The Licensing Letter

News & Trends

Authentic Brands Receives Half-Billion Dollar Investment

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global brand owner Authentic Brands Group announced it received a $500M investment from its current investor General Atlantic. The global growth equity firm has now invested roughly $2 billion in Authentic. General Atlantic first invested in Authentic Brands in 2017, and while it cashed out on its initial investment, the company … [Read more...] about Authentic Brands Receives Half-Billion Dollar Investment

Bluey’s Road to ‘Global Domination’ A Proof of Concept for Doctor Who

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Not that many years ago the BBC was known outside the UK primarily as a purveyor of international news. Before streaming, there just wasn’t that much awareness in the US, for example, that the BBC is also one of the largest producers of top flight TV series and films. Ironically, it was a little kid’s show from Australia called Bluey, … [Read more...] about Bluey’s Road to ‘Global Domination’ A Proof of Concept for Doctor Who

TLL Interview: How Hasbro Plans to Win the Game of Licensing

Claire Gilchrist Explains How Hasbro’s ‘Church of Focus’ is Designed to Create Billion Dollar Brands By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Of all the interviews I conducted at Licensing Expo this year, among the most interesting was with Hasbro VP Claire Gilchrist. We’ve written before about Hasbro’s plans to streamline its operations into three primary … [Read more...] about TLL Interview: How Hasbro Plans to Win the Game of Licensing

Licensing Expo Reports 13% Increase in Attendees

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The numbers are out, and Licensing Expo is reporting the 2023 trade show has been the most successful in years, growing 13%. That news came as a bit of a surprise to me, as my impression on the show floor was that it seemed less crowded than last year. However, Expo's official tally of unique visitors to the trade show floor showed … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo Reports 13% Increase in Attendees

Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints Jason Roth as VP of Communications

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterWasserman Music has hired Jason Roth as the company's new VP of Communications.“Jason’s breadth of communications experience with music-related brands, technology, and artists will be invaluable for the strategic development and messaging of Wasserman Music’s growth on a global scale," said Wasserman CMO, Lori Beth Feldman. "He is a tremendous … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints Jason Roth as VP of Communications

Who’s News: The WiT Foundation Welcomes Five New Board Members

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterWomen in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has appointed five new members to its board of directors. The WiT Foundation provides women with resources and opportunities related to the consumer products, licensing and entertainment industries. The WiT nonprofit organization provides this support through events, education, and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: The WiT Foundation Welcomes Five New Board Members

JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Visit the JPatton booth A180 this year at Licensing Expo. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In the world of licensing, nothing is more important than protecting your brand. But according to Franco Diaz of the brand protection technology manufacturer JPatton, many brand owners don’t invest in brand protection, only to pay for it later in terms of reputational damage, … [Read more...] about JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Licensing International Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterLicensing International has officially announced the inductees to the 2023 Hall of Fame awards. The Licensing International Hall of Fame honors the legacies and accomplishments of long-term executives in the licensing industry. This year’s inductees are Pam Kaufman, Cindy Levitt, and Carole Postal. Pam Kaufman currently holds the position of CEO … [Read more...] about Licensing International Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

Food For Thought: How Brand Central Became a Powerhouse Global Licensing Agency

Don't Miss the Opportunity to Meet With Brand Central at Licensing Expo By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When the licensing industry returned to in-person trade shows in 2022, I was interested to see which brands and which agencies attracted the largest crowds around their Licensing Expo booths.  And, frankly, I was not that surprised to see the biggest lineup was at … [Read more...] about Food For Thought: How Brand Central Became a Powerhouse Global Licensing Agency