The Licensing Letter

North America

Surge Brands Brings the Sizzle as Licensing Agent for Bacon Up

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Bacon Up, the first national brand of ready-to-use bacon grease, is frying up new opportunities through a partnership with Surge Brands as its global licensing agent. The deal is set to bring Bacon Up into a variety of new product categories, ensuring its rich, smoky flavor extends far beyond the skillet. “Bacon Up’s rich heritage … [Read more...] about Surge Brands Brings the Sizzle as Licensing Agent for Bacon Up

Andrew Lelchuk Steps into the Licensing Battle for UFC

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The UFC is making a strategic move to bolster its merchandising power, announcing that Andrew Lelchuk has been named Director of Licensing. With this appointment, Lelchuk steps into the octagon of retail, overseeing all aspects of UFC-branded hardline and softline products across North and South America. In his new role, Lelchuk will … [Read more...] about Andrew Lelchuk Steps into the Licensing Battle for UFC

Dollar General and Dolly Parton Launch Spring Home Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Dollar General has launched a new licensed home goods collection in partnership with global country superstar Dolly Parton. Following the successful release of the company's first Dolly Parton product line last July, the latest collection offers a variety of kitchen and houseware products for spring. Available beginning on March 1, … [Read more...] about Dollar General and Dolly Parton Launch Spring Home Collection

Sesame Workshop Cutting Staff, Sesame Street’s Fate in Limbo

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The fate of Sesame Street hangs in the balance, as brand owner Sesame Workshop cuts staff in the wake of Warner Bros. Discovery's decided not to renew its distribution deal. Sesame Workshop is not only the owner of the Sesame Street brand, but is also an important force in childhood education in the United States and around the world. It is … [Read more...] about Sesame Workshop Cutting Staff, Sesame Street’s Fate in Limbo

Chordal Launches InstantClear to Streamline Music Licensing

TLL Staff The music rights tech company Chordal has introduced InstantClear, a pre-cleared music licensing system designed to simplify and scale the commercial music industry’s licensing process. The system, which utilizes patent-pending technology, aims to provide a more efficient solution for securing legal, financial, and creative rights to fractionally owned songs. “With … [Read more...] about Chordal Launches InstantClear to Streamline Music Licensing

University of Toronto Press and British Library Announce Scribe Book

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter University of Toronto Press and the British Library are releasing a new co-published volume by Patricia Lovett, titled The Art of the Scribe. Scheduled for release in April 2025, The Art of the Scribe builds on the long-standing partnership between the British Library and the UTP. “UTP's extensive reach throughout North America has … [Read more...] about University of Toronto Press and British Library Announce Scribe Book

Girl Tribe and Duke’s Mayonnaise Team Up for Food Fashion

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Girl Tribe Co. has teamed up with Duke's Mayonnaise for a collaborative collection of mayonnaise themed fashion. "We're excited to team up with this celebrated clothing brand in a city that's full of energy, community, spirit, and has a deep love for Duke's," said Duke's digital content manager, Sarah DiPeppe. "From college football to … [Read more...] about Girl Tribe and Duke’s Mayonnaise Team Up for Food Fashion

Analysis: Licensing and Consumer Goods Industries Will Be Hard Hit by Trump Tariffs

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The tariff hammer dropped at midnight Tuesday, and reaction on the markets was swift and brutal, as consumer confidence plummeted to an alarming low in February. That’s very bad news for the licensing industry, which relies on consumer confidence to spur discretionary spending on a wide variety of goods.  That’s expected to worsen, … [Read more...] about Analysis: Licensing and Consumer Goods Industries Will Be Hard Hit by Trump Tariffs

Lion Forge’s Iyanu Brings a Global Opportunity to Toy Fair

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Lion Forge Entertainment is on the hunt for licensing and retail partners at the annual Toy Fair in New York this year, as it debuts the hotly anticipated animated series “Iyanu.” The series will debut on April 5 on Cartoon Network and the following day on MAX, with early buzz comparing the show to the 2005 megahit series “Avatar: The … [Read more...] about Lion Forge’s Iyanu Brings a Global Opportunity to Toy Fair