By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel is introducing a licensed Barbie Dream Team collection in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026. “Barbie has always championed the belief that girls can be anything,” said Mattel’s head of Barbie, Nathan Baynard. “From astronauts to CEOs, Barbie has broken barriers and redefined what’s possible—igniting … [Read more...] about Barbie Announces International Women’s Day Celebrations
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Court Order for Tariff Refunds A Boon to Licensors and Retailers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A federal trade court has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to begin issuing refunds with interest on more than $130 billion in tariffs ruled illegal by the Supreme Court last month. The decision, which rejected a request by the Trump administration to delay implementation of refunds, could significantly impact retailers and … [Read more...] about Court Order for Tariff Refunds A Boon to Licensors and Retailers
Line Friends to Become First Licensed AI-Powered Companions
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief IPX and Kindred Labs aim to make history by creating the first licensed AI companions with characters from Line Friends, BT21, Zo & Friends and more. Through the partnership, Kindred Labs and IPX plan to create AI-powered companion experiences that bring expressive character personalities into everyday digital life through … [Read more...] about Line Friends to Become First Licensed AI-Powered Companions
Care Bears Launched Major Expansion of Global Publishing
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Cloudco Entertainment is ramping up its publishing strategy for the Care Bears brand through partnerships with major publishers, including HarperCollins, Scholastic, Running Press, and Penguin Random House. The expansion comes as the 45-year-old brand seeks to deepen connections with its multigenerational audience through books, … [Read more...] about Care Bears Launched Major Expansion of Global Publishing
Popeye Takes Up Digital Gardening on Solitaire Grand Harvest
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The mobile game Solitaire Grand Harvest now features an unusual new character in the form of Popeye ... the Farmer Man? You heard that right. The inveterate sailor who has been cruising the briny blue since 1929 turns landlubber as a character in the popular farming-slash-solitaire sim through May this year. The partnership between … [Read more...] about Popeye Takes Up Digital Gardening on Solitaire Grand Harvest
Guinness Marks St. Paddy’s Day With Bagels and Irish Events
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Guinness has launched a month-long St. Patrick's Day campaign featuring a licensed food collaboration with PopUp Bagels and community programming across multiple U.S. cities. The Irish beer brand, which describes itself as the fastest-growing beer in American bars and restaurants, is extending its traditional single-day St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...] about Guinness Marks St. Paddy’s Day With Bagels and Irish Events
Club House Brings Harry Potter’s Butter Beer to Canadian Kitchens
Caption: Harry Potter's pal Hermione Granger, enjoying a butter beer at the Hog's Head pub in Hogwarts. Image: Warner Bros. Discovery By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Club House has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch two Butterbeer-flavored products in Canada. The launch marks the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's … [Read more...] about Club House Brings Harry Potter’s Butter Beer to Canadian Kitchens
The Toy of the Year Awards Raised a Cool Million for Kids in Need
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Friday the 13th turned out to be lucky for kids all over the world, as the Toy Foundation's Toy of the Year Awards raised more than $1 million at its February 13 award ceremony. Organizers say the cool million dollars raised was a record-setting philanthropic achievement for the organization. The TOTY Awards were held at Pier … [Read more...] about The Toy of the Year Awards Raised a Cool Million for Kids in Need
Spin Master Expands Ms. Rachel Toy Line With Bedtime Playset, New Vehicles
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master Corp. has added three products to its Ms. Rachel toy collection, including a bedtime-themed playset and two pull-back vehicles, as the licensed preschool line continues its rapid expansion in the infant and toddler segment. The new offerings — the Goodnight Frankie Bedtime Playset and the 1-2-3 Roll! Herbie and Ms. Rachel … [Read more...] about Spin Master Expands Ms. Rachel Toy Line With Bedtime Playset, New Vehicles
Sun-Maid Taps Earthbound Brands as Exclusive Licensing Agency
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Earthbound has plenty of raisins to celebrate as it has been named the exclusive licensing agency for Sun-Maid Growers of California. It's the second new client announcement for Earthbound this week, as the agency was also named the exclusive licensing agency for Newman’s Own, the food brand founded by actor Paul Newman that donates … [Read more...] about Sun-Maid Taps Earthbound Brands as Exclusive Licensing Agency