The Licensing Letter

Toys and Games

Mattel Issues Chelsea Doll Supporting Kids With Scoliosis

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Barbie brand has released a new doll for the Chelsea character line that is designed to increase representation of scoliosis. The new Chelsea doll features curvature in the spine and a removable back brace. With over 100,000 children diagnosed with scoliosis each year in the US, the new doll is intended to normalize the use of back … [Read more...] about Mattel Issues Chelsea Doll Supporting Kids With Scoliosis

Miraculous Characters to Appear in PLAYMOBIL Toys

The animation studio ZAG and the Horst Brandstätter Group have joined forces to develop PLAYMOBIL toys for the popular Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir franchise. The launch is planned for 2024 and will feature Ladybug, Cat Noir, and their cast of heroes and villains in various playsets and seasonal toys. The toy range will have the iconic look and feel of … [Read more...] about Miraculous Characters to Appear in PLAYMOBIL Toys

Toy Industry Shocker: Hasbro to Lay Off 1,000 Employees

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US toy and entertainment company Hasbro announced Jan. 26 that it would be restructuring, laying off 15% of its workforce. The news rocked Wall Street analysts, as Hasbro shares dropped sharply in overnight trading after the late day announcement Thursday, and continued its fall on Friday. Hasbro primarily blamed the decline in … [Read more...] about Toy Industry Shocker: Hasbro to Lay Off 1,000 Employees

Sustainability: Moose Toys Sets Net Zero Goal For 2040

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Moose Toys company recently announced its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2040. The Australian toy company has set several long and short term sustainability targets that are in line with the international Paris Agreement. These goals will be verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) … [Read more...] about Sustainability: Moose Toys Sets Net Zero Goal For 2040

Licensing Law: Black Eyed Peas Suing MGA Over Pooping Unicorn Song

Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief As a journalist, you never think you're going to write a sentence like "The Black Eyed Peas are suing a toy company over a pooping unicorn toy," but such is life. When I saw the news that BMG Rights Management has filed a suit against MGA over their Poopsie Slime Surprise: Dancing Unicorn toy, I had to double check to make sure someone … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Black Eyed Peas Suing MGA Over Pooping Unicorn Song

Dungeons & Dragons Faces Fan Backlash Over Leaked Licensing Agreement

By Gary Symons  TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro’s hugely successful Wizards of the Coast faced a fan revolt this week over its new licensing rules.  At one point, as Games Radar reported, so many fans cancelled their subscriptions to the online hub D&D Beyond that it apparently caused the site to crash.  So, what touched off this fury among the Dungeons & Dragons … [Read more...] about Dungeons & Dragons Faces Fan Backlash Over Leaked Licensing Agreement

Chefclub Signs Five New Licenses For Cooking Themed Toys

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The food-themed content studio Chefclub has secured five new toy distribution partnerships with­­ White Knight Toys, Autruche, Hutter Trade, JPM Toys, and CMC Global. The companies will be the exclusive domestic licensing agents for Chefclub’s line of kid-focused cooking utensils in their respective regions. White Knight Toys will be … [Read more...] about Chefclub Signs Five New Licenses For Cooking Themed Toys

Spin Master Goes High Tech With Acquisition of HEXBUG

by Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has reached a licensing agreement with Innovation First International to acquire the company's robotic toy brand HEXBUG. Innovation First International is a privately-held corporation that manufactures and produces robotic products for the consumer, education, and business-to-business markets. "At Spin Master we are … [Read more...] about Spin Master Goes High Tech With Acquisition of HEXBUG

Mattel Unveils All New Line for Disney Princess and Frozen

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toymaker Mattel has revealed its new line up for its licensed Disney Princess and Disney Frozen lines. The Disney dolls line is among the most popular in the world, as it celebrates the adventures of Disney 'Princess' films and particularly Disney Frozen. The Mattel dolls are known for their attention to detail, allowing fans to bring … [Read more...] about Mattel Unveils All New Line for Disney Princess and Frozen

Body Glove Inks Deal with ESI For Growth In Consumer Electronics

The action-sports brand Body Glove has announced a new licensee deal to expand its consumer electronics business. The multi-year agreement will see ESI Cases & Accessories license the Body Glove brand in the consumer electronics market across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The deal was brokered by Starwood Brands, a brand licensing agency which … [Read more...] about Body Glove Inks Deal with ESI For Growth In Consumer Electronics