin Master Announces Production on Paw Patrol III

Hit Series Also Reveals Two New Licensing Deals with Hasbro's Monopoly and Burger King TLL Staff The second Paw Patrol isn't even out yet and Spin Master has confirmed there will be a third film in the series. Spin Master has announced that it will co-produce the Paw Patrol threequel with its partners Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures for theatrical release in … [Read more...] about Construction Zone: Spin Master Announces Production on Paw Patrol III

ZAG Appoints Nelvana to Represent Miraculous and Ghostforce in Canada

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterNelvana has been appointed as the exclusive Canadian licensing and merchandising agent for the ZAG HEROEZ brands Miraculous and Ghostforce. “Nelvana’s expertise across the Canadian market is unparalleled, and we are confident they are the best partners for us to expand the Miraculous brand across the region by securing new partners and expanding … [Read more...] about ZAG Appoints Nelvana to Represent Miraculous and Ghostforce in Canada

Strawberry Shortcake Enjoying Sweet Licensing Success Ahead of Netflix Special

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Wildbrain is pulling out all the stops in licensing activations as its new Strawberry Shortcake is due for a quartet of Netflix specials. Wildbrain is a global entertainment leader, and expectations are high for the upcoming CGI animated shows airing on Netflix in 2023 and 2024. As a result, the company's Strawberry Shortcake brand is … [Read more...] about Strawberry Shortcake Enjoying Sweet Licensing Success Ahead of Netflix Special