By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Thanks to viral sensation Skibidi Toilet, the licensing world is about to get a little louder ... and a lot weirder. Global Merchandising Services, the agency behind some of the biggest names in music and lifestyle, has announced its first roster of licensing partners for Skibidi Toilet. Skibidi is the viral, and somewhat vile, YouTube and … [Read more...] about Potty-Mouthed Skibidi Toilet Brand Unveils New Global Partners
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Octane5 Builds Licensing Specific CRM Into BrandComply
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Licensing software company Octane5 has just released a major update to BrandComply, adding an industry-specific Customer Relations Management system (CRM) named Deal. Octane5 president Mike Dunn said the idea for Deal was inspired by customers, who found solutions like Salesforce didn’t meet their specific needs. “That development … [Read more...] about Octane5 Builds Licensing Specific CRM Into BrandComply
Crowdsourcing Authenticity: Octane5 Says Future of Brand Protection Lies with Consumers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Counterfeit goods have always been the dark underbelly of the licensing industry. From fake Disney merchandise to knockoff handbags and collectible toys, illicit products drain billions from legitimate companies while eroding consumer trust. The challenge has grown more complex in recent years as counterfeiters leverage global … [Read more...] about Crowdsourcing Authenticity: Octane5 Says Future of Brand Protection Lies with Consumers
Gotendai Using AI to Turn Care Bears Into ‘Digital Companions’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Cloudco Entertainment is partnering with artificial intelligence startup Gotendai to launch an interactive mobile app featuring the Care Bears as digital companions. The app, set to debut in early 2026 on iOS in the U.S., will allow users to interact with 3D animated versions of classic Care Bears, including Grumpy Bear, Bedtime Bear and … [Read more...] about Gotendai Using AI to Turn Care Bears Into ‘Digital Companions’
Fred Rogers Productions, RWS Global Partner to Launch Daniel Tiger Zoo Exhibit
TLL Staff Daniel Tiger is going to the zoo, quite literally, thanks to a partnership between brand owner Fred Rogers Productions and location-based entertainment specialist RWS Global. Fred Rogers Productions and RWS Global say their partnership to bring PBS KIDS’ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to zoos nationwide will begin with an exhibit at the Bronx Zoo in the summer of … [Read more...] about Fred Rogers Productions, RWS Global Partner to Launch Daniel Tiger Zoo Exhibit
Walmart Releases Its Top Toy List for the Holidays
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The holiday season is coming, bringing with it the inevitable anxiety over finding just the right toy for your kids, and for licensing professionals, figuring out the hot toy trends for the coming year. One traditional source of intel is the annual Top Toys List from Walmart, which was just released for 2025. Walmart has just unveiled … [Read more...] about Walmart Releases Its Top Toy List for the Holidays
Peanuts Marks 75th Anniversary With Global Wave of Partnerships and Experiences
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Peanuts is celebrating its 75th anniversary by rolling out a wide range of collaborations, products, and live experiences designed to engage fans across generations. The milestone year is being celebrated with new licensing partnerships brokered by WildBrain CPLG, which represents the brand across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and … [Read more...] about Peanuts Marks 75th Anniversary With Global Wave of Partnerships and Experiences
Mattel Partners With Cottage Door Press For Luna StoryTime Projector Content
TLL Staff Mattel Inc. has announced a licensing agreement with Cottage Door Press to expand the content library for Luna StoryTime Projector. The projector is a 3-in-1 screen-free storytelling device designed to encourage early literacy through immersive play. The deal with Cottage Door will bring some of Mattel’s most popular brands—including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & … [Read more...] about Mattel Partners With Cottage Door Press For Luna StoryTime Projector Content
Paramount Skydance Bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery Takeover
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Earthshaking news for the entertainment and licensing industries, as Paramount Skydance is preparing a potential bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, Reuters reported Thursday, citing a source familiar with the bid. The move could unite two of Hollywood’s largest and most successful studios, and reshape the global entertainment industry. … [Read more...] about Paramount Skydance Bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery Takeover
Toei Animation Europe Appoints Akira Yamaguchi as Vice President
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toei Animation Europe has named Akira Yamaguchi as its new vice president, marking a return to the company where her international career in animation first began nearly 20 years ago. Parent company Toei Animation, headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world’s most prolific animation studios, with additional sales offices in Los Angeles and … [Read more...] about Toei Animation Europe Appoints Akira Yamaguchi as Vice President