Zach Horwitz Sentenced For $230 Million Fraud Based On False Claims of Licensing Deals With Netflix and HBO Max By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For most of his adult life, 35-year-old Zachary Horwitz (aka Zach Avery) was an actor in a number of low-budget horror flicks. But his big role came when he starred as the central character in an equally terrifying, $230 million … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Actor Gets 20 Years For Licensing Ponzi scheme
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Iconix Brand Group Consolidates Ownership of Subsidiaries
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand management company Iconix Brand Group has completed its acquisition of the remaining interests in its regional subsidiaries Those include Iconix MENA Limited, Iconix Europe LLC and Iconix SE Asia. The move comes after a troubled period for the global branding and licensing company, which has over 1,100 licenses with leading retailers … [Read more...] about Iconix Brand Group Consolidates Ownership of Subsidiaries
Streaming Success Prompts ViacomCBS Rebranding to Paramount
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The meteoric rise of streaming services during the pandemic has prompted ViacomCBS to change its name to Paramount. That news was releases during the ViacomCBS earnings call with investors this week, which also revealed the company's Paramount+ service has attracted 32.8 million subscribers. That includes 7.3 million subscribers who signed … [Read more...] about Streaming Success Prompts ViacomCBS Rebranding to Paramount
Toy Licensing: WildBrain To Cast Its Licensing Spells On Magic Mixies
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain CPLG is partnering with Moose Toys to handle the representation and planned line extensions of the company’s hit brand, Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron. Under its dedicated North America office, WildBrain will represent Magic Mixies in Canada and the U.S. to build a cross-category merchandise line targeting children aged 5-8 years … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: WildBrain To Cast Its Licensing Spells On Magic Mixies
McDonalds Files Patents For Its Launch Into The McMetaverse
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Now you can just call it the "McMetaverse." The global fast food giant McDonald's Restaurants has become the latest mega-corporation to take a deep dive into the metaverse. According to tweets from trademark lawyer Josh Gerben, McDonalds has filed several patents to develop goods and services in the metaverse, including digital restaurants, … [Read more...] about McDonalds Files Patents For Its Launch Into The McMetaverse
We’re Back: The 2022/23 North American Film Release Schedule
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Finally, after a long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TLL's North American Film Release Schedule is back. For many years the Licensing Letter has published a regular and updated list of films being released in Canada and the US. Unfortunately, when the COVID-19 virus spread throughout the world in March of 2020, film release dates … [Read more...] about We’re Back: The 2022/23 North American Film Release Schedule
Melisa Fuhr To Head ZAG Expansion In New Argentina Office
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The animation studio ZAG has established its first office in Argentina to spearhead merchandising and licensing activities in the region. The Buenos Aires office will focus primarily on Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay for the company's portfolio of ZAG Heroez brands. This portfolio includes the worldwide hit "Miraculous - Tales of … [Read more...] about Melisa Fuhr To Head ZAG Expansion In New Argentina Office
Smurfs Coming To Multiple Screens Through Smurftastic Licensing Deal
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Nickelodeon and Paramount have formed a creative licensing partnership with IMPS and LAFIG Belgium to expand The Smurfs cinematic universe. That partnership is a huge boost for the franchise, and will result in multiple new shows and films. Sony previously owned The Smurfs brand, which was originally created by Pierre Culliford, also known … [Read more...] about Smurfs Coming To Multiple Screens Through Smurftastic Licensing Deal
Food Licensing: Glamlite Celebrates Valentine’s With Kisses
The Hershey Company and the cosmetics company Glamlite teamed up to launch a special HERSHEY’S KISSES x Glamlite collection on Valentine’s Day. "It’s a fun partnership that is combining confection and cosmetics!" said Hershey in a statement. "There are five eyeshadow palettes that are inspired by the chocolate brand’s flavors, including milk chocolate, special dark, milk … [Read more...] about Food Licensing: Glamlite Celebrates Valentine’s With Kisses
Literary Licensing: Seven New Licensees For Percy The Park Keeper
Brand licensing specialist The Point.1888 has secured seven new licensees for heritage publishing brand Percy The Park Keeper. Created by Nick Butterworth, the popular British publishing property has expanded its licensing program due to the continued popularity of the brand among families. Nick worked for various major graphic design companies before becoming a full-time … [Read more...] about Literary Licensing: Seven New Licensees For Percy The Park Keeper