By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The author of Ninja Life Hacks, Mary Nhin, fears her books will be banned in Florida schools for being too inclusive. Nhin has built a growing publishing and licensing business through her series of Ninja Life Hacks books for children, which focus on social and emotional learning. But now, Nhin says her books are being challenged in … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Mary Nhin’s Ninjas Under Attack by Florida Censors
Licensing Law
Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Adidas has withdrawn its legal opposition to a trademark application from the activist group Black Lives Matter. The footwear giant filed a request to the US Patent and Trademark Office to block the Black Lives Matter from trademarking a design that features three parallel lines. Adidas said in its filing on Monday that the logo … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Adidas Backs Away From Opposition to Black Lives Matter Trademark
Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Copyright Office says works created with the help of artificial intelligence may be copyrighted, in a policy with major implications for the licensing industry. From now on, all copyright applicants are legally required to disclose when their work includes AI-generated material. As well, any previously filed application that … [Read more...] about Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works
Analysis: Puffin Walks a Legal Tightrope in Editing Roald Dahl
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The publisher Puffin will be editing books by Roald Dahl to make them more inclusive, but will also release a version that is unedited. The latter move came after a backlash by freedom of speech advocates who protested the idea of censoring Dahl's books to make them more inclusive. The works of beloved but occasionally … [Read more...] about Analysis: Puffin Walks a Legal Tightrope in Editing Roald Dahl
Licensing Law: Fashion Giant Lacoste Files Five Metaverse Trademarks
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The popular fashion brand Lacoste is joining the industry's dive into the metaverse, filing five new trademarks for digital goods. The filings were made for its new Champs-Elysees line of apparel, jewelry, and luggage, which was launched back in July 2022 as a brand intended to be compatible with cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens, or … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Fashion Giant Lacoste Files Five Metaverse Trademarks
Dungeons & Dragons Faces Fan Backlash Over Leaked Licensing Agreement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro’s hugely successful Wizards of the Coast faced a fan revolt this week over its new licensing rules. At one point, as Games Radar reported, so many fans cancelled their subscriptions to the online hub D&D Beyond that it apparently caused the site to crash. So, what touched off this fury among the Dungeons & Dragons … [Read more...] about Dungeons & Dragons Faces Fan Backlash Over Leaked Licensing Agreement
Video Game Licensing: China Ends 18-Month Freeze On Imported Games
By Allison WatkinsonTLL Reporter China's regulatory agency for video game licensing has approved new games for import for the first time in 18 months. During the month of December 2022, a total of 44 new video games have been approved for import. In addition, 84 games by domestic developers were granted licensing approval by the government-run agency. The NPPA … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: China Ends 18-Month Freeze On Imported Games
Opinion: Artists Are Freaking Out Over AI Apps, And So Should You
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial Intelligence apps like Lensa or ChatGPT offer great promise, but they are also a threat to creators. That's the very real fear sweeping through the artistic community these days, as writers and illustrators cope with AI apps that can create in seconds what takes them hours to do. The technology also poses serious … [Read more...] about Opinion: Artists Are Freaking Out Over AI Apps, And So Should You
Justin Bieber Alleges “Trash” H&M Apparel Made Without His Approval
But H&M Says It Followed "Proper Approval Procedures By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Talk about a licensing nightmare! Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber just made global headlines, going on Instagram and trashing H&M for allegedly using his face and lyrics on a line of apparel. The collection features items including a sweatshirt, a canvas bag and a … [Read more...] about Justin Bieber Alleges “Trash” H&M Apparel Made Without His Approval
TLL Exclusive: SPLiCE Says Landmark Ruling An Existential Threat to Licensing Industry
Black + Decker and Walmart Lose Appeal in Class Action Lawsuit Main Takeaways: Black + Decker and Walmart are successfully sued for selling a coffeemaker that was branded by Black + Decker, but manufactured by licensee Applica Consumer Products SPLiCE contends the ruling could “potentially undermine the licensing industry as a whole” SPLiCE Corporate Counsel warns, “If … [Read more...] about TLL Exclusive: SPLiCE Says Landmark Ruling An Existential Threat to Licensing Industry