By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Most movie-based entertainment properties have a limited shelf life lasting roughly as long as the film's run. Occasionally, exemplary properties like Cars, Monsters Inc. or Toy Story will drive sales for a few years after the film closes. But Star Wars is in a universe of its own. There hasn't been a new Star Wars film since 2005. Yet the franchise … [Read more...] about The Retail Force Awakens: How Much Money Will Star Wars Make?
Toys and Games
Entertainment, Sports Licensed Goods Lead Black Friday Deals
Hot holiday properties Frozen and Star Wars, and collegiate and NFL licensed merchandise, will be decking the halls of many retailers on one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Some of the nation's largest retailers over the past week moved to control the flow of information about their Black Friday promotions by "leaking" their own Thanksgiving weekend ad circulars … [Read more...] about Entertainment, Sports Licensed Goods Lead Black Friday Deals
3 Licensing Lawsuits to Watch
NFL Players Sue FanDuel Already on the defensive for allegedly running a gambling operation without a license in states like Nevada and New York, daily fantasy football operators have a new legal problem. A group of NFL players led by Washington receiver Pierre Garcon filed a class action against FanDuel over its unlicensed use of the players' names and images for games and … [Read more...] about 3 Licensing Lawsuits to Watch
Mattel, Hasbro see Q3 Retail Sales Split Along Gender Lines
By Karina Masolova Reported third quarter (3Q) sales from toy giants Hasbro and Mattel exhibited an interesting break along gender lines, with boys' toys outperforming girls' amidst depressed worldwide sales thanks to unfavorable exchange rates. More gender balance may be on the way, however, with the girls' market expected to get a boost from the first interactive Barbie doll … [Read more...] about Mattel, Hasbro see Q3 Retail Sales Split Along Gender Lines
The Colorforms Revival: A Convergence of the Business & Social Trends Driving Licensing
Colorforms is the perfect paradox. In an era of computer gaming and digital toys, the new Colorforms that hit the shelves of Toys 'R Us this week is unapologetically low-tech and faithful to its 64-year-old roots. Equally paradoxical is how the relaunch of a brand as old-fashioned as Colorforms reflects so many of the trends driving modern licensing. Brand Revival: … [Read more...] about The Colorforms Revival: A Convergence of the Business & Social Trends Driving Licensing
Little Figures Headed to the Big Screen
Germany's venerable Playmobil toy brand is headed to the movies. Leading European production company ON Entertainment, with partners Wild Bunch and Pathe, has started production on a $75 million franchise-based movie called Playmobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebels. Variety reported that the film was snatched up by a flurry of international distributors at the Toronto … [Read more...] about Little Figures Headed to the Big Screen
Licensing By The Numbers
Scandal Costs VW $10 Billion in Brand Value Earlier this year, the VW brand was calculated to be worth $31 billion, the third most valuable auto brand in the world. But the recent emissions scandal has tarnished the "people's car" company's longstanding reputation for reliability and trust. By the time the dust settles, VW is expected to lose an estimated $10 billion in brand … [Read more...] about Licensing By The Numbers
Are Licensed Toys in Fast-Foods Kids’ Meals an Endangered Species?
This week, Wendy's announced that it will no longer offer licensed toys as part of its kids' meals. In so doing, Wendy's became the third fast-food chain since 2011 to discard the proven business model of using licensed toys in kids' meals to generate buzz and restaurant traffic. What's going on? Licensing Toys for Kids' Meals In 1973, the now defunct Burger Chef became the … [Read more...] about Are Licensed Toys in Fast-Foods Kids’ Meals an Endangered Species?
Hulk Car Races Across Retailers’ Holiday Toy Lists
On the evening of Labor Day, 105 days before Christmas, Toys ‘R’ Us unveiled its Holiday Hot Toy List for 2015, and was quickly followed by Target and Kmart. It wasn’t, however, the earliest “hot holiday toys” proclamation. That distinction went to Walmart, which dropped its list just before the end of August. When helping shoppers build their holiday lists, apparently, you can … [Read more...] about Hulk Car Races Across Retailers’ Holiday Toy Lists
Licensed Products Figure Prominently in Season’s First ‘Hot Toys’ List
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Yesterday, 105 days before Christmas, Toys 'R' Us unveiled its Holiday Hot Toy List for 2015. As you'd expect, licensed brands from Disney, especially Star Wars, figured prominently, capturing four of the coveted "Fabulous 15" spots. At least six of the Fab 15 were licensed, including (in the order listed by TRU): Doc McStuffins Take Care of Me … [Read more...] about Licensed Products Figure Prominently in Season’s First ‘Hot Toys’ List