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
toy licensing
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
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
Breaking News: Visionary Hasbro CEO Passes Away After Lengthy Battle With Cancer
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 earlier, Goldner himself announced that he was taking a medical leave of absence from Hasbro, but that news was followed up today as Hasbro announced its widely … [Read more...] about Breaking News: Visionary Hasbro CEO Passes Away After Lengthy Battle With Cancer
McFarlane Releases Toys Based on Nickelodeon’s Avatar Series
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 and emotion to its characters, making it one of the most beloved animated shows of all time," said Todd McFarlane, CEO of McFarlane Toys. "We … [Read more...] about McFarlane Releases Toys Based on Nickelodeon’s Avatar Series
Toy Industry Not Doing Enough For Sustainability
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 for sustainable products, the report Changing the World Toy by Toy says 81 per cent of producers are doing little or nothing to improve product … [Read more...] about Toy Industry Not Doing Enough For Sustainability