By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The legendary CBGB nightclub in New York, known as the birthplace of punk and New Wave, has appointed Global Merchandising Services as its worldwide licensing agency. CBGB was founded in 1973 by Hilly Kristal in Manhattan’s Bowery district, and gave rise to bands such as the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, and Patti Smith Group, and later … [Read more...] about Global Merchandising to Rep Legendary Alt Rock Club CBGB
Editorial
What Are You Unveiling at BLE 2025?
TLL Staff The Brand Licensing Europe tradeshow is coming up fast, and TLL wants to lend your marketing department a helping hand! We're interested to see what types of new products, intellectual property and programs our readers and partners are going to be presenting at BLE this year, and we're sure everyone else is too. So, if you'd like to send us a short, roughly … [Read more...] about What Are You Unveiling at BLE 2025?
Wildbrain CPLG Unveils New Collabs in Expansion of the Playmobil Brand
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief WildBrain CPLG is expanding the global licensing program for Playmobil, unveiling new collaborations designed to support its refreshed strategy for 2025. As Playmobil’s master licensee, WildBrain CPLG manages worldwide rights across the Horst Brandstätter Group’s core and franchise programs. The expansion includes promotions with global … [Read more...] about Wildbrain CPLG Unveils New Collabs in Expansion of the Playmobil Brand
Cheez-It Creates a Savory Twist on the Gingerbread House
TLL Staff A holiday staple is getting a bold new twist this year, as Cookies United and Cheez-It unveiled the Cheez-It Holiday House Kit, a limited-edition take on the traditional gingerbread house. The kit replaces gingerbread walls with cheese-flavored cookies and includes Cheez-It crackers, candies and icing for decorating. Cookies United, a bakery company known for … [Read more...] about Cheez-It Creates a Savory Twist on the Gingerbread House
AI Firm Anthropic Pays $1.5 Billion in Largest Ever Copyright Settlement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The artificial intelligence developer Anthropic has agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle claims that it downloaded millions of pirated books to train its large language models (LLMs). Attorneys and legal experts say the settlement is the largest copyright settlement in U.S. history, even though one important aspect of the plaintiff's case … [Read more...] about AI Firm Anthropic Pays $1.5 Billion in Largest Ever Copyright Settlement
Hasbro, Disney Expand Play-Doh Collaboration With Mickey Mouse Playsets
TLL Staff Hasbro and Disney Consumer Products are expanding their partnership to introduce a new line of Play-Doh playsets inspired by Disney characters. The debut collection centers on Disney Jr.’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, a series that has been a fixture for pre-school audiences. The new playsets, available now on Amazon, are designed to encourage early cognitive growth and … [Read more...] about Hasbro, Disney Expand Play-Doh Collaboration With Mickey Mouse Playsets
Toy Association Opens ‘Toy Building’ As New Hub For The Industry
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Toy Association just held the grand opening of the Toy Building, a new complex in El Segundo’s growing “Toy District” that will serve as a hub for manufacturers, licensors and buyers worldwide. The facility brings together leading global toy companies, mid-sized manufacturers and startups in a single location, offering private showrooms … [Read more...] about Toy Association Opens ‘Toy Building’ As New Hub For The Industry
Swizzels and English Cheesecake Partner on a Very British Dessert
TLL Staff British confectionery maker Swizzels has teamed with English Cheesecake Company to launch a new dessert inspired by the brand’s popular Squashies candy. The collaboration, brokered by Blonde Sheep Licensing, will see the debut of Squashies Cheesecake Slices in Sainsbury’s stores beginning on September 11. The dessert combines layers of fruit-flavored … [Read more...] about Swizzels and English Cheesecake Partner on a Very British Dessert
Jazz Hands Are Back in RWS Global Collab With Verdon Fosse Legacy
At right, a scene from RWS Global's product 'Chicago: The Musical. Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief RWS Global is staging new productions that highlight the work of Broadway legends Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. The Verdon Fosse Legacy, the organization dedicated to preserving the work of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, has partnered with RWS Global … [Read more...] about Jazz Hands Are Back in RWS Global Collab With Verdon Fosse Legacy
Who’s News: Sesame Workshop Names Kendall Hubert EVP of Revenue and Philanthropy
TLL Staff Sesame Workshop has appointed Kendall Hubert as executive vice president of revenue and philanthropy and chief development officer, the non-profit announced Monday. Hubert will be responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding philanthropic development and leading fundraising efforts for the organization, which produces the long-running children’s program Sesame … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Sesame Workshop Names Kendall Hubert EVP of Revenue and Philanthropy