The Licensing Letter

Articles

Themed and Specialty TV Channels Build Global Licensing Programs

Global broadcasters have been launching licensing programs based on their themed or specialty television channels. In the past six months: Fox International, Fox One Stop Media Licensing & Merchandising, and agent P&L Global forged a direct-to-retail deal with La Polar stores in Chile for a line of T-shirts, sleepwear, bibs, and other products tied to BabyTV. UKTV … [Read more...] about Themed and Specialty TV Channels Build Global Licensing Programs

Pet-Related Licensed Products Focus on Unique Feature or Underserved Niches

It seems as if almost every property has a license for pet products, from celebrities (Bret Michaels with PetSmart) and characters (Angry Birds with Hartz Mountain) to apparel brands (Dickies with A Crowded Coop) and interior designers (Jennifer Adams with JLA Pets). While some licensed pet products have certainly seen success at retail, many have been nonstarters, either not … [Read more...] about Pet-Related Licensed Products Focus on Unique Feature or Underserved Niches

Character and Toy Properties License Into a Gem of a Category

The jewelry sector-increasingly including precious as well as costume pieces-has been an area of interest for character and toy licensors in recent months: Big Tent signed HNJ Jewelry for a line of fine pieces-including necklaces, bracelets, and rings-tied to the Japanese character Domo. The range is sold globally (outside of Asia) through department, specialty, and … [Read more...] about Character and Toy Properties License Into a Gem of a Category

WWE Bodyslams Cable Operators, Takes New Online Format to the Mat

World Wrestling Entertainment, the organization that produces 12 pay-per-view (PPV) and additional wrestling events, is rolling out its previously announced online-only WWE Network, demonstrating the company's future beyond its longstanding pay-per-view model. While certainly not the driving factor behind the move, being online simplifies the potential for in-program sales of … [Read more...] about WWE Bodyslams Cable Operators, Takes New Online Format to the Mat

To Infinity and Beyond

The recent success of Disney's Infinity video game and Disney Interactive division, which previously struggled with achieving stellar sales despite featuring iconic characters (namely Mickey Mouse) and video game development veterans, reports The New York Times, follows the same sales model as Activision's Skylanders game series, with physical toy-powered premium content (and a … [Read more...] about To Infinity and Beyond

Stronger Than a Bullet Pass

The University of Texas reports $9 million in net revenue from trademark licensing. Based on a self-reported "typical" royalty rate of 12%, as cited by the Associated Press,TLL estimates that that translates to $125-$150 million in merchandise sales. The reports are rooted in UT's recent application for trademarks that would protect a variety of terms associated with the naming … [Read more...] about Stronger Than a Bullet Pass

The One-Two Experiential Punch

Add the one-time syndicated American Gladiators TV show to the list of properties pursuing experiential licensing, offering trainers the opportunity to own and operate their own certified AG FitClub. The AGF licenses are only available to approved trainers who own an existing MMA, boxing, or karate gym/school, or a trainer who is opening his or her first fitness business. … [Read more...] about The One-Two Experiential Punch

How Many Bitcoins For A Jersey?

The Sacramento Kings will become the first team in the NBA to accept Bitcoin. Starting March 1st, the Kings will take the popular cryptocurrency as an alternate method of payment for tickets and, yes, licensed merchandise, using processor Bitpay to handle transactions. The announcement comes shortly after online retailer Overstock.com began accepting Bitcoin payments earlier … [Read more...] about How Many Bitcoins For A Jersey?

Debra Joester, Joanne Loria Join LIMA Hall of Fame

Video game company Majesco, home to a number of licensed console, handheld, and smartphone titles, will not continue making licensed Zumba Games for the foreseeable future. Detailing its fiscal 2013 fourth quarter and year-end results, the company says it will "promote the current popular game titles in the marketplace in 2014, including ... recently launched Zumba Fitness … [Read more...] about Debra Joester, Joanne Loria Join LIMA Hall of Fame