The Licensing Letter

News & Trends

Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The iconic fashion house Gucci is seeking $14 million in damages, accusing retailer Lord & Taylor of "willfully" promoting and selling counterfeit goods. Gucci originally sued Lord & Taylor in 2023, but in its claim for damages, the company says Lord & Taylor has also failed to defend itself in court, leading the fashion … [Read more...] about Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits

Board Game Trade Show SPIEL Essen Sets Attendance Record

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If anyone thought the days of board games were numbered, they haven't been to SPIEL Essen recently. SPIEL Essen is the world's largest public, business-to-consumer fair for board games, and for the first time the event was completely sold out every day. Over the four-day show approximately 204,000 people from around the world … [Read more...] about Board Game Trade Show SPIEL Essen Sets Attendance Record

Authentic Acquires Champion in Estimated $1.2 Billion Deal

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Authentic Brands Group has completed its second-largest acquisition, buying out the sportswear giant Champion from HanesBrands. ABG announced this week it has finalized the deal to acquire Champion, which generates close to $3 billion in annual revenue. Champion is a long-time leader in the sportswear segment, and is credited with … [Read more...] about Authentic Acquires Champion in Estimated $1.2 Billion Deal

US Trademark Office Cancels Marvel and DC’s ‘Super Hero’ Marks

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Holy trademark battle, Batman! Marvel and DC have lost their exclusive right to the term 'super hero'. At least, for now. The stunning development came about when a U.S. Trademark Office tribunal canceled a set of 'Super Hero' trademarks that were jointly owned by comic giants Marvel and DC. The move came at the request of a … [Read more...] about US Trademark Office Cancels Marvel and DC’s ‘Super Hero’ Marks

Who’s News: Dr. Seuss Promotes Ellie Terveen to VP of Operations

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Dr. Seuss Enterprises has promoted Ellie Terveen to serve as the company's new VP of operations. In her new role at Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Terveen will be responsible for leading the company's licensing, publishing, retail and digital business operations around the world."Stepping into this new role as vice president of operations is both an … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Dr. Seuss Promotes Ellie Terveen to VP of Operations

Trump Loses Copyright Battle Over Use of Song ‘Electric Avenue’

Case Could Help Other Artists Prevent Politicians From Using Their Music Without Permission By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Presidential candidate Donald Trump lost his legal battle with singer Eddy Grant over his campaign's use of the 1983 hit song Electric Avenue. The conflict dates back to the 2020 presidential campaign, which Trump lost to current US President Joe … [Read more...] about Trump Loses Copyright Battle Over Use of Song ‘Electric Avenue’

WildBrain CPLG Restructures Senior Leadership Team

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain CPLG is restructuring its senior leadership team to focus the licensing agency's management expertise across key global territories, partnerships, finance and operations. The newly restructured senior leadership team includes four promotions and appointments across the company's international operations and licensing business. … [Read more...] about WildBrain CPLG Restructures Senior Leadership Team

Feature: The Company Teaching the World to Smile

CEO Nicolas Loufrani Explains the Smiley Company's Largest Ever Expansion Plan By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sure, the world may be going through a tough time, between a series of catastrophic wars, a recent pandemic, and looming threats to democracy, but Nicolas Loufrani says there’s still a lot to smile about. In fact, the CEO of The Smiley Company argues there’s … [Read more...] about Feature: The Company Teaching the World to Smile

WiT Gearing Up For Wonder Women Award Gala Next Week

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) will host the 2024 Wonder Women Awards in Beverly Hills on September 13. WiT is the industry’s leading organization advocating for the advancement of women, and the Wonder Women Awards celebrates many of the most talented people in working in the fields of toys, entertainment, and … [Read more...] about WiT Gearing Up For Wonder Women Award Gala Next Week