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
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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
Toast It or Roast It? Original Donut Shop’s Pop-Tart Flavored Coffee
TLL Staff The Original Donut Shop has announced its latest flavor innovation, a Pop-Tarts Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavored K-Cup pod. The new signature flavor is perfect for those who can't face the day without a good cup of coffee and their favorite Pop-Tart. Now you get all that morning goodness in your cup, bursting with notes of brown sugar sweetness, cinnamon flavor and … [Read more...] about Toast It or Roast It? Original Donut Shop’s Pop-Tart Flavored Coffee
Marquee Brands Off On The Right Foot With Stance Acquisition
Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global brand accelerator Marquee Brands has just acquired Stance, the innovative lifestyle and performance sock brand. Stance now joins Marquee Brands’ powerful portfolio of top brands, which includes Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table, BCBG, Ben Sherman, Body Glove and Dakine. Stance is a relatively young company that was … [Read more...] about Marquee Brands Off On The Right Foot With Stance Acquisition
Johnny Cash Sues Coca Cola Under the ‘Elvis Act’
Image: Johnny Cash in a 1979 publicity photo for the CBS Television program The Johnny Cash Spring Special. Image credit: CBS Television. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of legendary singer Johnny Cash is suing top global brand Coca-Cola under a law named for another legendary singer, Elvis Presley. The Cash estate brought the suit under Tennessee's … [Read more...] about Johnny Cash Sues Coca Cola Under the ‘Elvis Act’
Warner Music Signs Groundbreaking Deal With AI Developer Suno
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Warner Music Group has mended fences with AI developer Suno, settling its lawsuit and announcing a major partnership. Warner and Suno say their collaboration will create new revenue streams for artists and establish mutually acceptable guidelines for the growing field of generative music technology. The deal also resolves previous … [Read more...] about Warner Music Signs Groundbreaking Deal With AI Developer Suno
Here’s Why Parmigiano Reggiano Seeks a Starring Role in TV and Film
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hollywood films are going to get a bit more cheesy, as Italy's Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium has signed with United Talent Agency. The big wheel of cheese, known for its 'grate' performance in kitchens and restaurants worldwide, is now seeking a starring role in television and film. And of course, you don't get far without a good agent, … [Read more...] about Here’s Why Parmigiano Reggiano Seeks a Starring Role in TV and Film
Registration Now Open For Licensing Expo 2026
TLL Staff It's never too early to get ready for Licensing Expo, and registration has now opened for the most important show in the global licensing industry. Organizers announced they have opened registration for the 2026 Licensing Expo, which will be held May 19 to 21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The annual trade show, produced by Informa’s Global … [Read more...] about Registration Now Open For Licensing Expo 2026
YuMe Toys Expands Licensing Portfolio With One Piece, Hello Kitty and Molang Lines for 2026
TLL Staff YuMe Toys announced a slate of new and renewed global licensing agreements for 2026, building on its portfolio of collectible toys tied to major entertainment and lifestyle brands. The company will introduce expanded lines for One Piece and Hello Kitty and debut a new collaboration with Molang, part of an effort to strengthen its reach across anime, … [Read more...] about YuMe Toys Expands Licensing Portfolio With One Piece, Hello Kitty and Molang Lines for 2026