The Licensing Letter

Diversity in Licensing

Afro Unicorn Secures a Magical Licensing Partnership

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The apparel and accessories brand Afro Unicorn has secured Magical Beauty, LLC as a new global licensing partner. Afro Unicorn is a fully-licensed character brand created by CEO and entrepreneur April Showers with the mission to increase representation and self-esteem for women and children of color. “I am extremely proud of what Afro … [Read more...] about Afro Unicorn Secures a Magical Licensing Partnership

Toy Licensing: Barbie and Rose Ayling-Ellis Team Up For Diversity Project

Mattel's Barbie division continues to promote diversity, now teaming up with deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis on a new line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls. Ayling-Ellis stars in the popular British series Eastenders, was the first deaf contestant in Strictly Come Dancing, and has become a global advocate for those with all types of physical challenges. The new line, which launched … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: Barbie and Rose Ayling-Ellis Team Up For Diversity Project

Spin Master Launches Inclusive ‘Character Creator’ with 6ix Academy

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master Corp. and 6ix Academy are launching the Truly You! Character Creator licensed fashion illustration set. 6ix Academy is a Toronto-based inner-city business and arts program with a focus on social justice and activism. Students of 6ix Academy approached Spin Master with the opportunity to include more authentic representation … [Read more...] about Spin Master Launches Inclusive ‘Character Creator’ with 6ix Academy

Brown Toy Box Partners On Educational Program With DonorsChoose

The STEAM toyco Brown Toy Box is on a mission to reach 100,000 students in America in 2022 and encourage them to pursue scientific careers. Founded by tech innovator and visionary entrepreneur Terri-Nichelle Bradley (pictured above), Brown Toy Box was created to inspire children from all backgrounds that they can be successful in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and … [Read more...] about Brown Toy Box Partners On Educational Program With DonorsChoose

Diversity in Licensing: Disney In Collaboration With EPI For Diverse Line of Dolls

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter World of EPI has announced a collaboration with Disney and Marvel to create ethnically-inclusive fashion dolls, collectible figurines, and accessories. The upcoming line of licensed consumer products will feature characters from the new Disney+ series "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder" and the upcoming "Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil … [Read more...] about Diversity in Licensing: Disney In Collaboration With EPI For Diverse Line of Dolls

Dorian and Lionsgate Partner to Increase Opportunities for Women in Gaming

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The female-focused game creation platform Dorian has partnered with global content leader Lionsgate for a licensed Blair Witch game contest. But beyond that limited partnership is a much greater goal to increase female representation in the video gaming industry. Dorian is a no-code game creation and streaming platform focused on … [Read more...] about Dorian and Lionsgate Partner to Increase Opportunities for Women in Gaming

ViacomCBS Releases ‘More Than Dolls’ Study on Diversity and Inclusion

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A study by ViacomCBS Consumer Products shows that a doll is not just a doll, and that representation of minorities in toy choices can dramatically impact how children view diversity. ViacomCBS unveiled the results of  More Than Dolls on Nov. 18, a new study commissioned to examine diversity in the Dolls category and factors that fuel … [Read more...] about ViacomCBS Releases ‘More Than Dolls’ Study on Diversity and Inclusion

Sports Licensing: NFLPA Launches Accelerator to Help Close Diversity Gap in Licensing 

The NFL Players Association has unveiled a new program to address the diversity gap in the licensing industry. The program is a new business accelerator called DRIVEN that is geared toward greater inclusion of diverse entrepreneurs and businesses in dealing with NFLPA licensing opportunities.  The Association says it is committed to advocating for greater inclusion of those … [Read more...] about Sports Licensing: NFLPA Launches Accelerator to Help Close Diversity Gap in Licensing