By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Disney used its D23 fan expo—a sort of single company Comic-Con where the largest presentations were delivered to an audience of 7,500 (even more people than can be seated in Comic-Con's Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center)—to deliver updates on and promotions for most of the films in its licensed products pipeline. Included at D23, held Aug. 14-16 … [Read more...] about Disney Rallies Fans for Properties in Licensing Pipeline
Articles
Mattel Turns to Crowdsourcing for American Girl Rollout
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Mattel's two newest American Girl period dolls, Maryellen Larkin (from the 1950s) and Julie Albright (1970s), hit shelves on August 27. After successfully collaborating on a 70th anniversary YouTube documentary for Thomas the Tank Engine, Mattel has once more turned to crowdsourcing studio Tongal for help with the American Girl launch. The goal is to … [Read more...] about Mattel Turns to Crowdsourcing for American Girl Rollout
The Force is Flowing to Disney Theme Parks
By Marcy Magiera The Disney kingdom may have been started by a Mouse, but the biggest news out of the company's D23 fan convention suggests that the theme park realm is now steered by a more celestial Force. The Star Wars franchise, which will next blast into theaters Dec. 18 with the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, took center stage at Disney's expo in Anaheim, … [Read more...] about The Force is Flowing to Disney Theme Parks
Patrick Kane & the Need for “Morals Clauses” in Celebrity Licenses
By Glenn Demby In June, EA Sports tabbed Chicago Blackhawk Patrick Kane for the cover of its upcoming (Sept. 15) ES Sports NHL 16 game. It seemed the perfect choice. Kane, a 3-time Stanley Cup winner, is handsome, charismatic and, somewhat rare for a hockey star, American. But Kane is now under police investigation for alleged rape in his hometown of Hamburg, NY. So, EA has … [Read more...] about Patrick Kane & the Need for “Morals Clauses” in Celebrity Licenses
Global Fashion Sales Grow 2.4% in 2014
By Glenn Demby Global sales of licensed fashion goods grew 2.4% in 2014, according to TLL's 2015 Licensing Business DataBook. Only two segments grew more: entertainment/character (4.8%) and sports (3.4%). At $37.9 billion, fashion accounted for 23.8% of all worldwide licensed sales, most of any segment (followed by corporate trademark at 21.7%). TLL Survey respondents cited … [Read more...] about Global Fashion Sales Grow 2.4% in 2014
Betty Boop Undies, E-Store
It’s been a busy summer for Betty Boop and her owner King Features. In July, King announced a partnership with Grupo Cortefiel on a Betty Boop clothing and lingerie collection to be sold at the Spanish retailer’s Women’s Secret stores in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. A few weeks later, King partnered with e-tail operator Myatt to open the first official … [Read more...] about Betty Boop Undies, E-Store
Penguin Books Clangers for U.S.
Penguin, the worldwide master publishing licensing partner of Clangers, will now take the British property to North America. The latest deal, brokered by Coolabi Group, gives Penguin Group U.S. the right to publish a Clangers picture book and audio CD recording narrated by TV and pop icon William Shatner in the U.S. and Canada. The expected release date is fall 2016. Other … [Read more...] about Penguin Books Clangers for U.S.
DraftKings Plays Ball With MLB Clubs
DraftKings, the official daily fantasy sports partner of MLB, cut a separate deal with 27 of the League’s 30 clubs that will allow users to get exclusive content on the DraftKings iPhone app and integration with MLB’s own At Bat app. The Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays are the only clubs that aren’t participating because their states/province treat … [Read more...] about DraftKings Plays Ball With MLB Clubs
Brady Wins Again
Deflategate has apparently not taken the air out of Tom Brady’s popularity. For the first time ever, the New England QB with the four Super Bowl rings and four-week suspension topped the NFLPA’s list of best-selling players for licensed merchandise. As usual, QBs dominated the list, which covers physical and online sales of game jerseys and off-field apparel, accessories, … [Read more...] about Brady Wins Again
Who’s News
Neil Cole steps down as Chairman & CEO of Iconix Brand Group and is succeeded by board member Peter Cuneo on an interim basis. Cole is staying on with Iconix as a special advisor through Sept. 30. Andy Comer is named VP Creative Services for Tommy Bahama and will develop brand strategies across all channels including licensing, wholesale, retail, e-commerce and … [Read more...] about Who’s News