By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media NY has secured a series of new licensing deals for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise across the European market. The new licensing partners for the franchise include Forbidden Planet, Fine Chaos, Clementoni, Finesse Skateboards, Gatherers’ Tavern, Hiya Toys and Pernigotti. Spanning multiple categories, the new licensees will begin … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh! Secures New Licensees Across Europe
Europe
Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The future of play will be shaped by both artificial intelligence and an appetite for unplugged creativity, according to the international TrendCommittee of Spielwarenmesse. The committee has just announced its two major ToyTrends for 2026, which it describes as “AI Loves (to) Play” and “Creative Mindfulness.” Drawing on their decades of … [Read more...] about Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For an actor that has appeared for just seconds in a short online video, Tilly Norwood has created an awful lot of controversy. It's got nothing to do with her acting, and everything to do with the fact Tilly Norwood isn't human. In fact, other than some lines of code, Tilly Norwood doesn't actually exist. Instead, Norwood is simply a … [Read more...] about Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
Sweet Nostalgia Meets ‘Wild’ Sustainability in New Swizzels Collaboration
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Blonde Sheep Licensing just announced the launch of a new collaboration between Swizzels and Wild, the sustainable personal care company. Swizzels, of course, is the British confectionery brand that came up with Squashies, Drumstick, Refreshers, and Love Hearts. The latter was a big favorite in my childhood; the candy you gave to … [Read more...] about Sweet Nostalgia Meets ‘Wild’ Sustainability in New Swizzels Collaboration
Wall’s Levels Up the Freezer Aisle with Minecraft Ice Cream
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Wall’s has teamed up with Minecraft, the world’s bestselling video game, to launch a limited-edition ice cream aimed squarely at gaming enthusiasts. The partnership taps into a vast and highly engaged audience, with more than three billion people worldwide playing online games and 80% of them regularly snacking or drinking while … [Read more...] about Wall’s Levels Up the Freezer Aisle with Minecraft Ice Cream
Laura Ashley Marks 100 Years With Global Campaign
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Marquee Brands is launching a year-long celebration to honor the centenary of pioneering British designer Laura Ashley. Ashley, born in 1925, is the designer who built one of Britain’s most recognizable lifestyle brands. The current brand owner, Marquee, is now honoring Ashley's legacy with a year-long campaign. The campaign, titled Laura … [Read more...] about Laura Ashley Marks 100 Years With Global Campaign
Pokémon Marks 30 Years With Pop-Up Shop at Natural History Museum
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Pokémon fans who want to 'catch 'em all' should head to London's Natural History Museum next year, site of an innovative pop-up shop. As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, fans in the United Kingdom will get the chance to explore a unique collaboration with one of the city’s most iconic institutions. The Natural History Museum … [Read more...] about Pokémon Marks 30 Years With Pop-Up Shop at Natural History Museum
See Who Won at This Year’s Licensing Awards
Article Submitted The winners of this year’s Licensing Awards were crowned on Tuesday, September 16, in a glittering ceremony, with over 1,200 industry executives filling The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel for an evening of celebration. The event opened with Jakki Brown, managing director at Max Publishing (which owns and organises The Licensing Awards), … [Read more...] about See Who Won at This Year’s Licensing Awards
Products of Change Putting Sustainability in the Spotlight at BLE
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Products of Change (POC) is set to take center stage at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) this October, spotlighting sustainability and innovation in the licensing industry through a series of talks, showcases and collaborations. The organization will host its “POC Power Hour” in the Networking Hub on Tuesday, October 7, bringing together … [Read more...] about Products of Change Putting Sustainability in the Spotlight at BLE
Peanuts Marks 75th Anniversary With Global Wave of Partnerships and Experiences
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Peanuts is celebrating its 75th anniversary by rolling out a wide range of collaborations, products, and live experiences designed to engage fans across generations. The milestone year is being celebrated with new licensing partnerships brokered by WildBrain CPLG, which represents the brand across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and … [Read more...] about Peanuts Marks 75th Anniversary With Global Wave of Partnerships and Experiences