Studio 100 Media and its popular brand Maya the Bee are taking the next steps in their mission to protect the environment and promote sustainability in licensing. Together with PACOON, a leading agency in Central Europe specializing in package design and sustainability, Studio 100 Media has developed an international Maya the Bee Eco Trend Book. The goal of the book is to … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Maya The Bee Creates Sustainability Guide For Licensees
Traditional Toys/Games
Innovation: Spin Master Creates $100 Million Toy Tech Venture Fund
Canadian-based global toy giant Spin Master Corp. is placing a $100 million bet on the future, creating a venture fund for innovation. The toyco announced the new fund this week, saying it's goal is to "accelerate growth in each of the Company's three creative centres comprising Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games, through strategic minority investments." The company also … [Read more...] about Innovation: Spin Master Creates $100 Million Toy Tech Venture Fund
Video Game Licensing: McLaren LEGO Racer Tears Up The Track In Asphalt 9
It's no surprise to see a McLaren Senna GTR on the track in the popular Asphalt 9: Legends video game. After all, it's one of the fastest supercars in the world. But in this case, brick toy giant LEGO has collaborated to create a LEGO Technic version of the car that appears in the latest version of the Asphalt racing series. From Oct. 19 until Oct. 30, racing fans will be … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: McLaren LEGO Racer Tears Up The Track In Asphalt 9
Sustainable Licensing: Animal Planet Roars Into Burger King With Eco-Friendly Toys
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sustainability seems to have been the theme of this month at The Licensing Letter, as several companies including McDonald's Restaurants, Mattel, and Smiley have all revealed new environmentally friendly initiatives to reduce plastic waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Now, Burger King has announced it is working with Animal … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Animal Planet Roars Into Burger King With Eco-Friendly Toys
Opinion: LEGO Profits Highlight Its Success As A Pandemic Leader
By Utku Tansel Global Toy News LEGO’s global sales increased by 43% to hit £2.6bn in the first six months of 2021 while profits rose by a whopping 140% during the same period. The company announced that its sales were up by more than 10% across all markets while online sales rose by 50%. The company plans to open a further 120 new LEGO shops, including 80 in China alone … [Read more...] about Opinion: LEGO Profits Highlight Its Success As A Pandemic Leader
WowWee Dreams Big With Barbie Dream Playhouse
The innovative play company WowWee, best known for its groundbreaking robots, has launched a new pop-up Barbie Dream House, in partnership with Mattel. WowWee launched with the introduction of its Robosapien toy robot in 2004, revolutionizing the way people interact with robotic companions or toys, but the company has also developed other lines of consumer entertainment … [Read more...] about WowWee Dreams Big With Barbie Dream Playhouse
PhatMojo Selected As Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Toy Partner
Konami Cross Media NY has named PhatMojo, as the new Master Toy licensee for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand. Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing says the arrangement will see Los Angeles-based PhatMojo producing a full range of Yu-Gi-Oh! toys at different price points, including: playsets, action figures, plush toys, and role-play items. The initial launch of the … [Read more...] about PhatMojo Selected As Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Toy Partner
Amazon Changing the Game With Do, Re & Mi Licensing Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global play company Jazwares announced this week the release of its exclusive Do, Re & Mi product line, licensed from the Amazon original series. And while The Licensing Letter writes about product releases on a daily basis, the deal on the Do, Re & Mi warrants some special attention by readers, as it signifies a coming sea change … [Read more...] about Amazon Changing the Game With Do, Re & Mi Licensing Deal
Amazon Unveils Top Toy List For Xmas 2021
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Amazon made a list, checked it twice, and issued its top toy list for the holidays, which you can buy online whether you're naughty or nice. Amazon says its Toys We Love list is the longest its ever compiled, and it includes more than 70 family-friendly products that are found exclusively on Amazon. Many of those are new entrants in the toy … [Read more...] about Amazon Unveils Top Toy List For Xmas 2021
National Toy Hall of Fame Names 12 Toy Finalists, Including ‘Sand’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Strong National Museum of Play announced Thursday the 12 finalists for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Weirdly, the list of top toys includes sand. Like the kind you find at the beach. The full list of finalists include American Girl dolls, the game Battleship, the game of billiards, Cabbage Patch Kids, the Fisher-Price Corn … [Read more...] about National Toy Hall of Fame Names 12 Toy Finalists, Including ‘Sand’