The Licensing Letter

Sports Licensing

Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A jury has found that online retailer Vintage Brand infringed on trademarks for Pennsylvania State University, by selling unlicensed merchandise with "historic" images. Penn State had sued Vintage Brand, as well as Prep Sportswear and their founder, Chad Hartvigson. The university alleged the defendants infringed on the Penn State … [Read more...] about Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case

Jackie Robinson Estate Partners with IMG to Expand Player’s Legacy

TLL Staff The Jackie Robinson Estate has named IMG as its global licensing agency in a multi-year partnership aimed at broadening the legendary baseball player’s legacy. The collaboration will focus on creating innovative products, brand collaborations, and experiences that honor Jackie Robinson's enduring contributions to baseball and civil rights. Robinson shattered … [Read more...] about Jackie Robinson Estate Partners with IMG to Expand Player’s Legacy

EA Sports Licenses Women’s Hockey for NHL 25

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Electronic Arts has signed a multi-year licensing partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) for EA Sports NHL 25. The move is another indicator of the growing popularity of women's sports. “EA Sports is proud to support the PWHL, which has pioneered the growth of women’s hockey in North America,” said EA Sports … [Read more...] about EA Sports Licenses Women’s Hockey for NHL 25

Lego Signs Major Partnership Deal With Sports Giant Nike

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Lego Group has signed a multi-year partnership with Nike for a series of co-branded products, content and experiences focused on sports and play. "At the Lego Group, we believe in the power of play to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow," said Lego Group VP, Alero Akuya. "By combining the creativity of Lego play with the … [Read more...] about Lego Signs Major Partnership Deal With Sports Giant Nike

Nike Signs Historic 12-Year Partnership Extension with NBA, WNBA

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Nike has signed a multi-year extension to its global outfitting, merchandising, marketing and content agreement with the NBA and the WNBA. The renewal of the official licensing agreement follows eight years of service since the outfitting, merchandising, marketing and content partnership first began in 2015. Under the terms of the … [Read more...] about Nike Signs Historic 12-Year Partnership Extension with NBA, WNBA

Parker Valby Signs with New Balance to Promote Professional Track & Field

TLL Staff Former University of Florida track star Parker Valby has signed a sponsorship deal with New Balance, marking a significant step as she embarks on her professional career. The move sees Valby declining to renew her contract with Nike, which had previously made her the first collegiate female runner to sign an endorsement deal with the brand in 2023. Valby, who … [Read more...] about Parker Valby Signs with New Balance to Promote Professional Track & Field

Breaking: ‘1 of 1’ Panini’s Caitlin Clark Rookie Card Fetches $97K

TLL Staff In another sign of the explosive growth of women's sports, Panini America has auctioned off a special Rookie of the Year for Caitlin Clark for $97,212. The auction was carried out online Friday, October 4 in what is known as a 'Dutch auction', in which a top price is set, and the price drops at intervals until the item is sold. Panini America is a giant in the … [Read more...] about Breaking: ‘1 of 1’ Panini’s Caitlin Clark Rookie Card Fetches $97K

Panini and Brandr Partner on Collegiate NIL Licensing

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Panini America has signed a multi-year partnership with the leading 'NIL' licensing agency The Brandr Group. The move comes as Panini works to strengthen and expand its presence and its product offerings in the Name, Image and Likeness sector. That sector got a major boost in July, 2021, when the NCAA changed its rules to allow … [Read more...] about Panini and Brandr Partner on Collegiate NIL Licensing

Cadillac Teams Up with Surgeon for Exclusive Sneaker Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Cadillac has partnered with the Surgeon footwear brand for an exclusive collection of Cadillac-inspired custom sneakers. Each Surgeon sneaker style in the collection is directly inspired by the electric vehicle models in Cadillac’s luxury automobile portfolio. This includes inspiration from Cadillac models like the Lyriq, Celestiq, Optiq and … [Read more...] about Cadillac Teams Up with Surgeon for Exclusive Sneaker Collection