The Licensing Letter

Toys and Games

LEGO Appoints New Chief Sustainability Officer

By Rob Hutchins Editor, Products of Change The LEGO Group has appointed a chief sustainability officer in the form of Annette Stube, the current executive vice president and head of sustainability at Stora Enso. Stube will take up the new role with the Danish toymaker from January 1, 2024 when she will report to CEO Niels B Christiansen and take on responsibility for … [Read more...] about LEGO Appoints New Chief Sustainability Officer

Spin Master Wins Global Toy Rights to New Dora the Explorer Series

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has secured the global toy licensing rights for the upcoming Paramount+ original series, Dora. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, Dora is a new preschool series that is based on the original Dora the Explorer entertainment franchise. The upcoming CG-animated preschool series will feature established characters and … [Read more...] about Spin Master Wins Global Toy Rights to New Dora the Explorer Series

World of EPI Rebrands Under New Name Dr. Lisa Company

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Dr. Lisa Williams has announced World of EPI is rebranding and restructuring into a new umbrella organization called The Dr. Lisa Company. The newly restructured company will serve as the umbrella organization for three key divisions: toys and publishing, animation and strategic licensing. The organization's rebranding as The Dr. Lisa … [Read more...] about World of EPI Rebrands Under New Name Dr. Lisa Company

Hasbro Takes NERFBALL Live With First-Ever Exhibition Game

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro made history this month launching an entirely new sport called NERFBALL with an exhibition game in Bradenton, Florida. It's the first sport to be based on the NERF franchise, and indeed, one of the few sports ever to be based on a product line. In that sense, the introduction of NERFBALL could lead to leagues springing up … [Read more...] about Hasbro Takes NERFBALL Live With First-Ever Exhibition Game

Construction Zone: Spin Master Announces Production on Paw Patrol III

Hit Series Also Reveals Two New Licensing Deals with Hasbro's Monopoly and Burger King TLL Staff The second Paw Patrol isn't even out yet and Spin Master has confirmed there will be a third film in the series. Spin Master has announced that it will co-produce the Paw Patrol threequel with its partners Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures for theatrical release in … [Read more...] about Construction Zone: Spin Master Announces Production on Paw Patrol III

Maestro Media Launches Kickstarter Campaign For Its New Hello Kitty Game

TLL Staff Tabletop game specialist Maestro Media is taking its new Hello Kitty boardgame onto the Kickstarter platform, for both sales and feedback. Maestro Media is working with Digital Development Management (DDM) and IP owner Sanrio on the highly-anticipated Hello Kitty: Day at the Park board game, with greater retail plans in the works. While the game could go directly … [Read more...] about Maestro Media Launches Kickstarter Campaign For Its New Hello Kitty Game

ZAG Appoints Nelvana to Represent Miraculous and Ghostforce in Canada

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterNelvana has been appointed as the exclusive Canadian licensing and merchandising agent for the ZAG HEROEZ brands Miraculous and Ghostforce. “Nelvana’s expertise across the Canadian market is unparalleled, and we are confident they are the best partners for us to expand the Miraculous brand across the region by securing new partners and expanding … [Read more...] about ZAG Appoints Nelvana to Represent Miraculous and Ghostforce in Canada

Hasbro Creating New NERF Experiences in The Real and Virtual Worlds

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro is creating new experiences for its NERF brand fans, with one opening in Brazil, and the other as a metaverse experience on Minecraft. The real world experience is due to open on Oct. 12 at the Beta Carrero World in Brazil, a theme park that is now opening the first-ever NERF-themed land: NERF Mania. Beto Carrero World is the … [Read more...] about Hasbro Creating New NERF Experiences in The Real and Virtual Worlds

Women in Toys Mourns Loss of Past President Joan Packard Luks

It is with heavy hearts that Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment announces the passing of our beloved past president, Joan Packard Luks. Joan was a revered licensing executive, mentor to many, and an industry luminary. Her radiant spirit and warm demeanor made everyone who knew her feel like family. Joan passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 5, leaving behind a profound legacy … [Read more...] about Women in Toys Mourns Loss of Past President Joan Packard Luks

Hasbro Issues Innovation Challenge for Female Toy Designers

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you're a woman involved in toy or game design, you'll want to jump on the Hasbro Women Innovators of Play Challenge right away. Hasbro is looking for what it describes as the "next great women-led mass market toy or game," with submitted ideas to be judged on the level of innovation, 'fun factor', design and aesthetics, mass … [Read more...] about Hasbro Issues Innovation Challenge for Female Toy Designers