Activist Investor Says Hasbro Board Needs To Go, But The Licensing Letter's Analysis Shows Reason for Optimism By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro says shareholders voted by "a substantial margin" to re-elect all of 13 of the company's current directors. The apparent victory, released as preliminary results of the 2022 Annual Meeting, was a rebuke to a challenge by … [Read more...] about Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
Licensing Law
Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection
If Passed, Law Would Impact All Licensors, Limiting Copyrights to 56 Years By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Senator Josh Hawley is introducing legislation targeting Disney that would have a devastating impact on the US licensing industry. The move comes as Hawley and other GOP leaders retaliate against The Walt Disney Company for its stated opposition to the so-called "Don't … [Read more...] about Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection
Epic Games and Microsoft Strike Blow Against Apple and Google
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The hit game Fortnite is returning to iOS and Android devices, thanks to an innovative licensing deal between Epic Games and Microsoft. The deal also strikes a blow against the closed environment of Apple's App Store and Alphabet's Google Play store, which currently hold a monopoly on app payments for those platforms. The deal will see … [Read more...] about Epic Games and Microsoft Strike Blow Against Apple and Google
Licensing Partnerships: LMCA and Stobbs Form Joint Venture in Europe
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand licensing agency LMCA is expanding into Europe in an innovative partnership with the IP law firm Stobbs. The new partners say their collaboration will offer clients in Europe a powerful new way to promote and protect their brands. LMCA is one of the world's largest licensing agencies, with its HQ in New York and branch offices in … [Read more...] about Licensing Partnerships: LMCA and Stobbs Form Joint Venture in Europe
NBA’s Latest NFT Offering Marred by Hackers
The NBA has been a leader in the NFT craze, but its latest offering was disrupted by hackers who took down the entire collection. The NBA began minting its collection of 18,000 NFTs last week, with 75 NFTs created for each player in the 16 participating teams. The NFTs also have some unique attributes. As with actual players, these NFTs don't stay static, as the NFT traits will … [Read more...] about NBA’s Latest NFT Offering Marred by Hackers
Licensing Law: Russia Responds to Sanctions With Attack on … Peppa Pig?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief With its economy under assault by Western sanctions, Russia has lashed out at Western companies and their brands. One of those attacks targeted the globally popular brand Peppa Pig, owned by Hasbro, which has essentially had its brand stolen by Moscow. The bizarre assault on global IP law saw a Russian court ruling that Peppa Pig's … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Russia Responds to Sanctions With Attack on … Peppa Pig?
Licensing Law: Spin Master Wins Key IP Legal Actions in China
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Canadian-based toymaker Spin Master announced it has won several landmark IP protection cases in the Chinese courts. While many Western companies have in the past complained about IP theft in China, Spin Master says its victories are a positive sign of China's commitment to tackle counterfeiting and IP infringement in the toy industry. "These … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Spin Master Wins Key IP Legal Actions in China
Licensing Law: IP Theft and Fraud Rampant In NFT Markets
A TLL Special Report: For Members Only By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The value and popularity of NFTs has soared over the past year, but a wave of fraud and IP thefts threaten to derail the marketplace. That's a major problem for licensing companies, which have seized on non-fungible tokens as a way to create value for digital collectibles. The NBA's Top Shots program, … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: IP Theft and Fraud Rampant In NFT Markets
Licensing Law: Actor Gets 20 Years For Licensing Ponzi scheme
Zach Horwitz Sentenced For $230 Million Fraud Based On False Claims of Licensing Deals With Netflix and HBO Max By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For most of his adult life, 35-year-old Zachary Horwitz (aka Zach Avery) was an actor in a number of low-budget horror flicks. But his big role came when he starred as the central character in an equally terrifying, $230 million … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Actor Gets 20 Years For Licensing Ponzi scheme
ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The founders of Chizcomm have exited Genius Brands over a contractual dispute and conflict over strategic vision. ChizComm was acquired in November of 2020 by Genius Brands, which has grown rapidly due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. At the time, all seemed like sweetness and light would prevail. This week, however, Chizcomm … [Read more...] about ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute