By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Licensing International has announced that the 2023 Licensing Expo will offer premium Round Table talks, led by experts in the industry. The lineup includes two days of expert-led Round Table discussions with executives from prominent industry associations and businesses. During the sessions, participants can seek guidance, insights … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo Offers Expert Advice Through Round Table Sessions
Licensing Law
News Alert: Disney Sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Lawsuit Filed After DeSantis-Appointed Board Voids Theme Park Agreement The Walt Disney Company has filed suit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for violating its First Amendment rights to free speech. The lawsuit accuses the governor of conducting a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” as punishment for the company’s decision to speak out against Florida's … [Read more...] about News Alert: Disney Sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Licensing Law: “This is the Final Straw, AI,” Furious Drake Says
This story is an update to our previous feature "Universal Warns AI is Ripping Off Copyrighted Music By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief First it was artists who were panicking over the rise of AI, and now it's musicians and music publishers. AI-produced music and music videos that imitate superstars like Drake and The Weeknd have the music industry in an uproar. Universal … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: “This is the Final Straw, AI,” Furious Drake Says
Licensing Law: Mary Nhin’s Ninjas Under Attack by Florida Censors
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The author of Ninja Life Hacks, Mary Nhin, fears her books will be banned in Florida schools for being too inclusive. Nhin has built a growing publishing and licensing business through her series of Ninja Life Hacks books for children, which focus on social and emotional learning. But now, Nhin says her books are being challenged in … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Mary Nhin’s Ninjas Under Attack by Florida Censors
First Amendment Challenge: DeSantis Issues More Threats Against Disney
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is again targeting Disney over the company's opposition to the so-called Don't Say Gay law. The news outlet Politico reported Friday that DeSantis and his administration issued a series of threats against the Walt Disney Company. In particular, the Governor is enraged that Disney neatly sidestepped his earlier … [Read more...] about First Amendment Challenge: DeSantis Issues More Threats Against Disney
Analysis: Florida’s Policies Will Impact Licensing
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Many citizens in Western democracies have been alarmed by the way various governments have cracked down on free speech—not just for individuals, but for companies and media organizations. The trend is particularly alarming for Western brands working in countries like China, where any criticism of government policy can result in harsh … [Read more...] about Analysis: Florida’s Policies Will Impact Licensing
Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Professor Noreena Hertz to Board Position
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has appointed the global economist and bestselling author Professor Noreena Hertz to the company’s Board of Directors. Hertz will also serve on Mattel's Governance and Social Responsibility Committee. Hertz brings 25 years of experience advising companies and governments on policy decisions, mergers and acquisitions, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Professor Noreena Hertz to Board Position
Mickey Mouse Shows His Fangs as Disney Gets Tough With Opponents
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company is playing hardball, as it deals with financial and political threats from opponents internally and externally. The entertainment giant known for its lovable characters has put on its “angry eyes”—to quote the immortal line from Toy Story’s Mrs. Potato Head—as it hits back against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, … [Read more...] about Mickey Mouse Shows His Fangs as Disney Gets Tough With Opponents
Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Adidas has withdrawn its legal opposition to a trademark application from the activist group Black Lives Matter. The footwear giant filed a request to the US Patent and Trademark Office to block the Black Lives Matter from trademarking a design that features three parallel lines. Adidas said in its filing on Monday that the logo … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark
Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Copyright Office says works created with the help of artificial intelligence may be copyrighted, in a policy with major implications for the licensing industry. From now on, all copyright applicants are legally required to disclose when their work includes AI-generated material. As well, any previously filed application that … [Read more...] about Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works