JRR Tolkien Estate Wins Two Lawsuits Against Author Infringing on Its IP By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Estate of JRR Tolkien has successfully won two US court rulings concerning copyright infringement on The Lord of the Rings book series. The subject of the copyright infringement court cases concerned an unauthorized sequel novel called The Fellowship of the … [Read more...] about The Tolkien Lawsuit: One Copyright to Rule Them All
News & Trends
Kidscreen’s Hot50 Ranks Top Kids Entertainment Companies
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The official list for this year’s Kidscreen Hot50 rankings has been released to mark the top 50 kids entertainment companies of 2023.Now in its 10th year, the Kidscreen Hot50 rankings are determined by an industry vote from Kidscreen subscribers across both its print and digital platforms. The list separates the Kidscreen Hot50 into five top 10 … [Read more...] about Kidscreen’s Hot50 Ranks Top Kids Entertainment Companies
Women in Toys Announces Key Changes to Its Board of Directors
TLL Staff Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced key changes to its Board of Directors, including the appointment of a new board chair. The organization says this move underscores WiT’s ongoing commitment to championing the advancement of women in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Ehi Oviasu-Kahn (pictured … [Read more...] about Women in Toys Announces Key Changes to Its Board of Directors
Who’s News: Steve Pasierb Stepping Down as Toy Association CEO
TLL Staff The Toy Association has announced President and CEO Steve Pasierb is stepping down from his role at the organization in the spring of 2024. His current contract will expire in April, following nearly a decade of leadership with the trade organization. “It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve in the role of President & CEO of The Toy … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Steve Pasierb Stepping Down as Toy Association CEO
Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A Florida man who tattooed his face to resemble the DC character The Joker says the Grand Theft Auto game used his likeness in a promotional trailer. Lawrence Sullivan is demanding millions in damages, claiming video game studio Rockstar Games used his likeness in a recent trailer for the latest instalment of the massively popular … [Read more...] about Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Disclosure: The writer of this article was formerly a member of the Investigative Unit at CBC News, ending in 2008) An investigation by CBC News says the work of Canadian authors were shared online as part of a dataset used for training artificial intelligence software. The Canadian broadcaster found that at least 2,500 copyrighted books … [Read more...] about CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
Jazwares Acquires Australian Toy Distribution Company
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jazwares has acquired the Australian toy distribution company Big Balloon as part of its continued strategy for global expansion."The company’s leadership, combined with the cultural alignment and our mutual passion for brands, made this the natural evolution for both our businesses," said Big Balloon co-founder, Chris Loverso. "As team … [Read more...] about Jazwares Acquires Australian Toy Distribution Company
A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The venerable glam rock band Kiss has played their final concert, but announced the band will live on indefinitely as digitized avatars. The quartet that rose from New York City decades ago returned home to play their final live concerts over the weekend at Madison Square Garden, capping a half-century of rocking all night and … [Read more...] about A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars
Who’s News: PlayMonster Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter PlayMonster has appointed former Mattel exec Brian Fitzharris as the company's new chief commercial officer. PlayMonster Group is an international company that specializes in manufacturing and marketing products such as toys, games, puzzles and more. “At PlayMonster, where our relentless commitment to growth and innovation propels us forward, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: PlayMonster Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer
Who’s News: Crayola Continues Licensing with Key Executive Hires
By Allison Watkinson TLL ReporterCrayola has appointed new executive hires to support the growth of its global licensing and LBE businesses. The new executive hires include Anna Roca, Jonathan Linn, Gabby Munoz, and Thomas Dimech.“These changes will enable new licensed promotions and partnerships, increase our focus on licensed retail development around the globe, and support … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Crayola Continues Licensing with Key Executive Hires