The Licensing Letter

Apparel

Konami Expands Into Apparel With Yu-Gi-Oh Collaborations

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. has expanded into the fashion category with their flagship property, Yu-Gi-Oh! The new licensing partners for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand include BAIT, Bershka, Park Agencies and Tuned in Tokyo. “Our new collaborations will result in strong niche product lines that will provide new avenues for the continued growth of … [Read more...] about Konami Expands Into Apparel With Yu-Gi-Oh Collaborations

Fashion Licensing: Popeye and Olive Oyl Hit the Milan Catwalk

King Features and fashion partner Iceberg unveiled the retail launch of a new capsule collection in the Italian fashion capital of Milan. The collaborators say the first collection was unveiled during Fashion Week with an innovative marketing campaign in Milan, Berlin, New York and Paris. This latest collection is also getting the star treatment with its Milan launch. The … [Read more...] about Fashion Licensing: Popeye and Olive Oyl Hit the Milan Catwalk

Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New trademark filings by Kanye West may help reveal the music star's long-term goals, particularly after he terminated his licensing relationship with Gap Inc. According to a report from the entertainment gossip show TMZ, the rapper's company Mascotte Holdings has filed trademarks for a variety of apparel items, including jackets, hats, … [Read more...] about Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy

Care Bears, JimmyPaul Create a Cotton Candy Confection of a Dress for BLE

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Care Bears is not a brand typically linked to the world of haute couture, but that changed this week. Cloudco Entertainment, owner of the durably beloved Care Bears brand, has partnered on the release of a limited-edition 40th anniversary couture dress by renowned fashion brand JimmyPaul. “We are honored JimmyPaul and Difuzed chose to … [Read more...] about Care Bears, JimmyPaul Create a Cotton Candy Confection of a Dress for BLE

Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has abruptly ended his relationship with Gap Inc., accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations. West's lawyers sent a letter to Gap on Thursday notifying it of a termination of the partnership. West alleges Gap breached its agreement with West (also known as Ye) by not selling the Yeezy … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap

Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Estée Lauder is making a move into the fashion world, as the company has initiated talks to acquire Tom Ford International. Estee Lauder is best known as a leader in the world of cosmetics and fragrance, but a deal with Tom Ford could put it into an elite realm in the fashion sector as well. There are other parties competing to acquire the … [Read more...] about Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford

Music Licensing: Bravado Regains Merch Rights For The Beatles

After a Hard Day's Night of talks, Universal Music Group's Bravado division has reacquired merchandise rights for The Beatles. The deal sees the legendary band's merchandise rights coming back to UMG, which is also the longstanding home for its music catalog. Apple Corps Ltd. and brand management company, Bravado, announced today that they have once again partnered to develop … [Read more...] about Music Licensing: Bravado Regains Merch Rights For The Beatles

Licensing Law: Boutique Owner Wins Trademark Ruling in Battle with Zara

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A British boutique has won a David vs. Goliath battle in a trademark dispute with global fashion giant Zara. Amber Kotrri (seen in photo, above) is the owner of House of Zana, a boutique fashion outlet that sells clothing online and from a single store in the small city of Darlington in the UK. But the fashion conglomerate Inditex felt the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Boutique Owner Wins Trademark Ruling in Battle with Zara

Automotive Licensing: VP Racing Revs Up European Licensing Program With Kustom Yard

VP Racing Fuels added some horsepower to its licensing efforts in Europe, signing a deal with apparel company Kustom Yard. VP Racing Fuels is a global leader in performance fuels, lubricants, and additives, and has successfully licensed its brand in several lifestyle categories. Its Mad Scientist brand (seen in photo at top) has become a well-known image for those who feel the … [Read more...] about Automotive Licensing: VP Racing Revs Up European Licensing Program With Kustom Yard