By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Surge Brands will provide some extra licensing punch as the new global agency for Pillow Fight Championship (PFC). Like UFC but with pillows, PFC is a fast-growing sports entertainment property that combines intense combat sports action with some feathery, light-hearted fun. Surge Brands notes PFC has rapidly captured global attention with … [Read more...] about Surge Brands Steps Into the Ring With Pillow Fight Championship
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People of Play to Honor Three Toy Industry Icons at 2025 TAGIE Awards
TLL Staff People of Play will recognize three of the toy and game industry’s most influential figures at the 18th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards Mike Moody and Phil Orbanes will each receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, while Judy Ellis will be honored as this year’s Industry Game Changer. Themed “Friendship,” the 2025 ceremony will highlight … [Read more...] about People of Play to Honor Three Toy Industry Icons at 2025 TAGIE Awards
Yu-Gi-Oh! Secures New Licensees Across Europe
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media NY has secured a series of new licensing deals for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise across the European market. The new licensing partners for the franchise include Forbidden Planet, Fine Chaos, Clementoni, Finesse Skateboards, Gatherers’ Tavern, Hiya Toys and Pernigotti. Spanning multiple categories, the new licensees will begin … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh! Secures New Licensees Across Europe
Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The future of play will be shaped by both artificial intelligence and an appetite for unplugged creativity, according to the international TrendCommittee of Spielwarenmesse. The committee has just announced its two major ToyTrends for 2026, which it describes as “AI Loves (to) Play” and “Creative Mindfulness.” Drawing on their decades of … [Read more...] about Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
TLL Roundup: Licensing Deals You May Have Missed
Champagne Bollinger to Release 007 Special Cuvée Limited Edition Champagne Bollinger will mark more than 45 years as the official champagne of the James Bond franchise with a new Special Cuvée 007 limited edition that celebrates the long-running partnership, the company said Thursday. The bottle, described by Bollinger as a collector-minded release, pairs the house’s … [Read more...] about TLL Roundup: Licensing Deals You May Have Missed
Barbie Puts on Some Muscle With New Rugby Models
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Barbie is getting stronger—literally—as Mattel introduces a new lineup of dolls honoring female rugby stars from around the world. The collection was created in celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 11. The initiative, called Team Barbie, features four professional rugby players who have become global role models for … [Read more...] about Barbie Puts on Some Muscle With New Rugby Models
Kellanova Expands Ongoing Partnership With Beanstalk
TLL Staff Beanstalk has expanded its ongoing partnership with food giant Kellanova, to manage and grow the firm’s non-food lifestyle licensing program across Europe. The move marks a new phase in the ongoing collaboration between the two companies and builds on Beanstalk’s long-standing representation of Kellanova across multiple global markets, including the United States, … [Read more...] about Kellanova Expands Ongoing Partnership With Beanstalk
Analysis: Release of Sora 2 Ushers in a Tsunami of Disruptive Change
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Open AI's release of video generator Sora 2 on September 30 is an historic event that will change the world in ways we can't even yet imagine. One of those areas of transformative change will be in the world of copyright protection and brand licensing. Does that sound overblown? Well, read on, and see if you disagree. Until now, … [Read more...] about Analysis: Release of Sora 2 Ushers in a Tsunami of Disruptive Change
The Olympics and Sonic the Hedgehog Race Into a New Era of Licensing
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The International Olympic Committee and SEGA Corporation have unveiled a new multi-year agreement between the Olympics and Sonic the Hedgehog. Even more interesting is that the announcement makes it clear this deal is part of a new approach to licensing by the IOC, one which promises to expand opportunities for potential licensing … [Read more...] about The Olympics and Sonic the Hedgehog Race Into a New Era of Licensing
Global Merchandising Unveils First Slate of Licensees for Fender
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Fender Musical Instruments Corp., the guitar maker that gave the world the Telecaster twang and Precision Bass groove, is plugging into new markets as it heads toward a milestone anniversary tour. Global Merchandising Services on Thursday announced the first wave of licensing partners for Fender’s expanding brand extension program, timed to … [Read more...] about Global Merchandising Unveils First Slate of Licensees for Fender