DHX Media acquires the entertainment division of Iconix Brand Group for $345 million, which includes a both an 80% controlling interest in Peanuts and 100% of Strawberry Shortcake. The remaining 20% interest in Peanuts will continue to be held by members of the family of Charles M. Schulz. The transaction is expected to close on or around June 30, 2017. The deal will give the … [Read more...] about M&A: Coach, Pokémon & DHX
Video Games and Software
TLL’s Guide to Video Game/Interactive/Online-based Properties
This sector includes videogames and videogame-based characters; online-originated properties such as virtual worlds, YouTube videos, blogs, webisodic series, Pinterest, Vine, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media accounts, texting emoticons, and e-mail greeting cards; mobile apps; and other digital properties. In some cases, such as Pokémon, the licensing is split between … [Read more...] about TLL’s Guide to Video Game/Interactive/Online-based Properties
The Wild World of Emoji
We're issuing a correction for a description we printed in the January 2017 issue, regarding the emoji® brand from the Emoji Co. The amended brand description is below—as well as an overview of all the emoji-related properties we could find. Did we miss anything? Let us know! The links below provide full contact information in Licensing Sourcebook Online (LSBO). Note that the … [Read more...] about The Wild World of Emoji
Esports Coming to the Olympic Stage As Sales Go Up
The market for retail sales of licensed video games and software went up 2.2% to reach $3.07 billion in sales in 2016, according to TLL's 2017 Annual Licensing Business Survey. In contrast, video game-based licensing rose 3.5%. Esports provides a healthy boost in interest for older properties in particular, helping to maintain their relevance. All of the top video games in the … [Read more...] about Esports Coming to the Olympic Stage As Sales Go Up
Legal Updates
The sale of the Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City might be in jeapordy after a federal court documents revealed an arbitation finding that current owner Bossier Casino Venture (BCV) is contractually obligated to use the Margaritaville brand through the end of its 40-year agreement—or the next 35 years—with licensor Margaritaville. Even if the casino is sold, BCV is … [Read more...] about Legal Updates
M&A: Agents Expand While Rovio Divests
DHX Media-owned CPLG (Copyright Promotions Licensing Group) forms a strategic alliance with Latin America’s Tycoon Group. The alliance will strengthen both companies’ regional licensing activities and maximize branding opportunities across a combined network of EMEA, North America, and Latin America. The world’s largest licensing agent, CAA-GBG, expands the design capabilities … [Read more...] about M&A: Agents Expand While Rovio Divests
Deals in Short
As always, see the complete list of deals from this last week here. In Japan, a Betty Boop-branded diner opens in Japan through a deal brokered with Food Business Consultant Inc. (FBC) by licensor King Features’ Japanese agent, Copyrights Asia. The location plans to feature merch and special holiday events in the '50s-esque eatery. WildBrain is appointed as the exclusive … [Read more...] about Deals in Short
Video Games in the Pipeline: 40% Sequels, 30% Licensed, 20% New IP
Over the next two years, releases of video games based on original IP are going to take a backseat to sequels, reboots, and licensed titles. Just 20.6% of titles are based on original IP—sequels comprise 43% of the list, followed by licensed titles at 30%. VR titles follow at 11%, with reboots making up 8% of the list. See the complete update to TLL's list of planned video … [Read more...] about Video Games in the Pipeline: 40% Sequels, 30% Licensed, 20% New IP
Video Game Sales Up; Licensed Options Grow
2016 was a big year for retail sales of video games—but, interestingly enough, licensed games didn't make much headlines (with the one obvious exception). In fact, it was just the opposite: Metacritic's lowest score of the year was for Activision's Ghostbusters. Meanwhile, Pokémon emerged as one of the hottest brands of 2016, topping the list of Google's breakout searches … [Read more...] about Video Game Sales Up; Licensed Options Grow
2016 Only Gets Better for $100+ Entertainment/Character Brands
Karina Masolova, additional reporting by Glenn Demby and Marcy Magiera A total of 44 properties made TLL's latest list of entertainment/character brands that cleared $100 million in licensed retail sales in the U.S. and Canada. For the first time, we're casting our predictions for what next year's look will look like. See the retail sales breakdown here, and look below for … [Read more...] about 2016 Only Gets Better for $100+ Entertainment/Character Brands