The Licensing Letter

Archive

Mattel Gives Back with 80th Anniversary Campaign

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel is kicking off its 80th anniversary celebration with a year-long philanthropic campaign titled 80 Moments for 80 Years. Taking place throughout 2025, the anniversary campaign will build on Mattel's long philanthropic history by donating resources and funds to over 80 different nonprofit organizations around the world. The … [Read more...] about Mattel Gives Back with 80th Anniversary Campaign

Angel Reese and McDonald’s Launch Sporty Quarter-Pounder Partnership

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Angel Reese and McDonald's have signed a partnership for a licensed meal collaboration inspired by the WNBA star. Beginning on February 10, participating McDonald's restaurants throughout the US will offer a limited-edition meal called the Angel Reese Special. The Angel Reese Special offers a saucy twist on McDonald's quarter pounder … [Read more...] about Angel Reese and McDonald’s Launch Sporty Quarter-Pounder Partnership

Breaking: Beanstalk Acquired by Investment Consortium to Drive Strategic Growth

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Beanstalk, one of the top 10 licensing agencies in the world, has been acquired by a consortium of institutional investors led by JPE Investments. JPE is essentially the family office of Jason Epstein, who has led the acquisition of Beanstalk, along with funds and affiliates of Beach Point Capital Management and the family offices of … [Read more...] about Breaking: Beanstalk Acquired by Investment Consortium to Drive Strategic Growth

Michael Peikoff’s Hilarious Look at Licensing and Business

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Licensing and entertainment veteran Michael Peikoss and Looney Tunes artist Fred Bode have just released a book that's sure to turn your own frustrations into laughter. Titled A Smart Man Wouldn’t Have Thought About That, the book is a short and punchy read based on the witty and occasionally acerbic musings of Peikoff's father … [Read more...] about Michael Peikoff’s Hilarious Look at Licensing and Business

Who’s News: Pipeline Studios Appoints New Director of Sales & Business Development

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pipeline Studios has appointed Rebecca Lugo as its new director of sales and business development. Previously serving as head of global sales at Jetpack Distribution, Rebecca Lugo is an experienced executive in the entertainment, licensing and sales industries. Before joining Jetpack, Lugo worked as sales manager of international … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Pipeline Studios Appoints New Director of Sales & Business Development

Opinion: Grok 2 Shows We Need New Copyright Laws for AI and Social Media

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you thought artificial intelligence posed a threat to your intellectual property before, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. The AI model Grok, released by the Elon Musk-owned developer xAI, has already raised new concerns over copyright infringement since the Grok 2 update was released in August last year. Unlike other AI chatbots that … [Read more...] about Opinion: Grok 2 Shows We Need New Copyright Laws for AI and Social Media

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

Spielwarenmesse Reports Another Strong Year for Nuremberg Toy Fair

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Nuremberg Toy Fair displayed the ongoing strength of the toy industry, despite a slowdown in sales in the post-COVID years. The toy industry has seen a bit of a slump over the past two years, but that slump came after incredibly dramatic growth during the pandemic. At the Nuremberg Toy Fair this year, the industry showed off … [Read more...] about Spielwarenmesse Reports Another Strong Year for Nuremberg Toy Fair

Pokémon and Overtime Team Up for the Pokémon Playoffs

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pokémon Company International and Overtime have teamed up for a collaborative collection of professional sports jerseys and lifestyle apparel. Set to debut during the upcoming Pokémon Playoffs on February 18, the partnership will feature custom-designed Pokémon jerseys for all eight of the Overtime Elite basketball teams. Licensed … [Read more...] about Pokémon and Overtime Team Up for the Pokémon Playoffs