The Licensing Letter

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We Want To Hear From You In Annual TLL Survey

The Licensing Letter has launched its Annual Licensing Survey for 2020/21, and we want to hear your opinion on one of the most difficult years in our industry, and what you think is coming for 2021 and beyond. The oldest survey in the industry, the Annual Licensing Survey is a key part of our data offerings for the industry, and the more answers we get, the better and more … [Read more...] about We Want To Hear From You In Annual TLL Survey

Magic Star and MGA Entertainment Collaborate On LOL Surprise Project

Magic Star, the entertainment label for Sony Music UK, has announced a partnership with global toy company MGA Entertainment on a worldwide, exclusive music partnership deal that will support the global top toy brand, LOL Surprise. Under the agreement Magic Star will work with Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) record labels in more than 40 markets around the world, including … [Read more...] about Magic Star and MGA Entertainment Collaborate On LOL Surprise Project

Highlights Names M-Zone As North American Agent

The educational toy and literature company Highlights is kicking off its 75th year with the appointment of The-M-Zone as its North American licensing agent. The-M-Zone will pursue licensees and partnerships that will deliver content, product and experiences that engage, delight and foster joyful learning. “Partnering with The-M-Zone comes at an opportune time when children’s … [Read more...] about Highlights Names M-Zone As North American Agent

Twin Studies Predict Strong Recovery For Licensing and Retail

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Two key reports released over the past two weeks illustrate the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the licensing and retail industries … but they also paint an encouraging picture for the economic recovery of both sectors as vaccination programs roll out in America and around the world.  License Global released its report—COVID-19: What … [Read more...] about Twin Studies Predict Strong Recovery For Licensing and Retail

Who’s News: Round-up of Licensing Appointments

Georgina Heatley Joins ARTiSTORY The artsy licensing firm ARTiSTORY has hired Georgina Heatley (pictured) as its new licensing and editorial assistant, joining company founders Yizan He and Natasha Dyson in their quest ‘transform artefacts to merchandise.’ ARTiSTORY was founded to help create well designed merchandise that is inspired by art and cultural works, and getting … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Round-up of Licensing Appointments

TikTok Enters The Octagon With UFC Partnership

TikTok isn't just a social media site; it's more of an entertainment conglomerate with a singular talent for licensing deals ... and the Chinese-owned company is proving it again with a multiyear deal announced with UFC, the world's premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. UFC announced the deal last week as a way to increase its exposure across the TikTok multiverse, and … [Read more...] about TikTok Enters The Octagon With UFC Partnership

LEGO Named World’s Most Popular Kids Entertainment Brand

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief According to a sweeping new report on brands for children, LEGO is now the most popular kids’ entertainment brand in the world, followed by Disney, Marvel, Barbie, and with Paw Patrol rounding out the Top 5.  The data comes via a report from Brand Trends, in which mothers provided answers to a survey on behalf of their children, from ages 0 … [Read more...] about LEGO Named World’s Most Popular Kids Entertainment Brand

Mattel TV Announces Two New Barbie Specials

Mattel has said it will be greatly increasing its film and television production efforts in 2021, and the company this week announced the launch of two new animated Barbie specials for streamers and broadcasters this spring. The first of the two specials is “Barbie & Chelsea The Lost Birthday,” the first dedicated television movie featuring Barbie’s younger sister Chelsea … [Read more...] about Mattel TV Announces Two New Barbie Specials

Kid Show Creator Ben Faulks Launches Egg Power Productions

Royal Television Society award winner and multiple BAFTA award nominee Ben Faulks—best known for co-creating and starring in the much-loved CBeebies brand Mr. Bloom’s Nursery—is launching his own production company, called Egg Power Productions. Making its debut at this year’s virtual Kidscreen Summit, Egg Power will focus on developing and creating its own original IP for … [Read more...] about Kid Show Creator Ben Faulks Launches Egg Power Productions