Mattel has responded to anti-Asian racism by creating its first ever Girl of the Year doll of Chinese descent. The Mattel-owned doll maker celebrated the New Year by unveiling Corinne Tan, a Chinese-American skier, as its 2022 Girl of the Year on Thursday. Girl of the Year dolls, which were introduced in 2001, differ from other American Girl dolls by being based on modern … [Read more...] about Mattel’s American Girl Creates First Chinese-American Girl Of The Year
toy licensing
Video Game Licensing: Ubisoft and Hasbro Launching Monopoly Madness
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter A new arena style video game called Monopoly Madness has been released for PC and gaming consoles by licensing partners Ubisoft and Hasbro. Monopoly Madness is an online multiplayer video game based on the well-known Monopoly board game. Although it is based on the classic board game and has a similar goal, Ubisoft and Hasbro have added many … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: Ubisoft and Hasbro Launching Monopoly Madness
TLL Editor Talks Toy Licensing With Global Toy News
This week The Licensing Letter's editor-in-chief Gary Symons joined Richard Gottlieb of Global Toy News for a chat about the toy licensing industry. For those who may have missed the news, TLL and Global Toy News entered into a partnership recently, sharing news of interest to the readers of each publication. Check out the home page of TLL's website, and you'll see we carry … [Read more...] about TLL Editor Talks Toy Licensing With Global Toy News
Striker Entertainment Tapped To Rep WowWee’s Got2Glow Fairy Finder
WowWee has appointed Striker Entertainment to represent one of its hottest toys of the year, the Got2Glow Fairy Finder. Featured on numerous holiday “Hot Toy” lists, WowWee’s Got2Glow Fairy Finder is one of this year’s most highly desired toys and gifts of the season. “WowWee continues to bring cutting edge technology to toys, allowing kids to create their own magic and it’s … [Read more...] about Striker Entertainment Tapped To Rep WowWee’s Got2Glow Fairy Finder
Analysis: The 2021 Hot Toy Lists and Licensing
By Richard Gottlieb CEO, Global Toy Expert What are the “hot toys?” That is a question that I get each year starting in October. Various hot toy lists come out each year from a host of experts. The problem with these lists is that “hot” is never really defined. It can mean that it is a good toy, an in-demand toy, or both (the two, as we all know only too well, don’t always … [Read more...] about Analysis: The 2021 Hot Toy Lists and Licensing
Educational Toys: Rube Goldberg Partnership Sets Miracle Machines in Motion
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 making them just makes them all the more fascinating, as marbles tip over dominoes, which launch a rocket into the air, which pops a balloon, which releases a weight, which sets off a … [Read more...] about Educational Toys: Rube Goldberg Partnership Sets Miracle Machines in Motion
Licensing Awards: Toy Of The Year Finalists Named
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 week will certainly be topping wish lists this holiday season. Known as the "Oscars" of the toy industry, the TOTY Awards program recognizes the top … [Read more...] about Licensing Awards: Toy Of The Year Finalists Named
Retail Licensing: Toys R Us Returning to UK Through Licensing Deal
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 the exclusive license to run both digital and physical retail for both the Toys R Us brand and for Babies R Us. Toys R Us ANZ currently runs the Australian ecommerce websites for both brands after … [Read more...] about Retail Licensing: Toys R Us Returning to UK Through Licensing Deal
Celebrity Licensing: WWE Pumped Over License Extension With Mattel
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 Title Belts. Mattel and WWE have been working together since 2009, developing a diverse and extremely popular range of … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: WWE Pumped Over License Extension With Mattel
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