TLL Staff Kayou, a Chinese collectible trading card company, made its official debut at Toy Fair New York earlier this month, using the occasion to announce a slate of new licensed products and IP partnerships as part of its broader push into the U.S. market. The company, which describes itself as China's top trading card brand, showcased new releases and upcoming product … [Read more...] about Kayou Debuts at Toy Fair New York, Previews U.S. Expansion Plans
China
Mattel to Acquire Full Ownership of Games Studio Mattel163 for $159 Million
TLL Staff Toymaker Mattel is going all in on mobile gaming, as it moves to acquire full ownership of the games studio Mattel163. The studio is currently a joint venture between Mattel and the Chinese internet software giant NetEase, which owns 50% of Mattel163. Mattel, Inc. announced Tuesday it has reached an agreement to acquire full ownership of Mattel163 in a deal that … [Read more...] about Mattel to Acquire Full Ownership of Games Studio Mattel163 for $159 Million
China’s ‘Singles Day’ Event Is Eclipsing America’s Black Friday
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Move over Black Friday; China's massive 'Singles Day' shopping event on November 11 is laying claim to being the world's largest sale. While Black Friday and associated holiday sales like Cyber Monday continue to grow, the Chinese data company Syntun says Singles Day broke sales records as retailers took in $238 billion, including … [Read more...] about China’s ‘Singles Day’ Event Is Eclipsing America’s Black Friday
Hasbro and Kayou Saddle Up For ‘My Little Pony’ Card Game
TLL Staff Chinese collectibles company Kayou has corralled a deal with Hasbro to introduce a My Little Pony card game in the U.S. Kayou is China's top trading card brand, and previously launched the My Little Pony Card Game – Friendships Begin in that country back in April. The success of that program has seen the partners expand the program, and the game is now being … [Read more...] about Hasbro and Kayou Saddle Up For ‘My Little Pony’ Card Game
Viral Chinese Collectibles Company Kayou Expands to U.S. Market
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kayou, China’s largest collectibles company and top trading card brand, is entering the U.S. market this holiday season, marking the latest step in its global expansion. The move comes as Kayou enjoys viral growth rates in Asia. The company nearly quadrupled revenue in 2024 to $1.4 billion, fueled largely by demand for its high-quality … [Read more...] about Viral Chinese Collectibles Company Kayou Expands to U.S. Market
Analysis: Licensing and Consumer Goods Industries Will Be Hard Hit by Trump Tariffs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The tariff hammer dropped at midnight Tuesday, and reaction on the markets was swift and brutal, as consumer confidence plummeted to an alarming low in February. That’s very bad news for the licensing industry, which relies on consumer confidence to spur discretionary spending on a wide variety of goods. That’s expected to worsen, … [Read more...] about Analysis: Licensing and Consumer Goods Industries Will Be Hard Hit by Trump Tariffs
Gibson Guitar Fraud Shows Importance of Brand Protection Technology
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The recent seizure of 3,000 fake Gibson guitars highlights the need for IP security measures, says JPatton Business Development Manager Franco Diaz. The counterfeit guitars, had they been genuine, would have been worth $18.7 million, which would put a sizeable dent in the revenues of the legendary American guitar producer. "Brand owners … [Read more...] about Gibson Guitar Fraud Shows Importance of Brand Protection Technology
Feds Seize 3,000 Counterfeit Gibson Guitars Worth $19 Million
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Federal officials say they have seized thousands of counterfeit Gibson electric guitars at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport. Officials involved in the operation says it is the "largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record." The operation was conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, assisted by Homeland … [Read more...] about Feds Seize 3,000 Counterfeit Gibson Guitars Worth $19 Million
RWS Global Unveils Expansion Plans with New Offices and Partnerships
TLL Staff Live entertainment specialist RWS Global has revealed its latest steps for global growth with the opening of new offices in Shanghai and Orlando. These expansions underscore the company’s commitment to revolutionizing the location-based entertainment industry and strengthening its presence in Asia and beyond, the company says. The Shanghai headquarters will … [Read more...] about RWS Global Unveils Expansion Plans with New Offices and Partnerships
Plans Unveiled for Massive Toy and Trade Fair in Hong Kong
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has released new details for the 2025 editions of its three concurrent toy industry trade fairs. The three upcoming HKTDC trade fairs include the 51st Hong Kong Toys & Games fair, the 16th Hong Kong Baby Products fair and the 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School … [Read more...] about Plans Unveiled for Massive Toy and Trade Fair in Hong Kong