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
Licensing Law
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
Licensing Law: Lindt Triumphs in Battle of the Bunnies
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you live in a country that celebrates Easter, you've seen them. Rank after rank after rank of sparkling golden bunnies, their gilt foil concealing the decadent Swiss chocolate underneath. What you may not have known is that Lindt's legendary Easter bunny confections have been involved in more than one pitched battle over copyright and … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Lindt Triumphs in Battle of the Bunnies
Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Warner Music is investigating allegations that one of its subsidiaries continued to operate in Russia after the company suspended its operations. Those allegations were made in an exclusive investigative report by The Guardian newspaper. According to the report, at least one executive at the Warner subsidiary ADA Russia "... continued to try … [Read more...] about Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has abruptly ended his relationship with Gap Inc., accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations. West's lawyers sent a letter to Gap on Thursday notifying it of a termination of the partnership. West alleges Gap breached its agreement with West (also known as Ye) by not selling the Yeezy … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit