In yet another example of how the world of music licensing has evolved over the past two years, LEGO and Universal Music Group (UMG) announced on Jan. 26 the launch of LEGO VIDIYO, "a playful and innovative music video maker experience designed to celebrate and expand children’s creativity and passion for music." The companies say in a joint statement that LEGO VIDIYO is a … [Read more...] about Lego and Universal Music Group Launch Music Video Maker
Toys and Games
Funko Opens Virtual, COVID-Safe Showroom
It's been a difficult year for B2B marketing teams when virtually every trade show and conference in the world has been canceled due to COVID-19, but Funko has found a way by launching its own "digital showroom." Funko Europe, the pop culture product company, this week opened the doors to its first-ever virtual showroom, featuring more than 400 products for 2021. Normally the … [Read more...] about Funko Opens Virtual, COVID-Safe Showroom
Licensing Monster “Mobile Suit Gundam” Airing on Crunchyroll
The anime network Crunchyroll began airing "Mobile Suit Gundam," the original series within the iconic Gundam franchise, as one of its library of more than 1,000 Gundam titles, opening up more opportunities for licensees. The Crunchyroll consumer products team currently manages the international merchandise rights for five Gundam titles with North American licensees … [Read more...] about Licensing Monster “Mobile Suit Gundam” Airing on Crunchyroll
Poetic Brands Creating Licensed Apparel and Face Masks for Na! Na! Na! Surprise
Following the enormous success of LOL Surprise and LOL Surprise OMG dolls from MGA Entertainment, Poetic Brands has snapped up a licensing deal with the toy giant for its latest collectible doll range, Na! Na! Na! Surprise. The specialist apparel licensee is working on a range of children’s apparel, outerwear and swimwear, nightwear and essentials based on the new property … [Read more...] about Poetic Brands Creating Licensed Apparel and Face Masks for Na! Na! Na! Surprise
Toy Revenue in UK Sees 5% Boost in 2020
The toy industry in the UK followed global trends, which generally have seen a significant boost in sales and revenue despite—or perhaps because of—the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales were particularly hot during the first lockdown during the spring in Britain, which saw an astounding 22 per cent boost in spending for the sector, according to figures from The NPD Group. Sales in the … [Read more...] about Toy Revenue in UK Sees 5% Boost in 2020
Among Us Video Game Creators Choose Toikido As Toy Partner
The studios behind the trending video game Among Us have chosen the newly formed British toymaker Toikido as their global master toy partner for a line of collectibles, action figures, plush toys, play sets and more. Among Us has become one of the world's most popular games since it was first released in June 2018 by InnerSloth and Dual Wield Studios. The game makers say its … [Read more...] about Among Us Video Game Creators Choose Toikido As Toy Partner
Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Music Deal, Licensing Campaign
Katy Perry Headlines 'P25 Music', a Year of Surprise Music Events and Superstar Collaborations The Pokémon Company International officially launched its 25th anniversary celebration on Jan. 13, marking a quarter century of fun and games with a massive music collaboration, including a partnership with pop star Katy Perry. The Japanese video game and entertainment franchise … [Read more...] about Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Music Deal, Licensing Campaign
Spin Master Goes Full Throttle With Supercross Toy Line
Spin Master Corp. has partnered with Feld Entertainment to get its motor runnin' with a multiyear, global master toy license for the Supercross off-road motorcycle racing series. Created with Spin Master's innovative toy designs, the companies say the first wave of Supercross toys will deliver greater authenticity for kids, collectors and fans of the racing brand. Feld … [Read more...] about Spin Master Goes Full Throttle With Supercross Toy Line
Marvel Launches Year Long Product Campaign for 2021
The wildly successful Disney superhero franchise Marvel is giving its fans plenty of reasons to celebrate the New Year, announcing a full year of new Marvel Studios inspired product reveals spanning toys, games, books, apparel, home décor and more. Mirroring Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ series rollouts, Marvel Must Haves will serve as the preeminent source on Marvel.com for … [Read more...] about Marvel Launches Year Long Product Campaign for 2021
JazWares Appoints Laura Zebersky as President
Toy Company Also Announces Promotions for Kelly Deen, Gerhard Runken, and Jonny Taylor Jazwares, one of the world's leading toy companies, this week announced the promotion of Laura Zebersky to the position of president. The company says Zebersky, a 15-year veteran of the toy industry, and a recipient of the Women in Toys 'Wonder Women' Award, "helped catapult Jazwares’ … [Read more...] about JazWares Appoints Laura Zebersky as President