The Licensing Letter

Entertainment

Gender Parity Achieved for the First Time for Major Film Releases

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Two new studies showed that women achieved gender parity for major US film releases in 2024, the first time that has happened. One of the studies was Dr. Martha Lauzen's annual report, It's a Man's (Celluloid) World Report. It found that out of the 100 top grossing films in 2024, women played the lead in 42% of the films, which is the … [Read more...] about Gender Parity Achieved for the First Time for Major Film Releases

Horrible Histories Brings Georgian Fun to Osterley Park

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Families visiting Osterley Park and House in West London will have the chance to step back in time with a new Horrible Histories-inspired event running for over six months. The initiative is the result of a partnership between Rocket Licensing, which represents the popular Horrible Histories brand in the UK and Ireland, and the … [Read more...] about Horrible Histories Brings Georgian Fun to Osterley Park

Tom and Jerry Celebrate 85 Years with Global Anniversary Festivities

TLL Staff The animated 'frenemies' Tom and Jerry are marking 85 years of mischief and mayhem with a year-long global celebration. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced an array of licensed commemorative events, exclusive content, and special merchandise to honor the iconic cat-and-mouse pair. New Products and Collaborations A variety of themed merchandise is set to … [Read more...] about Tom and Jerry Celebrate 85 Years with Global Anniversary Festivities

Michael Peikoff’s Hilarious Look at Licensing and Business

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Licensing and entertainment veteran Michael Peikoss and Looney Tunes artist Fred Bode have just released a book that's sure to turn your own frustrations into laughter. Titled A Smart Man Wouldn’t Have Thought About That, the book is a short and punchy read based on the witty and occasionally acerbic musings of Peikoff's father … [Read more...] about Michael Peikoff’s Hilarious Look at Licensing and Business

Opinion: Grok 2 Shows We Need New Copyright Laws for AI and Social Media

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you thought artificial intelligence posed a threat to your intellectual property before, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. The AI model Grok, released by the Elon Musk-owned developer xAI, has already raised new concerns over copyright infringement since the Grok 2 update was released in August last year. Unlike other AI chatbots that … [Read more...] about Opinion: Grok 2 Shows We Need New Copyright Laws for AI and Social Media

Pokémon and Overtime Team Up for the Pokémon Playoffs

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pokémon Company International and Overtime have teamed up for a collaborative collection of professional sports jerseys and lifestyle apparel. Set to debut during the upcoming Pokémon Playoffs on February 18, the partnership will feature custom-designed Pokémon jerseys for all eight of the Overtime Elite basketball teams. Licensed … [Read more...] about Pokémon and Overtime Team Up for the Pokémon Playoffs

Joe Biden Signs On With Creative Artists Agency

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Photo Credit: Official White House Photo, by Erin Scott Former US President Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency for licensing, publishing, and paid appearances. “President Biden is one of America’s most respected and influential voices in national and global affairs,” said Richard Lovett, the co-chair of CAA. “His … [Read more...] about Joe Biden Signs On With Creative Artists Agency

Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster has filed a copyright lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The suit comes as Warner and DC Comics are filming a new Superman film as a the anchor to a major reboot of the DC Universe. But the Shuster estate has revealed what it believes is some legal kryptonite, claiming that the … [Read more...] about Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite

Who’s News: Former Head of Nelvana to Lead Brand Partnerships at Boat Rocker

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mellany Welsh, the former VP and head of Canadian kids’ studio Nelvana, has joined Boat Rocker as its senior VP of brand partnerships and content marketing. Welsh has been tapped to lead the rival Canadian studio's brand strategy, partnerships, licensing and content marketing initiatives across scripted, unscripted and kids and family … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Former Head of Nelvana to Lead Brand Partnerships at Boat Rocker