Over the last week, 16,000 attendees braved triple-digit temperatures at Licensing Expo 2016 in Las Vegas. Over 150 new exhibitors entered the fray—totaling 460+ licensors and agents representing over 35 countries. See this coming Wednesday's Deal Sheet for a complete breakdown of new properties showcased and deals announced. The top trends that we'll see in licensing over … [Read more...] about Franchises and the 360 Experience Dominate Vegas
Video Games and Software
360 Degrees to Every Brand
More than ever before, consumers are demanding access to brands on multiple platforms. This is nothing new: companies around the floor have been aware of the need to develop what are now being called "360 programs," where linear and digital entertainment, live experiences like shows and theme parks, social media, advertising and consumer merchandise are all essential parts … [Read more...] about 360 Degrees to Every Brand
Licensed Properties Play at E3
Seventy thousand-plus people, including 20,000 fans, flocked to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles last week for the digital entertainment industry's annual parade of video game properties, both new and well known. The hot topic of the show was Virtual Reality (VR) with Sony announcing that its PlayStation VR headset for PS4 will become available Oct. 13, … [Read more...] about Licensed Properties Play at E3
Can Movie Give a Lift to Angry Birds Licensing?
By Marcy Magiera Mobile game maker Rovio is counting on a new 3D animated movie to create a licensing lift beneath the wings of its Angry Birds franchise. The Angry Birds Movie will open May 20 in the U.S. and China, following its May 12 debut in other international markets. Angry Birds counts more than 3 billion downloads and 100 million-plus monthly active users, according to … [Read more...] about Can Movie Give a Lift to Angry Birds Licensing?
Video Game-based Merchandise Back on Track
This year video game/interactive/online-based merchandise turned around from a 4% loss in retail sales of licensed merchandise in 2014 to a 2% gain for 2015 according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Business Survey. The category has begun to recover from the sharp decline caused by Angry Birds, which made up the bulk of sales in the sector. Growth came from the resurgence of … [Read more...] about Video Game-based Merchandise Back on Track
Emily Weiss Gives Beauty a Millennial Makeover
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Unless you're a close follower of the beauty market, this week's launch of the Glossier (pronounced "glossy AY," as in "dossier") Phase 2 Set might have escaped your notice. But while the new makeup set is no game changer, Emily Weiss, the persona behind the Glossier brand is. Weiss and the digital company she founded three years ago are in many ways the … [Read more...] about Emily Weiss Gives Beauty a Millennial Makeover
Nintendo NY Re-opens With New Merch, Games
By Karina Masolova The newly branded Nintendo New York store, previously Nintendo World, re-opened Feb. 19th with a new 15-foot gaming screen, exclusive merchandise and appearances by Mario, Luigi and Charles Martinet. The two-floor space has been redesigned with large-scale gaming events in mind; the location boasts larger, open spaces and merchandise on movable … [Read more...] about Nintendo NY Re-opens With New Merch, Games
NFLPA Teams Up with TinyCo for “Family Guy” Game Promotion
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Most of the major pro team sports leagues in the U.S. use a two-tiered licensing model, in which the team owners, represented by the league, license the team names, logos and trade dress, and the players, represented by the union, license the players' names, likenesses, numbers and signatures. Historically, the lion's share of licensing revenue has … [Read more...] about NFLPA Teams Up with TinyCo for “Family Guy” Game Promotion
New Frontiers in VR
By Karina Masolova As traditional linear entertainment falls by the wayside, new technologies emerge that make it possible for us to interact with brands. Thus, for example, Internet TV is making on-demand the norm for TV viewing. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality are also among the technologies changing the rules of engagement. Know Your Headsets Google Cardboard … [Read more...] about New Frontiers in VR
The Retail Force Awakens: How Much Money Will Star Wars Make?
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Most movie-based entertainment properties have a limited shelf life lasting roughly as long as the film's run. Occasionally, exemplary properties like Cars, Monsters Inc. or Toy Story will drive sales for a few years after the film closes. But Star Wars is in a universe of its own. There hasn't been a new Star Wars film since 2005. Yet the franchise … [Read more...] about The Retail Force Awakens: How Much Money Will Star Wars Make?