TLL Staff The Licensing Connection has been appointed as the exclusive global licensing agent for the Oscar-winning film Flow. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, the Latvian film was the upset winner for Best Animated Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Licensing Connection says the agreement marks a significant step in expanding the reach of the critically acclaimed … [Read more...] about Licensing Connection Tapped to Rep Oscar-Winning Film ‘Flow’
Canada
OECD Report: Tariff Trade Winds to Slow Global Economic Growth
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global economy is in for a rough ride as US trade tariffs are expected to cause a widespread decline in GDP growth. The OECD (the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, representing the world's richest economies) headed their interim report in March with a photo of a ship being battered by heavy seas (above), a metaphor … [Read more...] about OECD Report: Tariff Trade Winds to Slow Global Economic Growth
University of Toronto Press and British Library Announce Scribe Book
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter University of Toronto Press and the British Library are releasing a new co-published volume by Patricia Lovett, titled The Art of the Scribe. Scheduled for release in April 2025, The Art of the Scribe builds on the long-standing partnership between the British Library and the UTP. “UTP's extensive reach throughout North America has … [Read more...] about University of Toronto Press and British Library Announce Scribe Book
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
Major League Soccer Kicks Off Collection with Pottery Barn Teen
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pottery Barn Teen has launched a collaborative home furnishings collection in partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS). The licensed Pottery Barn Teen products span a wide selection of MLS home décor, bedding and school accessories. Designed to appeal to young soccer fans, the collection incorporates artistic designs that are based on the … [Read more...] about Major League Soccer Kicks Off Collection with Pottery Barn Teen
Mini Melts USA and 7-Eleven Launch Slurpee-Inspired Ice Cream
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mini Melts USA and 7-Eleven are releasing an exclusive beaded ice cream flavor inspired by Blue Raz Slurpees. Launching in Summer 2025, the Mini Melts Slurpee Blue Raz treat will be available at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations across the United States. The co-branded product will be featured at the 7-Eleven … [Read more...] about Mini Melts USA and 7-Eleven Launch Slurpee-Inspired Ice Cream
Who’s News: Former Head of Nelvana to Lead Brand Partnerships at Boat Rocker
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mellany Welsh, the former VP and head of Canadian kids’ studio Nelvana, has joined Boat Rocker as its senior VP of brand partnerships and content marketing. Welsh has been tapped to lead the rival Canadian studio's brand strategy, partnerships, licensing and content marketing initiatives across scripted, unscripted and kids and family … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Former Head of Nelvana to Lead Brand Partnerships at Boat Rocker
Beanstalk Appointed Licensing Representative for Feed
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Beanstalk has been named the official licensing representative for the Feed brand across Canada and the U.S. Feed is a certified B corporation and social impact lifestyle brand that manufactures and sells utilitarian-style tote bags to support its non-profit partners. The company's line of tote bags are designed and manufactured using … [Read more...] about Beanstalk Appointed Licensing Representative for Feed
Italy Named Partner Country for 2025 Fancy Food Shows
TLL Staff The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has announced an expanded year-long partnership with Italy, naming the European nation as the partner country for both the 49th Winter Fancy Food Show and the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show in 2025. The Winter Fancy Food Show is set to take place January 19–21, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, while the Summer Fancy Food … [Read more...] about Italy Named Partner Country for 2025 Fancy Food Shows
Canadian News Media Open New Front in War Over AI and Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A coalition of Canada's top news organizations is suing OpenAI for using its content to train its ChatGPT generative AI bot. The coalition includes The Canadian Press wire service, Torstar, the Globe and Mail, Postmedia and CBC/Radio-Canada. For full disclosure, the author of this story worked at CBC/Radio Canada, and … [Read more...] about Canadian News Media Open New Front in War Over AI and Copyright