Snoopy Apple Watch
Licensing News
Peanuts Announces Launch of Snoopy Face for Apple Watch Fall 2023

As previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers’ Conference at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA, Peanuts announced the launch of the first Snoopy face for Apple Watch coming with watchOS 10, available to Apple Watch users globally this fall. The watch face features Snoopy, Woodstock, and themes based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip. More than 140 unique and playful Peanuts animations have been created for the watch face by WildBrain Studios in partnership with Charles Schulz Creative Associates and the Apple design team. The characters interact and play with the watch hands, react to the weather conditions in the area, or even get active when the user does a workout.

Contra G-Fuel
Licensing News
Konami Fires Up New Wave of Collectible Merch Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Contra

Konami Cross Media NY, Inc announces plans to launch a new line of merchandise for the 35th anniversary celebration of Contra that will invoke fond memories and lasting keepsakes for the franchise’s fan base and new generation of gaming enthusiasts. The announcement was made by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing, Konami Cross Media, NY. Consumer product agreements have been signed including: Udon Entertainment, the publisher of original and translated art books, graphic novels and manga; G FUEL, the performance energy drink company; and APMEX, a commemorative coin company – all developing new products in an on-going effort to celebrate Contra’s special anniversary.

Kess Sega
Licensing News
KessCo Announces Licensing Partnership with SEGA of America and Sonic the Hedgehog

KessCo, a third-generation toy and game company, announced a licensing partnership with SEGA of America, Inc and the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, marking Kess’ first national licensing agreement with SEGA of America. The partnership will offer Kess the opportunity to feature the iconic Blue Blur and the beloved franchise across a variety of tabletop games, card games and outdoor play items in 2024. “As an avid Sonic fan myself, I am extremely excited and proud to announce our newest licensing agreement with SEGA of America,” said Alex Kessler, CEO of KessCo. “Licensing has become an important part of our growth strategy, and our customers have been asking for Sonic-branded products from us for years. We look forward to continuing to grow our games category through this recent license acquisition, while introducing licensing to our popular outdoor range for the first time.”

Mr Brands VP Racing
Licensing News
VP Racing Refuels Licensing Agreement with Mr Brands with New Auto Cleaning Tools

VP Racing Fuels, Inc, the world leader in performance fuels, lubricants, additives, and retail, announced the renewal of their licensing agreement with Mr Brands, an automotive accessory consumer product manufacturer. This was brokered and continues to be managed by VP Racing’s exclusive licensing agency, Pacific Swell Brands.

Wizards of the Coast Pride
News
Wizards of the Coast Celebrates Pride Month with Shirts, Hoodies, Playmats

Wizards of the Coast is proud to celebrate Pride Month and support the LGBTQIA+ community through sales of Pride-themed Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering products. Some proceeds from the sales of these products will be donated to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. The donation is part of a continued commitment of support by Wizards of the Coast.

The Woobles Logo
Licensing News
The Woobles Announces BT21 License Acquisition

The Woobles, the first learn-to-crochet company to leverage emerging ed-tech tools to successfully teach the art of crocheting to complete beginners, announced today a new licensing agreement with LINE FRIENDS to create a BT21 MEETS The Woobles Collection. The limited-edition kits will bring the BT21 UNIVERSE to life for the first time in the craft category, and are slated for release summer 2023, exclusively on TheWoobles.com.

Toy Foundation Toy of the Year 2023 TOTY Turkey
News
Nominations Now Open for the 2023 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards

The Toy Foundation (TTF) has opened the call for nominations for the 24th edition of the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. The toy industry is now invited to submit their top products and properties, exceptional team members, and outstanding campaigns across 23 categories for the chance to be named best of the best. Additionally, every submission is a display of the industry’s commitment to TTF’s work delivering the benefits of play to children in need.

Banila Co Chupa chups
Licensing News
Banila Co and Chupa Chups Announce Collaboration

The global lollipop brand Chupa Chups announces a yummy new license agreement with the South Korea’s leading make-up brand Banila Co to launch ‘Banila Co x Chupa Chups Collaboration’. The new edition enhances the collection by adding the fun and playful personality of Chupa Chups to existing Banila Co products. The range includes several types of ‘Watery Veil Lip Tints & Plumpers’, the ‘Priming Veil Cheek’ and the popular cleansing balm ‘Clean It Zero’. This high-quality make-up line, with a gorgeous and appealing design, will certainly be a big hit with young consumers this summer.

Moose Toys Logo Mixies Chedney Rodgers Akedo Toy of the Year 2023 M&A Hollie Holmes TOTY
News You're Hired
Hollie Holmes Joins Moose Toys as Vice President Global Licensing

Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, announces that industry veteran Hollie Holmes joins the company as vice president global licensing. She will be based out of the company’s US operation in El Segundo, Calif. beginning June 5. In this leadership position, Holmes is responsible for driving the global long-term strategy for the department to maximize growth for Moose’s inbound licensed portfolio of brands and flanker segments. “The opportunity to join Moose and be a part of the thoughtful and strategic global growth of its licensing portfolio presented a not-to-be-missed next step in my career,” said Holmes. “Moose is renowned for innovation with its own brands, as well as taking licensed brands to the next level, and I look forward to continuing to build on successful licensing initiatives.”