By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Big news in sports licensing this week as UFC announced it has agreed to merge with fellow pugilistic company WWE. The deal would see UFC parent Endeavor Group Holdings holding a 51% controlling interest in the new company, while existing WWE shareholders will own a 49% interest. It combines the world's leading mixed martial arts … [Read more...] about Mergers: UFC Tag Teams With WWE to Form $21 Billion Sports Company
Editorial
Who’s News: Studio 100 Appoints Exec Producers For European Expansion
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Studio 100 Media has appointed Manuela Lumb and Richard Rowe as executive producers for the company's European business expansion. Studio 100 Media is an international production and distribution company that specializes in children’s and family entertainment. The company is a subsidiary of the Studio 100 Group. “We are thrilled to … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Studio 100 Appoints Exec Producers For European Expansion
Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Professor Noreena Hertz to Board Position
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has appointed the global economist and bestselling author Professor Noreena Hertz to the company’s Board of Directors. Hertz will also serve on Mattel's Governance and Social Responsibility Committee. Hertz brings 25 years of experience advising companies and governments on policy decisions, mergers and acquisitions, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Professor Noreena Hertz to Board Position
Museum Licensing: Buttercloth to Launch Limited Edition Collection Inspired by Van Gogh
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter IMG has secured a licensing partnership between the Van Gogh Museum and Buttercloth for a limited-edition Van Gogh apparel collection. IMG is the licensing agent for the Van Gogh Museum. “Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s appreciation for nature and color, I try to capture the spirit of van Gogh’s point of view throughout these … [Read more...] about Museum Licensing: Buttercloth to Launch Limited Edition Collection Inspired by Van Gogh
Mickey Mouse Shows His Fangs as Disney Gets Tough With Opponents
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company is playing hardball, as it deals with financial and political threats from opponents internally and externally. The entertainment giant known for its lovable characters has put on its “angry eyes”—to quote the immortal line from Toy Story’s Mrs. Potato Head—as it hits back against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, … [Read more...] about Mickey Mouse Shows His Fangs as Disney Gets Tough With Opponents
Nelvana Studio Places Bet on A Horse Named Steve
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Sixteen South has partnered with Nelvana studio to co-develop and co-produce a 2D-animated series based on A Horse Named Steve. A Horse Named Steve is a picture book series that is written and illustrated by Kelly Collier. The first book was released in 2017 by the children’s publishing company Kids Can Press. “As we celebrate our … [Read more...] about Nelvana Studio Places Bet on A Horse Named Steve
Amuse Animation to Produce Series for Hasbro’s eOne Studio
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Amuse Animation has entered an agreement with Hasbro’s eOne studio to produce a new direct-to-digital animated preschool series. The deal marks the toy company’s first ever original, direct-to-digital preschool project. It is also Hasbro's first licensing collaboration with Amuse Animation. "In an ever-changing media landscape, it is … [Read more...] about Amuse Animation to Produce Series for Hasbro’s eOne Studio
Who’s News: The Point.1888 Parent Company Appoints New Board
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter True Purpose Enterprises has created a Group Board to represent the interests of its subsidiary agencies The Point.1888, Spotlight.1888 and Story.1888. The new Group Board will consist of True Purpose Enterprises' CEO and CCO alongside members of each agency's senior staff. The Group Board's newly promoted senior staff include Hannah Redler … [Read more...] about Who’s News: The Point.1888 Parent Company Appoints New Board
Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Adidas has withdrawn its legal opposition to a trademark application from the activist group Black Lives Matter. The footwear giant filed a request to the US Patent and Trademark Office to block the Black Lives Matter from trademarking a design that features three parallel lines. Adidas said in its filing on Monday that the logo … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark
Women in Toys: Nominations Open for 2023 Wonder Women Awards
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced that nominations are now open for the 2023 Wonder Women Awards. The Wonder Women Awards are intended to celebrate women who are catalysts for positive change and growth in their respective industries. “This year’s theme is Thrive Together: Celebrating Boldness, Impact … [Read more...] about Women in Toys: Nominations Open for 2023 Wonder Women Awards