The Licensing Letter

Toys and Games

Mattel Developing ‘Heist’ Movie Based on Uno Game

Toy giant Mattel has been putting a lot of oomph behind its popular UNO game for its 50th Anniversary, and is topping off the program with a live action motion picture. Mattel Films will produce the project alongside Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Yachty. In addition, Quality Control’s Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Pierre “P” Thomas and Brian Sher will produce for Quality Films. Marcy … [Read more...] about Mattel Developing ‘Heist’ Movie Based on Uno Game

Former Mattel Exec Helena Perheentupa Joins Rapidly Expanding ZAG Team

The ZAG Company continues the expansion of its senior executive team with the appointment this week of licensing veteran Helena Perheentupa to the newly created role of vice president of licensing for Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia. Perheentupa formerly worked with Mattel's operation in Germany as head of licensing, overseeing brands such as Hot Wheels, Barbie, … [Read more...] about Former Mattel Exec Helena Perheentupa Joins Rapidly Expanding ZAG Team

Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show

Toy giant Mattel is working with America's Got Talent producer Fremantle to develop a frantic new game show based on the Whac-A-Mole game it acquired in 2009. Mattel and Fremantle say the Whac-A-Mole game show will be a wild, physically challenging elimination competition in which opposing teams will use their skill, strength and endurance to become the Whac-A-Mole champion. … [Read more...] about Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show

Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil

Children's programmer Moonbug has appointed Redibra as its licensing agent in Brazil, as the company works on development of new consumer products for its popular shows, like Blippi or CoComelon. “At Moonbug, we’re committed to developing premium, enriching content that parents and children can enjoy together, and a key part of this mission is ensuring our IP is accessible … [Read more...] about Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil

My Little Pony Riding High With Hasbro

The My Little Pony franchise is ending its popular The Friendship is Magic series, but don't expect to see the brand riding off into the sunset any time soon. Hasbro has big plans for the franchise after acquiring Entertainment One in 2019, including a wide range of new consumer products, the release of a CGI film, a cross platform mashup with The Transformers, and a new … [Read more...] about My Little Pony Riding High With Hasbro

Teddy Fresh Launches Cute Collab With Care Bears

LA-based luxury streetwear brand Teddy Fresh has announced the online release of their Teddy Fresh x Care Bears collection on January 21, elevating the Teddy Fresh brand with a collection that showcases its most creatively aspirational work to date. Drawing inspiration from the original 1980’s Care Bears animated series, the collection aims to evoke the nostalgia, creativity … [Read more...] about Teddy Fresh Launches Cute Collab With Care Bears

Super 7 Teams With Toho For Godzilla Figures

In time for the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong film this year, San Francisco-based Super 7 is teaming up with the Toho Company to introduce Godzilla to its world of ReAction figures and other products. Founded in 2001, Super7 is a premier pop-culture design house and producer of toys, apparel and collectibles. Led by designer Brian Flynn, Super has harnessed the graphics, … [Read more...] about Super 7 Teams With Toho For Godzilla Figures

Hot Wheels Partnership With NASA is Out of This World

Hot Wheels has been partnered with NASA for more than 30 years, and this week came out with its first new, space-themed mini collection over two decades. The mini carmaker is helping NASA kick off another historic year of space exploration firsts with the release of the new Mars Perseverance Rover die-cast vehicle. The product is a detailed 1:64 scale replica model inspired by … [Read more...] about Hot Wheels Partnership With NASA is Out of This World

Barbie Named Top Global Toy Brand For 2020

Mattel, Inc. enjoyed a wildly successful year in 2020, producing many of the top selling toy brands globally, and riding a large increase in toy spending during the pandemic to one of their best revenue years of all time. As well, the definitive retail industry research company The NPD Group has now named Mattel's Barbie brand as the 2020 top global toy property of the year, … [Read more...] about Barbie Named Top Global Toy Brand For 2020