The Licensing Letter

Toys and Games

Pharrell Williams Is Over the Moon with Licensed Lego

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Lego Group has launched a licensing collaboration with Pharrell Williams for a new space-themed Lego set called Over the Moon. Pharrell Williams is an award-winning recording artist, producer, designer, songwriter, philanthropist and entrepreneur who is known for his catchy R&B, pop and rap music. “Growing up, I was obsessed with space … [Read more...] about Pharrell Williams Is Over the Moon with Licensed Lego

People of Play Names Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mary Danby and Dan Romanelli have been honored by People of Play with Lifetime Achievement Awards, while Alan Dorfman was named as the Industry Game Changer. The awards are part of the annual TAGIEs (Toy and Game International Excellence Awards) ceremony, taking place on November 8 this year, with the theme 'Toys Through … [Read more...] about People of Play Names Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

LEGO Converting to Renewable Resin for Its Plastic Bricks

World's Largest Toymaker Says It Will Accept Higher Costs In Order to Replace One-Half of Its Oil-Based Plastics by 2026 By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toymaker Lego has committed it will produce half the plastic in its bricks with renewable or recycled material, rather than fossil fuels, by 2026. The stunning news follows the failure in 2023 of Lego's attempt to make … [Read more...] about LEGO Converting to Renewable Resin for Its Plastic Bricks

Kids India Opens Door to World’s Largest Toy Market

TLL Staff Kids India, the leading toy fair in India will be held Sept. 12 to 14 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Organizer Spielwarenmesse says this year marks as major milestone for the Kids India event as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Not only is it celebrating its tenth birthday, but it is also taking place at the perfect time," the company said … [Read more...] about Kids India Opens Door to World’s Largest Toy Market

Kids Preferred Expands 2025 Catalog with Licensed Peanuts Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Kids Preferred has partnered with Peanuts Worldwide for a licensed collection that celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts franchise. “We are beyond thrilled to announce the partnership between Kids Preferred and Peanuts," said Kids Preferred president, Larry Presser. “There are very few brands in the marketplace as iconic and trusted as … [Read more...] about Kids Preferred Expands 2025 Catalog with Licensed Peanuts Collection

Spin Master Launches New Toy Line with YouTube Sensation Ms. Rachel

TLL Staff Spin Master has announced the launch of an exciting new toy collection created in partnership with Rachel Griffin-Accurso and Aron Accurso, the creators of the Ms. Rachel YouTube channel. This new line, developed in collaboration with Melissa & Doug, merges Ms. Rachel’s expertise in early childhood education with Spin Master’s innovative toy design. The … [Read more...] about Spin Master Launches New Toy Line with YouTube Sensation Ms. Rachel

Mattel Hopes to Repeat Barbie Success With Dolls from ‘Wicked’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mattel is hoping for more movie magic, as it has just released a full line of fashion dolls inspired by Universal Picture's upcoming live action flick Wicked. The toyco had previously announced singing dolls representing the main characters Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). They are now being joined by a wider … [Read more...] about Mattel Hopes to Repeat Barbie Success With Dolls from ‘Wicked’

Signet Jewelers’ Plush Campaign for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Signet Jewelers has launched their 2024 charitable plush campaign as part of an ongoing licensing partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The charitable partnership between Signet Jewelers and St. Jude's tasks Signet employees to vote for the two plush designs that will be featured during the holiday campaign. Patients at St. … [Read more...] about Signet Jewelers’ Plush Campaign for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Toy Association to Merge With People of Play

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The two major associations representing the toy industry have announced they will be merging their assets, functions and events. People of Play (POP) will be merging into The Toy Association, and POP's founder Mary Couzin will be joining the senior leadership team at the Association. Couzin will be responsible for guiding the future and … [Read more...] about Toy Association to Merge With People of Play

Who’s News: Casey Collins Steps Down As Head of Hasbro Licensing

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Casey Collins resigned suddenly as the head of Hasbro's sprawling global licensing division, according to a report from Kidscreen. Hasbro has not issued a statement on the sudden departure of its top licensing exec, but has confirmed that Tim Kilpin, the president of toys, licensing and entertainment, will step in to manage Collins' … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Casey Collins Steps Down As Head of Hasbro Licensing