The Licensing Letter

Celebrity

Analysis: Release of Sora 2 Ushers in a Tsunami of Disruptive Change

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Open AI's release of video generator Sora 2 on September 30 is an historic event that will change the world in ways we can't even yet imagine. One of those areas of transformative change will be in the world of copyright protection and brand licensing. Does that sound overblown? Well, read on, and see if you disagree. Until now, … [Read more...] about Analysis: Release of Sora 2 Ushers in a Tsunami of Disruptive Change

Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For an actor that has appeared for just seconds in a short online video, Tilly Norwood has created an awful lot of controversy. It's got nothing to do with her acting, and everything to do with the fact Tilly Norwood isn't human. In fact, other than some lines of code, Tilly Norwood doesn't actually exist. Instead, Norwood is simply a … [Read more...] about Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors

Monster High Fright Song Gets Glam Remake From Katseye 

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has partnered with the Katseye girl group for a musical Monster High collaboration and custom doll promotion. The Monster High collaboration offers an updated version of the brand's Fright Song anthem by Katseye, along with a licensed music video that features each member's monster personas. Katseye's new version of the … [Read more...] about Monster High Fright Song Gets Glam Remake From Katseye 

Global Merchandising Services Brings Backstreet Boys Back to Licensing

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Global Merchandising Services has signed a slate of new licensing partners to promote the Backstreet Boys' Las Vegas Sphere residency. “This residency at Sphere is the start of a bold new chapter for us,” said the Backstreet Boys. “We’re incredibly grateful to work with Global Merchandising and all of these amazing partners who share our … [Read more...] about Global Merchandising Services Brings Backstreet Boys Back to Licensing

pocket.watch Named to TIME100 List of Most Influential Companies for 2025

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The children’s entertainment company pocket.watch has been named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2025, a recognition of its role in reshaping the creator economy and redefining how young audiences engage with digital content. It's a huge honor for a relatively young company, but also recognizes the role of pocket.watch in an … [Read more...] about pocket.watch Named to TIME100 List of Most Influential Companies for 2025

Selfridges Celebrates Black Sabbath with In-Store Experience

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Selfridges has partnered with Black Sabbath and Bravado for a licensed fan experience inspired by the band's final UK show. Designed to celebrate Black Sabbath's upcoming Birmingham show, Back To The Beginning, the immersive fan experience will offer merchandise, live mural artwork, themed decorations, photo opportunities and more. Open … [Read more...] about Selfridges Celebrates Black Sabbath with In-Store Experience

Ryan Reynolds Cracks Breakfast Code with Egg-cellent Tim Hortons Collaboration

Scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and a side of Vancouver air: Tim Hortons teams up with Canada's favorite wisecracking export. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Tim Hortons has teamed up with proud Canadian Ryan Reynolds to launch a new breakfast item that’s as bold as a Deadpool monologue and just as satisfying. Ryan’s Scrambled Eggs breakfast box is now a real thing, and is … [Read more...] about Ryan Reynolds Cracks Breakfast Code with Egg-cellent Tim Hortons Collaboration

Global Merchandising Services Expands Ozzy Osbourne Licensing Program

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Global Merchandising Services has signed a roster of new licensing partners for Ozzy Osbourne ahead of the rockstar's farewell concert. The expanded licensing program will support the lead-up to the upcoming all-day music show, Back to the Beginning, which will take place on July 5 in Birmingham, UK. Osbourne's farewell concert will … [Read more...] about Global Merchandising Services Expands Ozzy Osbourne Licensing Program