By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Born Licensing CEO and founder David Born (at right) is moving to Los Angeles as part of a major expansion into the U.S. licensing market. Born Licensing is a licensing agency specializing in entertainment intellectual property for advertising and marketing. The company announced this week a series of leadership … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Born Licensing Restructures for Major U.S. Expansion
Corporate
Licensing International Elects Seven New Board Members
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Licensing International has elected seven new members to its Board of Directors, representing sectors including entertainment, food and beverage, legal, retail, and toys and games. The new members will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. The new board members are: Jed Ferdinand, partner and chair of the Intellectual … [Read more...] about Licensing International Elects Seven New Board Members
Spam Teams Up With Hello Kitty as Global Demand Soars
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Sanrio character Hello Kitty is now featured on cans of Spam, enjoying the newly trendy Spam Musubi in a new licensing collaboration. The partnership is a tribute to the soaring global popularity of Spam, particularly in North America, Asia and the South Pacific. As detailed in a recent TLL feature, Spam has responded to the trend … [Read more...] about Spam Teams Up With Hello Kitty as Global Demand Soars
Analysis: Latest Data Raising Concerns for U.S. Retail Industry
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The retail analyst firm Circana has brought out some worrying data, indicating a decline in consumer spending in April. The most recent figures from Circana cover the four weeks ending on May 2, and show that retail spending has declined both in terms of overall dollar amounts and in units sold. The decline is not considered a … [Read more...] about Analysis: Latest Data Raising Concerns for U.S. Retail Industry
Brand Central Names Bulldog Licensing as UK Sub-Agent for Absolut Vodka, Malibu, and Kahlúa
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Brand Central says there will be new licensing opportunities for spirits giant The Absolut Company as Bulldog Licensing has been appointed the brand’s sub-agent. Brand Central, a top 10 global licensing agency, is the global licensing agency for The Absolut Company International. Thanks to growth in Absolut’s licensing programs … [Read more...] about Brand Central Names Bulldog Licensing as UK Sub-Agent for Absolut Vodka, Malibu, and Kahlúa
Nestlé to Acquire Meal-Replacement Brand yfood
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Nestlé has taken a big step to establish its footprint in the healthy, functional beverage and food market. The Swiss food giant has agreed to acquire full ownership of yfood Labs GmbH, the Munich-based smart food company behind one of Europe's leading ranges of ready-to-drink meal replacements. The move marks a significant step in the … [Read more...] about Nestlé to Acquire Meal-Replacement Brand yfood
Why vineyard vines Founders Dreamed of Working with Jeep
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The American lifestyle and fashion company vineyard vines just announced its second collaboration with the legendary off-road vehicle brand Jeep. And for brothers Shep and Ian Murray, who founded the company, it's literally a dream come true. Flash back to July 4, 1998, and the brothers were spending their day packing up their Jeep … [Read more...] about Why vineyard vines Founders Dreamed of Working with Jeep
Spam Breaks Out of the Can and Into the Deli Aisle
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Spam has been identified by its signature yellow and blue can for more than 90 years, but brand owner Hormel says it’s now time for the shelf stable pork product to enter new arenas. After the success of Spam musubi in Japan, Spam sushi and Spam Dog in the U.S., Hormel has realized there is literally an appetite for a wider menu of … [Read more...] about Spam Breaks Out of the Can and Into the Deli Aisle
Jones Soda Brings Back Sodas Based on Fallout Games
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you’re wandering a post-nuclear hellscape this week, you’ll be thrilled to know the Vault-Tec Beverage Rations are back. Jones Soda just announced the welcome news it is bringing back the in-demand beverages created through its licensing collaboration with the Fallout games from Bethesda Softworks. Survivors of the apocalypse … [Read more...] about Jones Soda Brings Back Sodas Based on Fallout Games
McDonald’s Marks World Cup With Collectible Squishmallows
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The world's largest fast service restaurant chain will be celebrating the world's largest sporting event with a new collection of World Cup collectibles. McDonald's is welcoming fans worldwide to celebrate the biggest moments from FIFA World Cup 26 with the limited-time FIFA World Cup 26 Meal and Happy Meal. The launch includes collectible … [Read more...] about McDonald’s Marks World Cup With Collectible Squishmallows