By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has appointed Edward 'Bud' Cole to the role of CEO and member of the board of directors. Cole will begin serving as CEO-designate beginning on January 19, and will officially assume the CEO position on February 16, 2026. He will be taking on the role from Andy Mooney, who plans to retire … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Fender Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
News & Trends
Hollywood Thriller: Warner Bros. Sticks With Netflix, Rebuffs Paramount Bid
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The board of Warner Bros. Discovery voted unanimously to reject a bid from Paramount this week, and urged shareholders to vote against it as well. The dramatic takeover battle see WBD continuing to support a bid from Netflix for its streaming and studio businesses, with a plan to separately spin off the Warner Bros. cable TV … [Read more...] about Hollywood Thriller: Warner Bros. Sticks With Netflix, Rebuffs Paramount Bid
Who’s News: Kendra Scott Appoints Chris Blakeslee as its New CEO
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Kendra Scott lifestyle brand has announced the appointment of Chris Blakeslee as the company's new chief executive officer effective January 12. The company founder, Kendra Scott, will continue in her roles as chief visionary officer, executive chairwoman and majority shareholder. "Kendra has built an extraordinary brand … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Kendra Scott Appoints Chris Blakeslee as its New CEO
Disney Partners With OpenAI on Billion Dollar Content Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has signed the first major content licensing for OpenAI's Sora platform, raising fears of job losses among content creators. Disney frames the debate differently, however, saying the deal brings "... these leaders in creativity and innovation together to unlock new possibilities in imaginative storytelling." The … [Read more...] about Disney Partners With OpenAI on Billion Dollar Content Deal
The 10th Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards Now Open For Entries
TLL Staff Nominations are now open for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards (B&LLAs), which returns April 23, 2026. The B&LLAs will also be marking its 10th anniversary with a gala event at the Royal Lancaster London, and will be adding two new categories Launched in 2016 by Max Publishing, the B&LLAs were created to recognize the brand and lifestyle … [Read more...] about The 10th Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards Now Open For Entries
Johnny Cash Sues Coca Cola Under the ‘Elvis Act’
Image: Johnny Cash in a 1979 publicity photo for the CBS Television program The Johnny Cash Spring Special. Image credit: CBS Television. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of legendary singer Johnny Cash is suing top global brand Coca-Cola under a law named for another legendary singer, Elvis Presley. The Cash estate brought the suit under Tennessee's … [Read more...] about Johnny Cash Sues Coca Cola Under the ‘Elvis Act’
Registration Now Open For Licensing Expo 2026
TLL Staff It's never too early to get ready for Licensing Expo, and registration has now opened for the most important show in the global licensing industry. Organizers announced they have opened registration for the 2026 Licensing Expo, which will be held May 19 to 21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The annual trade show, produced by Informa’s Global … [Read more...] about Registration Now Open For Licensing Expo 2026
Who’s News: Crocs Announces New EVP and President of HEYDUDE
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Crocs has promoted Rupert Campbell to serve on the company's executive leadership team as the EVP and president of the HEYDUDE brand. HEYDUDE is a comfort-focused footwear brand that has operated as a stand-alone division of Crocs since it was acquired by the company in 2021. Known for its super soft shoe designs, HEYDUDE has gained a loyal … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Crocs Announces New EVP and President of HEYDUDE
AI ‘Musician’ Breaking Rust Hits Number One on Billboard Chart
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief An AI 'artist' known as Breaking Rust made history in November, as its song “Walk My Walk” hit number on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. It is the first time an AI-created song has topped a Billboard chart, although it does not mean it was the most listened to country song in America. That honor goes to Morgan Wallen’s “I Got … [Read more...] about AI ‘Musician’ Breaking Rust Hits Number One on Billboard Chart
Products of Change Announces Winners of SDG Awards
Article Submitted by Kathryn Brand of POC On November 5, Products of Change held its annual conference and the POC SDG Awards, given out by Caroline Petit, deputy director of the United Nations Regional Information Centre, celebrating the sustainable changemakers in the brand, licensing, and retail industry. Across the Products of Change Community, more than 1,500 … [Read more...] about Products of Change Announces Winners of SDG Awards