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
News & Trends
Who’s News: Kidrobot Creator, Legendary Artist Frank Kozik Passes Away at 61
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sad news for musicians, art fans and the licensing industry as legendary artist and Kidrobot creative force Frank Kozik passed away unexpectedly on May 6. The announcement came from a saddened Joel Weinshanker, the CEO of Ad Populum, which owns the pop art firm Kidrobot. “Words escape how we felt about Frank," Weinshanker said. … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Kidrobot Creator, Legendary Artist Frank Kozik Passes Away at 61
Wonderworld Launches as New Player in Animation Production
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The veteran kids' production exec Mevelyn Noriega announced she is launching a new animation studio called Wonderworld. Wonderworld.fun LLC is described as a new production and distribution company "specializing in premium cutting-edge animation content." It is being established and will be under the direction of Noriega, who takes … [Read more...] about Wonderworld Launches as New Player in Animation Production
American Idol Enjoys Royal Branding With King Charles Surprise Cameo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief American Idol fans got a royal surprise Sunday when King Charles and Queen Camilla took a break from coronation festivities to drop by the set. The royal couple appeared on the show's live stream, visiting judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, shortly after the two acclaimed singers performed at the coronation concert. Richie appeared to be … [Read more...] about American Idol Enjoys Royal Branding With King Charles Surprise Cameo
Who’s News: Tommy Bahama Appoints New Head of Retail and Licensing
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Chrisann Furciato has been promoted to EVP of retail, e-commerce, and licensing at the casual fashion giant Tommy Bahama. In her newly-created role, Furciato is responsible for the company's direct-to-guest retail channels, ecommerce channels, merchandising and licensing initiatives. “Chrisann and I have worked together since she … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Tommy Bahama Appoints New Head of Retail and Licensing
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
Who’s News: Qobuz Deputy CEO Named “Power Player” by Billboard
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Georges Fornay, the deputy CEO of the music platform Qobuz, has been added to Billboard’s 2023 International Power Players List. Founded in 2007, Qobuz is a France-based music streaming and download platform. The Quobay platform is currently available in 26 countries across the globe and features a catalog of over 100 million … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Qobuz Deputy CEO Named “Power Player” by Billboard
Authentic Brands In Agreement to Acquire Luxury Brand Vince
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Authentic Brands Group has entered into a definitive agreement with Vince Holding Corp. to acquire the company's luxury lifestyle brand, Vince. Authentic Brands Group is a brand development, marketing and entertainment platform. The company currently owns over 40 lifestyle, entertainment and media brands. “We are pleased to bring this … [Read more...] about Authentic Brands In Agreement to Acquire Luxury Brand Vince
Expo: Finalists Announced for Licensing Excellence Awards
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Licensing International has officially announced its full list of finalists for the upcoming 2023 Excellence Awards. This year’s Excellence Awards features 201 finalists in 30 categories. The finalists were chosen from more than 850 submissions which were reviewed by a panel of 200 judges from 20 countries across the globe. Several … [Read more...] about Expo: Finalists Announced for Licensing Excellence Awards
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