Submitted by The Toy Foundation A magical crystal ball, a giant pyramid climbing tower, and the most diverse assortment of dolls ever are among the 122 innovative finalists for this September's Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. A long-treasured event, The Toy Foundation's (TTF) TOTY Awards celebrate the creativity of the toy and play community and recognize the industry's … [Read more...] about The Toy Foundation Unveils 122 Finalists For TOTY Awards
News & Trends
Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro has reported another senior management shakeup, saying Darren Throop will step down as president and CEO of its eOne division. Throop is the founder of what was then the Canadian studio Entertainment One, and guided the company during its growth and eventual acquisition by Hasbro. The company says Throop will continue in his current … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division
Agency Deals: Metrostar Appointed As Licensing Agency for Suntory
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I has appointed Metrostar as its licensing agency to manage brand extensions for its portfolio of drink brands. Suntory is the UK’s third largest soft drinks manufacturer. The company is known for the popular brands Lucozade Energy, Lucozade Sport and Ribena, which Metrostar will be promoting at the upcoming … [Read more...] about Agency Deals: Metrostar Appointed As Licensing Agency for Suntory
Licensing Mergers: IMG Acquires Auction and Live Events Company
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The licensing and brand giant IMG has acquired a majority stake in the collector car auction and live events company Barrett-Jackson. Barrett-Jackson’s events and high-energy auctions are known to attract many auto collectors, fans and celebrities, as well as millions of TV viewers. Its flagship Scottsdale event, founded in 1971, auctions … [Read more...] about Licensing Mergers: IMG Acquires Auction and Live Events Company
Trade Shows: India’s Largest Toy Fair Coming in September
Companies interested in the India toy market will be able to attend the Kids India tradeshow, live in Mumbai in mid-September. Organized by Spielwarenmesse, the eighth edition of Kids India takes place from Sept. 15-17 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. It is regarded as India’s most important international B2B fair for toys, children’s products and sports goods, but … [Read more...] about Trade Shows: India’s Largest Toy Fair Coming in September
Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer
The anime streamer Crunchyroll has completed a strategic acquisition of Right Stuf, considered the largest retailer of anime products in North America. The Sony-owned streaming service announced on Aug. 4 that it had purchased Right Stuf, just ahead of the company's annual Crunchyroll Expo event. Pricing and other terms were not disclosed publicly. The Right Stuf acquisition … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer
Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The metaverse platform Roblox is suing the Hong Kong toy company WowWee for a line of toys it says were inspired by Roblox avatars. The suit is aimed at a new line of dolls called My Avastars (seen in above photo), scheduled for release in October through major retailers like Walmart, Target and Macy's. The case is among the first examples of … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
Products of Change To Deliver Sustainability Sessions at Autumn Fair
Submitted Content from Products of Change Products of Change has forged a strategic partnership with Autumn Fair to deliver and drive sustainability educational sessions and practice guides at the popular Birmingham retail buying show this year. As the conversation surrounding sustainability in the retail and consumer products sectors has deepened, so too has Autumn Fair’s … [Read more...] about Products of Change To Deliver Sustainability Sessions at Autumn Fair
New Forum Launched for Companies Seeking Digital Entertainment Licenses
The first Entertainment X Tracks Forum will take place in November as a way to help retailers, licensing companies and licensees seeking new digital entertainment properties. The event was developed by Steven Ekstract, the founder and former publisher of License Global, and is being hosted at the offices of United Talent Agency in Beverly Hills on Nov. 2-3. “The business of … [Read more...] about New Forum Launched for Companies Seeking Digital Entertainment Licenses
Licensing Conferences: B&LIS Unveils Speaker Lineup for New York Event
The Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit is living up to its name with a slate of speakers on everything from metaverse licensing and NFTs to sustainability and experiential entertainment. Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit (B&LIS) North America is a two-day thought leadership conference dedicated to transforming the future of brand licensing. The summit announced … [Read more...] about Licensing Conferences: B&LIS Unveils Speaker Lineup for New York Event