By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
News & Trends
Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Estée Lauder is making a move into the fashion world, as the company has initiated talks to acquire Tom Ford International. Estee Lauder is best known as a leader in the world of cosmetics and fragrance, but a deal with Tom Ford could put it into an elite realm in the fashion sector as well. There are other parties competing to acquire the … [Read more...] about Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford
Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Musicians and music streamers have come to what some call an historic new agreement on higher royalty rates. The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) announced they've agreed to a settlement for certain mechanical streaming rates … [Read more...] about Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement
Who’s News: Insight Editions Announces Major Restructuring to Handle Accelerated Growth
Licensed publication specialist Insight Editions has announced a restructuring of its editorial, sales, and marketing departments. Insight Editions is a publisher with a difference, as it is primarily focused on working with world-class artists and global brands (such as Warner Bros., Pokemon and Disney) on licensed publications. For example, TLL recently covered a deal in … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Insight Editions Announces Major Restructuring to Handle Accelerated Growth
Who’s News: Silverio Joins Fun In Motion Toys As VP Product Development
Abner Silverio has joined the leadership team at Fun In Motion Toys in the newly created position of Vice President/Product Development. The addition of the operational veteran was announced today by Fun In Motion founder and president Kevin Daniels. Silverio brings 25 years of Management and Operational leadership to this new post, with considerable experience in IT, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Silverio Joins Fun In Motion Toys As VP Product Development
Who’s News: Paramount Brings on Creative Advisor for Web3 Programs
Paramount Consumer Products has engaged world-renowned photographer, entrepreneur, and social activist Misan Harriman as creative advisor for its Web3 business. As an advisor, Harriman's role is to bring his expertise as an artist and a pioneer in the creation and collection of NFTs to consult on Paramount’s established partnerships in the Web3 space, with plans to curate his … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Paramount Brings on Creative Advisor for Web3 Programs
Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires On Three New Agents
The Wasserman Music agency has hired on veteran agents Andrea Johnson, Emily Yoon and Erika Noguchi. Wasserman says the three new agents add to the agency’s strength in symphonic performances, legendary artists with massive catalogs of hits, and in developing intellectual property for the live performance space. Johnson’s roster includes veteran stars like David Foster, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires On Three New Agents
Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It wasn't just Ukraine that was invaded by Russia in February, as Western brands exited the country only to see their former outlets and factories taken over by local operators. The latest 'invasion' saw a Russian restauranteur and a local rapper unveiling Russia's new 'Stars Coffee' franchise last Thursday, under an awfully familiar logo. The … [Read more...] about Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
We Want to Hear From You For TLL’s Annual Licensing Royalty Survey
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Licensing Letter's annual survey on licensing royalties is now available, and we want to hear from you! Since 1978, The Licensing Letter has been providing the inside scoop to licensing professionals on everything from marketing budgets and guaranteed minimums to royalties paid in a wide range of product categories. TLL is currently … [Read more...] about We Want to Hear From You For TLL’s Annual Licensing Royalty Survey
Licensing Tech: U of Massachusetts Latest to Adopt BrandComply College
Licensing software company Octane5 says the University of Massachusetts is the latest to adopt its BrandComply College licensing platform. The company developed BrandComply College to meet the specialized needs of universities and colleges dealing with unique licensing issues. The software is similar to the standard BrandComply product, with added features to meet the specific … [Read more...] about Licensing Tech: U of Massachusetts Latest to Adopt BrandComply College