The Licensing Letter

North America

Forever 21 and Barbie Go Back to the Metaverse for Summer Collection

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The fashion retailer Forever 21 has launched a new collaboration with Barbie, creating physical and virtual fashion lines for summer. Co-designed by Mattel and Forever 21, the Forever 21 x Barbie exclusive capsule was available for early access shopping on the Forever 21 mobile app on May 16, and hit the shelves at select Forever 21 … [Read more...] about Forever 21 and Barbie Go Back to the Metaverse for Summer Collection

Ja Rule to Headline Licensing Expo Opening Night Party

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The rapper, singer and businessman Ja Rule has been booked to headline the 2023 Licensing Expo's Opening Night Party. Ja Rule, aka Jeffrey Bruce Atkins Sr., released his first solo album, Venni Vetti Vecci, in 1999. Since his initial solo debut, Ja Rule has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. "Ja Rule has a distinctive style … [Read more...] about Ja Rule to Headline Licensing Expo Opening Night Party

ZAG Announces Release Dates for Highly Anticipated Miraculous Film

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Zag has announced new details for its upcoming feature film based on the Miraculous superhero franchise ahead of this year's Licensing Expo. The plot of the movie will include the origin stories of the franchise's main superhero characters, Ladybug and Cat Noir. Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie is directed by Jeremy Zag from … [Read more...] about ZAG Announces Release Dates for Highly Anticipated Miraculous Film

Fashion: Cronus Global Says ‘I Do’ to Representing Justina McCaffrey

By Allison Watkinson  TLL Reporter The Cronus Global licensing agency has been appointed to represent the Justina McCaffrey Lifestyle brand across all product categories. Justina McCaffrey is a Canadian fashion designer who specializes in high-quality, couture wedding dresses. Over the last three decades, the Justina McCaffrey bridalwear brand has gained attention … [Read more...] about Fashion: Cronus Global Says ‘I Do’ to Representing Justina McCaffrey

Licensing Law: Court Rules Against Andy Warhol in Landmark Copyright Case

Warhol v. Goldsmith Case Also Carries Major Implications for AI-Generated Works By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Supreme Court has ruled images of the musician Prince by Andy Warhol violated the copyright of photographer Lynn Goldsmith. The ruling has massive implications for both human artists and for those using artificial intelligence to generate images, videos … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Court Rules Against Andy Warhol in Landmark Copyright Case

Expo: Bandai Namco Seeking Partners for Virtual Pet Brand Tamagotchi

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Bandai Namco is bringing the Tamagotchi brand to the 2023 Licensing Expo to expand its consumer products licensing program. Tamagotchi is a virtual-reality pet brand that was originally released as a handheld video game in Japan in 1996 and in the U.S. the following year. Since its initial launch, Bandai Namco has extended the Tamagotchi … [Read more...] about Expo: Bandai Namco Seeking Partners for Virtual Pet Brand Tamagotchi

Jazwares Named Master Toy Partner for Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Franchise

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jazwares has entered into a multi-year master toy licensing agreement with Sanrio to create Hello Kitty and Friends toy collections. “Friendship and kindness come in many forms and with the help of Jazwares, we’ll be able to expand those values in so many unique expressions of creativity and play,” said Sanrio COO, Craig Takiguchi. “This … [Read more...] about Jazwares Named Master Toy Partner for Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Franchise

Build-A-Bear Releases Scaly Plush Toy in First Collab With Dungeons & Dragons

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Build-A-Bear Workshop has released its first licensing collaboration with the Dungeons & Dragons entertainment franchise. The recently-released licensed products include a red dragon plush toy and a D&D fan t-shirt that is designed to fit all standard-size Build-A-Bear plush models. The D&D Red Dragon Plush by Build-A-Bear … [Read more...] about Build-A-Bear Releases Scaly Plush Toy in First Collab With Dungeons & Dragons

Kubota Tractor Refuels Its Colorful Partnership With Crayola

The Kubota Tractor Corporation and Crayola renewed their partnership to show kids how teamwork can make a difference in their community. The new venture is inspired by Kubota’s NASCAR partners like Trackhouse Racing and ThorSport Racing. It includes an immersive, interactive event touring Crayola’s family attractions; at-home crafts and coloring pages at … [Read more...] about Kubota Tractor Refuels Its Colorful Partnership With Crayola