By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Journalists are supposed to declare any biases they may have, so let me first admit I’m a huge fan of Rube Goldberg machines. The fact I’m terrible at… . . . read more
Licensing Awards: Toy Of The Year Finalists Named
November 8, 2021
The Toy Industry has announced the finalists for the coveted Toy of the Year Awards for 2022. From creative construction toys and innovative collectibles to lovable plush and toys for grown-ups, the finalists announced this… . . . read more
Retail Licensing: Toys R Us Returning to UK Through Licensing Deal
November 3, 2021
The dedicated toy store Toys R Us is coming back to the UK through a licensing deal between parent company WHP Global and Toys R Us ANZ. Through the agreement, Toys R Us ANZ acquires… . . . read more
Celebrity Licensing: WWE Pumped Over License Extension With Mattel
October 21, 2021
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) says it’s pumped over a newly signed, multi-year extension of its global master toy agreement with Mattel. The extended partnership includes exclusive rights around Action Figures, Action Figure Accessories and Kids Toy… . . . read more
Innovation: Spin Master Creates $100 Million Toy Tech Venture Fund
October 21, 2021
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… . . . read more
Video Game Licensing: McLaren LEGO Racer Tears Up The Track In Asphalt 9
October 19, 2021
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,… . . . read more
Sustainable Licensing: Animal Planet Roars Into Burger King With Eco-Friendly Toys
October 18, 2021
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… . . . read more
Breaking News: Visionary Hasbro CEO Passes Away After Lengthy Battle With Cancer
October 12, 2021
Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro Inc. announced some sad news today, revealing the company’s longtime Chair and CEO Brian D. Goldner has passed away after a years-long battle with cancer. Just one day… . . . read more
McFarlane Releases Toys Based on Nickelodeon’s Avatar Series
September 24, 2021
McFarlane Toys has released the first line of a brand new collection of Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender action figures, launching exclusively at Walmart. “Avatar: The Last Airbender animation brings a visual depth of expression… . . . read more
Toy Industry Not Doing Enough For Sustainability
August 3, 2021
A whitepaper published by sustainability consultant Sonia Sanchez says most toy companies are doing little or nothing to prevent ecological harm from the products they produce.Despite a massive upswell in consumer awareness of the need… . . . read more