The Licensing Letter

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Update: Arena Group Is Out, But Sports Illustrated Will Survive, Says Authentic Brands

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Authentic Brands Group says it will throw its prodigious financial weight behind Sports Illustrated to ensure it survives its current financial crisis. The future of the venerable sports publication was put in doubt after publisher Arena Group failed to make a quarterly license payment to brand owner Authentic Brands. Authentic Brands … [Read more...] about Update: Arena Group Is Out, But Sports Illustrated Will Survive, Says Authentic Brands

Falcon’s Beyond and Tanseisha Collaborate on Themed Japanese Entertainment

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Falcon’s Beyond Global has announced a new collaboration with Tanseisha Co. to develop new themed entertainment experiences in Japan.“We are extremely honored to have Tanseisha at our side as a valued partner as we look to enter the Japanese market,” said Falcon’s Beyond Global CEO, Cecil D. Magpuri. “Tanseisha has a wealth of strong … [Read more...] about Falcon’s Beyond and Tanseisha Collaborate on Themed Japanese Entertainment

Uniqlo Sues Shein Over Alleged Imitation of Its Hit ‘Mary Poppins’ Bag

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Japanese fashion giant Uniqlo is suing rival Chinese online retailer Shein over allegations selling copies of the so-called 'Mary Poppins' bag. The distinctive crescent shaped purse—officially known as the 'round mini'—has been a huge seller for Uniqlo, particularly after it went viral on TikTok for how many items it can carry despite its … [Read more...] about Uniqlo Sues Shein Over Alleged Imitation of Its Hit ‘Mary Poppins’ Bag

Safilo Aids Hugo Boss In Its ‘Claim 5’ Growth Strategy

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Safilo Group and Hugo Boss have announced an early renewal of their global licensing agreement for the Boss and Hugo eyewear collections. The renewed agreement is intended to support the Hugo Boss company's international expansion strategy that it has labelled 'CLAIM 5'. This CLAIM 5 strategy aims to double Hugo Boss's revenue by 2025 … [Read more...] about Safilo Aids Hugo Boss In Its ‘Claim 5’ Growth Strategy

LeBron James Joins Fanatics in Reported $5 Million Trading Card Deal

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Basketball superstar LeBron James has signed an exclusive deal to join Fanatics Collectibles, the company's trading card division. Terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed, but collectibles insiders say the deal could be worth roughly $5 million a year for James. The deal sees James stepping away from long-time trading card … [Read more...] about LeBron James Joins Fanatics in Reported $5 Million Trading Card Deal

Aquifer Motion Uses AI to Allow Characters to Engage With Fans

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Advanced artificial intelligence programs from companies like Aquifer Motion are allowing fictional characters to engage directly with their fans, ushering in a new type of licensing. TLL first covered Aquifer Motion in October last year when the company signed a deal with licensor Cloudco Entertainment to create personalized messages for … [Read more...] about Aquifer Motion Uses AI to Allow Characters to Engage With Fans

Forever 21 Launches Fashion Collection Based on Rebel Moon

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Forever 21 has launched a limited-edition fashion collection based on the sci-fi fantasy film, Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire. “We are thrilled to be working with our partners at Netflix to introduce a true high fashion collection inspired by the aesthetics, artwork and costumes of Rebel Moon, their biggest release to date,” said … [Read more...] about Forever 21 Launches Fashion Collection Based on Rebel Moon

Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver

Judge Cites Store Location on Same Block as Aggravating Factor By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian outdoor company Arc'teryx just won a temporary injunction barring Adidas from using the name 'Terrex' on its flagship store in Vancouver. In what the judge in the case described as a "David vs. Goliath" battle over trademark infringement, the Supreme Court … [Read more...] about Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver

Spin Master Completes $950 Million Purchase of Melissa and Doug

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Spin Master isn't going back to the future, but instead opted to go forward into the past, in its acquisition of US toy maker Melissa & Doug. The celebrated toyco is known for its focus on classic toys, such as crafts, pretend play, and the wooden toys that Melissa & Doug are famed for. In a world where the metaverse, video … [Read more...] about Spin Master Completes $950 Million Purchase of Melissa and Doug