By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe internet-based animation studio Invisible Universe has hired Shane Mang from Spin Master as their new Head of Licensing. Invisible Universe is an entertainment technology company that focuses on creating and developing original character IPs in partnership with high-profile celebrities. These celebrities include Serena Williams, Jennifer … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Invisible Universe hires New Head of Licensing
News & Trends
Licensing Sales Top $315 Billion Says Licensing International
The licensing industry enjoyed a strong year in 2021, despite the lingering impacts of the pandemic. A study by Licensing International says consumers spent $315.5 billion worldwide on licensed merchandise in 2021. That's an increase of 7.75% over 2019. The figures echo research by The Licensing Letter, which showed licensing companies generally saw major gains in … [Read more...] about Licensing Sales Top $315 Billion Says Licensing International
Annual Licensing Royalty Trends Report Available Now
The Licensing Letter has released its annual Licensing Royalty Trends Report on the TLL Bookstore. And this year, the report comes with a major difference. Typically the Licensing Royalty Trends Report covers the differences in royalties and revenue, as well as changes in common licensing contract terms, from one year to the next. This year, however, the TLL team studied … [Read more...] about Annual Licensing Royalty Trends Report Available Now
Economy: NRF Issues Warning of Potential Recession
By Gary Symons The National Retail Federation is warning anti-inflationary moves by the Federal Reserve could plunge the US into a recession. NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said it's too soon to say whether the Fed’s efforts to reduce inflation will lead to a recession, but continuing interest rate hikes increase the chances. “This year starts with the possibility of … [Read more...] about Economy: NRF Issues Warning of Potential Recession
Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions
Strategic Partnership Includes the Bravest Warriors, Netflix Series, Bee and PuppyCat, and the Upcoming Catbug Series Genius Brands International, Inc. has reached a deal with TOHO International, selling 50% of in three productions on its Frederator Network. The deal was arranged through Genius Brands' subsidiary WOW! Unlimited Media, which in turn controls the Frederator … [Read more...] about Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions
Video Game Licensing: China Ends 18-Month Freeze On Imported Games
By Allison WatkinsonTLL Reporter China's regulatory agency for video game licensing has approved new games for import for the first time in 18 months. During the month of December 2022, a total of 44 new video games have been approved for import. In addition, 84 games by domestic developers were granted licensing approval by the government-run agency. The NPPA … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: China Ends 18-Month Freeze On Imported Games
Opinion: Artists Are Freaking Out Over AI Apps, And So Should You
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial Intelligence apps like Lensa or ChatGPT offer great promise, but they are also a threat to creators. That's the very real fear sweeping through the artistic community these days, as writers and illustrators cope with AI apps that can create in seconds what takes them hours to do. The technology also poses serious … [Read more...] about Opinion: Artists Are Freaking Out Over AI Apps, And So Should You
Members Only: 2022 Royalty Trends Report Released in January Magazine
The Licensing Letter has released its annual Licensing Royalty Trends Report for 2022 in the January issue of TLL Magazine. And this year, the report comes with a major difference. Typically the Licensing Royalty Trends Report covers the differences in royalties and revenue, as well as changes in common licensing contract terms, from one year to the next. This year, … [Read more...] about Members Only: 2022 Royalty Trends Report Released in January Magazine
Sports Licensing in Bullish Mood For Upcoming Tailgate Show
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you had any doubts that the sports industry is back, you just had to see what happened in the hours after Lionel Messi kicked in the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup. Literally millions of fans packed the streets and plazas of Buenos Aires and other Argentinian cities, and licensed Messi jerseys sold out world wide within … [Read more...] about Sports Licensing in Bullish Mood For Upcoming Tailgate Show
Justin Bieber Alleges “Trash” H&M Apparel Made Without His Approval
But H&M Says It Followed "Proper Approval Procedures By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Talk about a licensing nightmare! Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber just made global headlines, going on Instagram and trashing H&M for allegedly using his face and lyrics on a line of apparel. The collection features items including a sweatshirt, a canvas bag and a … [Read more...] about Justin Bieber Alleges “Trash” H&M Apparel Made Without His Approval