By Gary Symons, TLL Editor in Chief The Bob Dylan music deal with Universal Music has shown that for musicians and music companies, the times truly are a’changin’. But, in truth, that change was coming long before Universal stroked a check for a reported $300 million to $400 million, in return for Dylan’s entire music catalog of roughly 600 songs. Also in December Fleetwood … [Read more...] about Special Report: The Evolution of Music Licensing
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Trump’s MAGA Brand Turns Toxic
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When Trump fans went to the official Trump Store Thursday morning, they were met with an unwelcome surprise. The website comes up blank, with a short message stating, "Oops, something went wrong. This shop is unavailable." What went wrong is that thousands of protestors marched from a Trump rally, where the President of the United States … [Read more...] about Trump’s MAGA Brand Turns Toxic
Key Exec Ricky Strauss Leaves Disney
Deadline reports that Ricky Strauss, one of the key executives who launched Disney+ and former head of marketing for Walt Disney Studios, is leaving the company after nine years. The announcement was made internally through a memo obtained by Deadline, and Strauss also reportedly shared the news with his staff. The decision to leave comes as Disney has launched a full-scale … [Read more...] about Key Exec Ricky Strauss Leaves Disney
Unilever Fashion Deal Says We All Scream For Ice Cream
Unilever Australia’s Streets brand has partnered with Australia’s largest global retailer, Cotton On for an iconic summer fashion range for men and women featuring a selection of Unilever's ice cream brands, Golden Gaytime, Bubble O’ Bill, Paddle Pop and Splice. The flavors are unique to Australasia and well known throughout Australia. The deal brokered by Asembl comes … [Read more...] about Unilever Fashion Deal Says We All Scream For Ice Cream
Licensing Legal Dispute Ended By Settlement
Two toy companies have peacefully resolved their licensing dispute after the parties recently obtained a ruling in court. The two companies have released a joint statement saying in part, "GennComm LLC (“GennComm”) and Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company (“BHTB”) are pleased to announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory resolution of long-pending intellectual … [Read more...] about Licensing Legal Dispute Ended By Settlement
SONIC Drive-In Signs Beefy Partnership with Slim Jim
SONIC Drive-In has partnered with Slim Jim, a product line from Conagra Brands, to bring Sonic’s chili cheese coney flavor to the meat snacks category at thousands of retail outlets. The licensing partnership was brokered by Sonic’s exclusive licensing agency, Brand Central. Sonic is an iconic part of the country's fast food scene. Founded in 1953, SONIC Drive-In is the … [Read more...] about SONIC Drive-In Signs Beefy Partnership with Slim Jim
“Makeup junkie” Halsey Launches Own Beauty Line
Most people, including her fans, aren't aware that hit singer/songwriter Halsey is a self-taught makeup artist, so it makes sense she's launching her own beauty line on Jan. 25 under the brand name about-face. "Makeup is an art and art is about happy accidents, not any one ideal of perfection," said Halsey, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of about-face. "I always feel the … [Read more...] about “Makeup junkie” Halsey Launches Own Beauty Line
Gucci and The North Face Go Hiking In Style
You don't usually equate Gucci with camping, but the luxury brand is going outdoors in a big way this year, partnering with adventure wear company The North Face. Consumers have headed to the great outdoors in droves this year, thanks to lockdowns and physical distancing measures, so Gucci figured, if you're going out hiking, you might as well look fabulous doing it! The … [Read more...] about Gucci and The North Face Go Hiking In Style
Music Licensing Collective Goes Live
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New Year's Day marked a major change in the music licensing industry, as the Mechanical Licensing Collective went live as part of the Music Modernization Act. The bill was passed in 2018 with the goal of bringing in more fair rules for the compensation of musicians and songwriters, and called for the establishment of a body to oversee … [Read more...] about Music Licensing Collective Goes Live
Fashion Licensing Pioneer Ruth McCarthy Manton Dies at 95
Ruth McCarthy Manton, a pioneer in the business of fashion licensing, passed away at her home on Christmas Eve. Manton was also among the first female fashion journalists in the industry, but it was her innovative work after founding Aries Design Management that made her a force to be reckoned with in the licensing business. Manton's idea was to link up top designers directly … [Read more...] about Fashion Licensing Pioneer Ruth McCarthy Manton Dies at 95