By Gary SymonsTLL Editor in Chief Thirty thousand children of factory workers will benefit as LEGO and Spin Master announced new funding to expand the Ethical Toy Program across China, Vietnam and Mexico. The Ethical Toy Program is a program by the International Council of Toy Industries, which is the convening organization for the worldwide toy industry. ICTI and its … [Read more...] about LEGO, Spin Master Announce New Support for Ethical Toy Program
China
MGM’s Vikings Return to Vikingard in Gaming Crossover Event
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter NetEase's Vikingard game will be hosting Part II of its Vikings Crossover event, featuring licensed content from MGM’s Vikings franchise. Vikingard is an online role-playing mobile game for Android and iOS devices that focuses on kingdom building in the Viking Age. The game was originally launched in 2022 by the Chinese mobile developer … [Read more...] about MGM’s Vikings Return to Vikingard in Gaming Crossover Event
The North Face and FRED & FARID Shanghai Relaunch TNF100 Endurance Race
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe North Face and FRED & FARID Shanghai have announced a new licensing partnership to relaunch the TNF100 trail race after a three-year absence. The TNF100 race has not been held since 2020 due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and a tragedy at a similar endurance racing event in northwest China in 2021. In 2021, the Gansu ultramarathon resulted … [Read more...] about The North Face and FRED & FARID Shanghai Relaunch TNF100 Endurance Race
Mobile Game Licensing: Maserati Adds Some Zoom to PUBG Mobile
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The online battle-royale game PUBG Mobile recently partnered with the luxury car brand Maserati to bring several sports car models to the playing field. The deal between the two brands was facilitated by Maserati's licensing agency IMG, a subsidiary of the global sports and entertainment company Endeavor. “PUBG MOBILE and Maserati are … [Read more...] about Mobile Game Licensing: Maserati Adds Some Zoom to PUBG Mobile
Video Game Licensing: China Ends 18-Month Freeze On Imported Games
By Allison WatkinsonTLL Reporter China's regulatory agency for video game licensing has approved new games for import for the first time in 18 months. During the month of December 2022, a total of 44 new video games have been approved for import. In addition, 84 games by domestic developers were granted licensing approval by the government-run agency. The NPPA … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: China Ends 18-Month Freeze On Imported Games
Prada Appoints New Leadership As Part of Succession Plan
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Prada is going through momentous changes as the renowned fashion house's co-CEO's and founders prepare to step down. Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli are stepping back from their day-to-day leadership roles as they prepare to transition the company to the next generation. The couple's son, Lorenzo Bertelli, is expected to … [Read more...] about Prada Appoints New Leadership As Part of Succession Plan
Striker To Handle Global Licensing For Meg2: The Trench
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter CMC Pictures has signed Striker Entertainment LLC to handle the worldwide licensing and merchandising for Meg 2: The Trench. The deal between CMC Pictures and Striker was negotiated by the executive producer of the upcoming film Randy Greenberg. Striker Entertainment is a full-service entertainment licensing agency that focuses on … [Read more...] about Striker To Handle Global Licensing For Meg2: The Trench
Chanyo Launches the first Smiley Brand Tea House in Beijing
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe first-ever tea house based on the international SMILEY IP has opened in Beijing Chaoyang Joy City. The new SMILEY tea house is operated by the popular Chinese food and catering franchise, the Chanyo Cater Group. The Chanyo Cater Group currently operates more than 6,000 restaurants. The company has developed a tea menu based on original leaf … [Read more...] about Chanyo Launches the first Smiley Brand Tea House in Beijing
Special Report: What the Taiwan Crisis Means For Licensing
Licensing Faces an Existential Threat As Tensions Grow Between China and the West By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Main Takeaways COVID-19 pandemic and Russian Invasion of Ukraine have revealed fragility of global trade arrangements China’s aggression toward Taiwan—a US ally—is creating insecurity for companies relying on Chinese manufacturing Licensing … [Read more...] about Special Report: What the Taiwan Crisis Means For Licensing
Ancient City of Dunhuang Depicted in Clash of Kings
The Chinese video game Clash of Kings has reached a "landmark licensing agreement" with Dunhuang Inspiration; part of the Dunhuang Culture & Tourism Group. The two-year deal, brokered by art and cultural IP specialist ARTiSTORY, gives Clash of Kings exclusive access to the historic assets, artworks and location-based resources of Dunhuang: a historic city, and UNESCO … [Read more...] about Ancient City of Dunhuang Depicted in Clash of Kings