The Licensing Letter

Apparel

Saban Gives Paul Frank Fashion Revamp

By Marcy Magiera Saban Brands Lifestyle Group is repositioning its Paul Frank Kids label as fashion rather than an entertainment character brand and taking in-house control of design, marketing and manufacturing. "Retailers get the cost savings by buying direct because we are doing our own sourcing and designing from our creative base in Sydney, Australia," Daniel Castle, … [Read more...] about Saban Gives Paul Frank Fashion Revamp

Adidas Re-Ups with Indiana University for $53.6 Million & More

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Updated Sept. 8, 2015 Indiana University Athletics' new $53.6 million apparel deal with Adidas is believed to be the fifth richest in all of college athletics. Key terms: Eight-year extension of current agreement through 2024; Adidas $6.7 million annual commitment to IU Athletics (as compared to $3.7 million under the previous agreement); Adidas to … [Read more...] about Adidas Re-Ups with Indiana University for $53.6 Million & More

Which Tennis Star Is More Marketable?

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Two female tennis players have been rivals for nearly a decade. Although both are popular, one player makes twice as much in annual endorsements. Player A is a 33-year-old American who has: Won 67 career singles titles Won 21 career Grand Slam singles titles, second most for any woman all-time Won 13 career Grand Slam doubles titles Beaten Player B in … [Read more...] about Which Tennis Star Is More Marketable?

Tennis Star Andy Murray Dons Adidas after Signing with Under Armour

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Andy Murray easily won his first round U.S. Open match the other night. But if the result was predictable, the footwear was anything but. Murray wore Adidas—this after signing a shoe deal with Under Armour in December. Shades of Raymond Weil brand ambassador Charlize Theron in a Christian Dior watch? Or Jessica Simpson's dissing her own "JS" brand … [Read more...] about Tennis Star Andy Murray Dons Adidas after Signing with Under Armour

Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Although the "overworked intern" lawsuit is getting all the headlines*, the business move the Olsen twins just made may be a lot more significant in the long-term. Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen have decided to bring their Elizabeth & James fashion brand in-house. The Olsens launched Elizabeth & James in 2007 as a contemporary spinoff of "The Row," … [Read more...] about Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House

New Era/MLB Player Embroidery Deal

The Major League Baseball Players Association extended its licensing agreement with Lids Sports Group granting the retailer rights to embroider the names, numbers and autographs (EmbroidiGraph) of MLB players on not only New Era MLB-licensed caps but also officially licensed t-shirts and jerseys. Lids currently operates 936 headwear specialty stores, 151 sports fan retail … [Read more...] about New Era/MLB Player Embroidery Deal

DreamWorks Line Pairs Toons & Designers

DreamWorks Animation has teamed with famous fashion designers for Character Clash, a limited edition apparel line featuring an iconic character from the world of comics and cartoons. The men’s line, unveiled during New York Fashion Week, includes t-shirts and hoodies pairing, among others, Felix the Cat/Timo Weiland, Underdog/Billy Reid, Richie Rich/Michael Bastian, Where’s … [Read more...] about DreamWorks Line Pairs Toons & Designers

Ellen DeGeneres Debits Lifestyle Site

Talk TV queen Ellen DeGeneres—ranked America’s favorite TV personality for the past three years by The Harris Poll—became the latest celebrity to launch a website lifestyle collection. eD, on eDbyellen.com, includes home goods, apparel and accessories priced from $25 to $395, all with DeGeneres’s signature casual but tailored and detailed style. Although currently available … [Read more...] about Ellen DeGeneres Debits Lifestyle Site