The American Booksellers Association is calling on the Dept. of Justice to investigate the "antitrust implications" of Penguin Random House's proposed purchase of Simon & Schuster, one of its primary competitors in the book publishing industry. "On November 17, I sent a letter to the Honorable Joseph Simons, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, to express ABA’s concern … [Read more...] about American Booksellers Opposing Penguin Purchase of Simon & Schuster
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Under Armour Launches New Brand With Stephen Curry
Fitness fashion leader Under Armour scored a game-winning three-pointer this week, announcing a partnership with three-time NBA champion and two-time MVP Stephen Curry. Under the agreement the company will create and launch the Curry Brand, "a purpose-led performance brand with a mission to ensure every young person has equitable access to sport." "Through the community … [Read more...] about Under Armour Launches New Brand With Stephen Curry
Special Report: The TikTok Gold Rush Has Begun
Why Brands Need to Engage With the Upstart Social Media Platform By Gary Symons, TLL Editor in Chief It’s been a while since a new social media platform has really punched through the ceiling to join the ranks of the well-established giants like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In early 2019 not many people in the West even knew about TikTok; it was just another in a series … [Read more...] about Special Report: The TikTok Gold Rush Has Begun
Special Report: Toy Sector Proves Immune to COVID-19 Pandemic
By Gary Symons, TLL Editor in Chief Toy manufacturers, retailers and licensors could be excused for expecting a rough ride this year as the COVID-19 pandemic raged across the globe, killing more than a million people to date, and devastating most of the world’s economies. In fact, in a March survey from The Licensing Letter, licensing executives reported they felt … [Read more...] about Special Report: Toy Sector Proves Immune to COVID-19 Pandemic
Special Report: The Rise of the Virtual Influencer
By Gary Symons, TLL Editor in Chief Last month I read a story in Scientific American about the theory that all of humanity, and in fact, all of reality as we know it, exists within some sort of simulation—as if we are just bit characters in an insanely advanced videogame. I scoffed at the idea, as my wife pointed out that anyone who thinks we live in a simulation has never … [Read more...] about Special Report: The Rise of the Virtual Influencer
UK Show Floogals Zoom into Rocket’s Roster
Rocket Licensing announced this week it has acquired the representation rights for Nevison’s BAFTA and Emmy nominated preschool TV animation, Floogals. The popular programme follows the characters Fleeker, Flo and Boomer, three pint-sized but adventurous aliens from Planet Floog, as they discover the world, and its ‘hooman’ inhabitants through fresh eyes. Floogals has become … [Read more...] about UK Show Floogals Zoom into Rocket’s Roster
Capcom Seeking Licensing Partners for Mega Man
Further to a story that first broke in May this year on the fan site Nintendo Wire, Capcom has updated their website to make it clear the company is actively seeking licensing partners for its Mega Man video game property. The original page was spotted on the Japanese website and was printed only in Japanese, but Capcom has now put out an update to their English language page … [Read more...] about Capcom Seeking Licensing Partners for Mega Man
Seismic Shakeup in Publishing as Bertelsmann Buys Simon & Schuster
The parent company of America's largest publishing house, Penguin Random House, has emerged the victor in a bidding war for the country's third largest book publisher. Bertelsmann says it has reached an agreement to purchase S&S for $2.175 billion, with the deal expecting to close in 2021 following regulatory approvals. Until that time, the companies say S&S will … [Read more...] about Seismic Shakeup in Publishing as Bertelsmann Buys Simon & Schuster
Merchantwise Brings Popeye Fitness Wear Down Under
Now all you need for your workout is a can of spinach. Australia’s Merchantwise Licensing, on behalf of King Features Syndicate has brokered the first ever Australian Popeye sportswear collection with popular online sportswear label, The WOD Life. The partners say the collection was a perfect fit for The WOD Life, who saw a strong correlation between its loyal customer base … [Read more...] about Merchantwise Brings Popeye Fitness Wear Down Under
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Bruce Lee Fight for Social Justice
By Gary Symons, TLL Editor in Chief NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced this week his first-ever partnership with the estate of his dear friend, the late martial arts phenomenon Bruce Lee. The collaboration between these two iconic athletes and advocates for social justice kicks off with the release of a limited edition t-shirt on Nov. 27, which would have been Bruce Lee’s … [Read more...] about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Bruce Lee Fight for Social Justice