By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toei Animation is launching its biggest fan experience of all time at this year's New York Comic Con 2022. The studio that brought the world hits like the Dragon Ball franchise and One Piece is now literally painting Times Square red and building out massive displays. The showcase of franchise properties, including “One Piece Film Red,” … [Read more...] about Toei To Paint Times Square Red for Comic Con
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Fine Boots Put Buffalo Trace Distillery in Fine Spirits
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Brandgenuity has brokered an agreement between Wolverine and Buffalo Trace to launch a special-edition boot for the online retailer Huckberry. Brandgenuity is an independent licensing agency that extends brands into consumer products, services and experiences to raise brand awareness and generate revenue. On behalf of Buffalo Trace … [Read more...] about Fine Boots Put Buffalo Trace Distillery in Fine Spirits
Experiential Licensing: Crayola To Expand Its Crayola Experience Franchise
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Crayola has entered a licensing agreement with BrightColors to open new Crayola Experience venues over the next five years. “Today Crayola embarks on an expansion effort with a best-in-class partner who shares our ideals, and is equally dedicated to high-quality guest experiences,” said Warren Schorr, Crayola Senior Vice President Business … [Read more...] about Experiential Licensing: Crayola To Expand Its Crayola Experience Franchise
Rube Goldberg & Lunchables Reinvent Concept of ‘Playing With Your Food’
The crazy but always fascinating 2023 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest will be sponsored by Lunchables, giving kids a chance to seriously play with their food. The Rube Goldberg Institute for Innovation & Creativity says the contest this year will be inspired by the Kraft Heinz brand Lunchables, and this year's task will fittingly be called Build A Lunchables. The contest … [Read more...] about Rube Goldberg & Lunchables Reinvent Concept of ‘Playing With Your Food’
Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New trademark filings by Kanye West may help reveal the music star's long-term goals, particularly after he terminated his licensing relationship with Gap Inc. According to a report from the entertainment gossip show TMZ, the rapper's company Mascotte Holdings has filed trademarks for a variety of apparel items, including jackets, hats, … [Read more...] about Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy
Who’s News: Major Changes to the Board of Hasbro
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro, Inc. has announced that Kenneth A. Bronfin and Edward M. Philip will retire from the company's Board of Directors. “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and Hasbro team, I want to sincerely thank Ted and Ken for their years of service to Hasbro and for their unwavering commitment to our shareholders,” said Rich Stoddart, Chair … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Major Changes to the Board of Hasbro
Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has abruptly ended his relationship with Gap Inc., accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations. West's lawyers sent a letter to Gap on Thursday notifying it of a termination of the partnership. West alleges Gap breached its agreement with West (also known as Ye) by not selling the Yeezy … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
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
Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Musicians and music streamers have come to what some call an historic new agreement on higher royalty rates. The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) announced they've agreed to a settlement for certain mechanical streaming rates … [Read more...] about Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement