The Licensing Letter

News & Trends

Gibson Issues Cease and Desist Against Trump Guitars

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US voters liked Donald Trump to elect him as the next president of the United States, but some licensors are not as fond of POTUS 47, thanks to a variety of copyright issues. This time the case involves the 130-year-old Gibson guitar company, which has issued a cease and desist order against Trump Guitars, the company behind a line of … [Read more...] about Gibson Issues Cease and Desist Against Trump Guitars

Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A jury has found that online retailer Vintage Brand infringed on trademarks for Pennsylvania State University, by selling unlicensed merchandise with "historic" images. Penn State had sued Vintage Brand, as well as Prep Sportswear and their founder, Chad Hartvigson. The university alleged the defendants infringed on the Penn State … [Read more...] about Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case

Plans Unveiled for Massive Toy and Trade Fair in Hong Kong

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has released new details for the 2025 editions of its three concurrent toy industry trade fairs. The three upcoming HKTDC trade fairs include the 51st Hong Kong Toys & Games fair, the 16th Hong Kong Baby Products fair and the 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School … [Read more...] about Plans Unveiled for Massive Toy and Trade Fair in Hong Kong

Licensing International Announces 2024 Rising Star Award Recipients

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Licensing International has announced the eight licensing professionals who will receive the 2024 Global Rising Star Award. This year’s Rising Stars will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Gala and Global Rising Star Awards on December 4, 2024, at Gotham Hall in New York City. The event is a fundraiser for Licensing … [Read more...] about Licensing International Announces 2024 Rising Star Award Recipients

Feature: Hasbro Wants to See More Women in Decision-Making Roles

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Research shows that women make 70% of the buying decisions when it comes to toys and games, but only 30% of toy executives and 7% of toy inventors are women. Kim Boyd, a veteran of the toy industry and a top decision-maker at the toy giant Hasbro, says that's something that has to change in order to see more innovation. Boyd was … [Read more...] about Feature: Hasbro Wants to See More Women in Decision-Making Roles

French News Media Suing X Over Copyright Infringement

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Several large French newspapers have filed suit against the social media platform X, alleging it is running their content without payment. The lawsuit was jointly filed against the Elon Musk-owned social media company by some of the top newspapers in the country, including Le Figaro, Les Echos, Le Parisien and Le Monde, in addition to … [Read more...] about French News Media Suing X Over Copyright Infringement

Products of Change Conference 2024 Provided Hope for a Sustainable Future

Submitted by Products of Change On Wednesday, November 6, the retail and brand licensing community assembled at the Royal Geographical Society, London, for a deep dive into the world of sustainability for the Products of Change Conference. Notable industry heavyweights in attendance included the BBC, Penguin Random House, Paramount, Warner Bros, Mattel, Universal Music … [Read more...] about Products of Change Conference 2024 Provided Hope for a Sustainable Future

Tickets Now Available for New and Improved Spielwarenmesse Trade Show

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter This year's edition of the Spielwarenmesse trade show has announced a range of new travel options and services to streamline access to the event. The updated travel options for the event include an exclusive Spielwarenmesse shuttle bus service that runs between Munich Airport and the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, a direct rail … [Read more...] about Tickets Now Available for New and Improved Spielwarenmesse Trade Show

CBS in Legal ‘Jeopardy’ Due To Sony’s Game Show Lawsuit

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sony Pictures Television is suing CBS, claiming the network failed to meet its contract obligations for popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.  As well, Sony alleges CBS entered into unauthorized distribution deals in foreign markets. “As stated in our complaint, CBS has been egregiously undercutting the value and profitability … [Read more...] about CBS in Legal ‘Jeopardy’ Due To Sony’s Game Show Lawsuit