The Licensing Letter

TLL

Beyond Barbie: Mattel Launches Mattel Studios to Expand Film and TV Ambitions

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a move with major implications for licensing, Mattel, Inc. has announced the formation of Mattel Studios, a new division that consolidates the company’s film and television operations under one banner. Mattel says the move is part of a broader strategy to expand the entertainment footprint of the toy and media giant. The formation of … [Read more...] about Beyond Barbie: Mattel Launches Mattel Studios to Expand Film and TV Ambitions

Opinion: Timbaland’s New AI Pop Star ‘TaTa’ Ushers in the Age of the Uncanny Valley

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and music producer Timbaland has launched an AI entertainment company, Stage Zero, which will manage its first 'signee', an AI pop artist named TaTa (pictured above). In doing so, Timbaland has also plunged the rest of the world into a Black Mirror episode that — unlike TaTa — is unfortunately very real. Stage Zero, co-founded by … [Read more...] about Opinion: Timbaland’s New AI Pop Star ‘TaTa’ Ushers in the Age of the Uncanny Valley

Wizards of the Coast Signs Dungeons & Dragons Agreement with Giant Skull

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Giant Skull for a new Dungeons & Dragons video game. The officially licensed project will create a new single-player, action-adventure title set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. “Our talented and experienced team at Giant Skull is built on creativity … [Read more...] about Wizards of the Coast Signs Dungeons & Dragons Agreement with Giant Skull

Heineken 0.0 Hits the Screen with F1 The Movie

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Heineken 0.0 non-alcoholic beer brand has been named an official licensing partner for Apple Original Films’ F1 The Movie. “At Heineken, we believe culture has the power to shape behaviour,” said Heineken Brand head, Nabil Nasser. “By becoming part of F1 The Movie, we’re taking the conversation around moderation into a space that’s … [Read more...] about Heineken 0.0 Hits the Screen with F1 The Movie

HI-CHEW and Menchie’s Launch New Frozen Yogurt Collab

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Morinaga America and Menchie's are launching a limited-edition HI-CHEW frozen yogurt flavor as part of their long-standing licensing partnership. Inspired by the Blue Hawaii candy from HI-CHEW's Fantasy Mix, the licensed frozen yogurt features a blend of sweet citrus and juicy pineapple fruit flavors. The new offering is created with … [Read more...] about HI-CHEW and Menchie’s Launch New Frozen Yogurt Collab

Home Chef Cooks Licensed Meals with Grillo’s Pickles and Tucson Foods

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Home Chef is launching new licensed meal options in partnership with Grillo's Pickles and Tucson Foods as part of its updated summer line-up. Available until September 1, Grillo's Pickles and Home Chef have debuted a limited-edition ready-to-bake Pickle Pizza meal. The new Pickle Pizza features toppings like mozzarella cheese, pulled pork, … [Read more...] about Home Chef Cooks Licensed Meals with Grillo’s Pickles and Tucson Foods

Ultra Pro Launches Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy Gaming Accessories

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix have partnered with Ultra Pro for a licensed Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy merchandise collection. Inspired by the Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy card deck that is launching on June 13, the Ultra Pro collection brings imagery from the well-known video game franchise to a variety of tabletop … [Read more...] about Ultra Pro Launches Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy Gaming Accessories

Marvel Studios and Kellanova Team Up for Fantastic Four Pop-Tarts

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Marvel Studios and Kellanova have teamed up for a licensed Pop-Tarts collection to promote the upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Fantastic Four pastry line-up features four Pop-Tarts Frosted varieties including Strawberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon and S’mores, as well as the return of the brand's limited-edition Frosted Blue … [Read more...] about Marvel Studios and Kellanova Team Up for Fantastic Four Pop-Tarts

Disney and Green Pet Launch Licensed Cooling Pet Pads

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Disney has launched a partnership with Green Pet for a licensed collection of character-inspired pet products. Known for its sustainable products, Green Pet is introducing a line that offers several designs of the company's patented Cool Pet Pads. Cool Pet Pads are pressure-activated and self-cooling mats that are designed to keep pets … [Read more...] about Disney and Green Pet Launch Licensed Cooling Pet Pads