By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Finally, after a long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TLL's North American Film Release Schedule is back. For many years the Licensing Letter has published a regular and updated list of films being released in Canada and the US. Unfortunately, when the COVID-19 virus spread throughout the world in March of 2020, film release dates … [Read more...] about We’re Back: The 2022/23 North American Film Release Schedule
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Special Report: Why The Value Of Music Catalogs Has Soared By 2500%
Following on our 2021 Special Report: The Evolution of Music Licensing, The Licensing Letter examines how and why music rights sales have grown exponentially since 2015. This report is available to TLL Subscribers only. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The music industry has gone through a period of almost unparalleled change over the past five years, and that … [Read more...] about Special Report: Why The Value Of Music Catalogs Has Soared By 2500%
Dorian and Lionsgate Partner to Increase Opportunities for Women in Gaming
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The female-focused game creation platform Dorian has partnered with global content leader Lionsgate for a licensed Blair Witch game contest. But beyond that limited partnership is a much greater goal to increase female representation in the video gaming industry. Dorian is a no-code game creation and streaming platform focused on … [Read more...] about Dorian and Lionsgate Partner to Increase Opportunities for Women in Gaming
Licensing Expo Says Live Trade Show Will Return to Vegas In May
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In what may be a sign that COVID's grip is loosening, Licensing Expo has announced the world's largest licensing trade show is returning to Las Vegas on May 24. The upcoming event will mark the first time the show has been held in person since 2019. Licensing Expo is organized by Informa Markets in partnership with industry trade … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo Says Live Trade Show Will Return to Vegas In May
Mattel Snags Global Deal For Disney Princess and Frozen
Multi-Category Collection Expected to Arrive at Retailers Worldwide Beginning 2023 Toy giant Mattel has signed a global, multiyear licensing deal for two of Disney's most popular franchises. Under the agreement, Mattel will have the global licensing rights to develop lines of toys for the Disney Princess line and the Frozen franchise. The agreement is with Disney Consumer … [Read more...] about Mattel Snags Global Deal For Disney Princess and Frozen
Metaverse Licensing: Microsoft Makes a Big Move With Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Microsoft says building the metaverse is a big reason it acquired gaming company Activision Blizzard this week for $68.7 billion. While Microsoft says gaming is also very important to the company, which also produces the Xbox and runs the DirectX gaming platform, the company says the long-term vision is on becoming a major player in the … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: Microsoft Makes a Big Move With Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
NRF Says Holiday Revenues Up 14.1%, Smashing Expectations
Consumers defied expectations as retail sales soared in November and December by 14.1% to $886.7 billion over the holidays. That figure dramatically beats out the National Retail Federation’s forecast and set a new record, despite challenges from inflation, supply chain disruptions and the ongoing pandemic, NRF said this week. The number includes online and other non-store … [Read more...] about NRF Says Holiday Revenues Up 14.1%, Smashing Expectations
Omicron Takes Fun Out of Licensing As Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Cancelled
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest toy fair has been cancelled, due to increasing cancellations related to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. "The rapid growth of the Omicron variant in recent days ... and the resultant increasing number of cancellations to stands, has left the organizer, Spielwarenmesse eG, with no alternative," the organizers said … [Read more...] about Omicron Takes Fun Out of Licensing As Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Cancelled
ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The founders of Chizcomm have exited Genius Brands over a contractual dispute and conflict over strategic vision. ChizComm was acquired in November of 2020 by Genius Brands, which has grown rapidly due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. At the time, all seemed like sweetness and light would prevail. This week, however, Chizcomm … [Read more...] about ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
Collectibles: The Story Behind Fanatics Acquisition of Topps Trading Cards
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The venerable Topps trading card business has agreed to an acquisition offer from Fanatics ... the same company that yanked its license with Major League Baseball in August last year. It's a move that The Licensing Letter predicted at the time, as well as the very real possibility that Fanatics will also make a … [Read more...] about Collectibles: The Story Behind Fanatics Acquisition of Topps Trading Cards