Category: Licensing

KIDZ BOP, the #1 music brand for kids, has appointed Bulldog Licensing, one of the licensing industry’s leading agencies, as its official UK licensing agency, beginning at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE). KIDZ BOP is a global family music brand that records today’s biggest hits, sung by kids for kids, and currently records in five languages. Since launching in the US in 2001, KIDZ BOP has sold over 23 million albums and generated over 8 billion streams, and was also named Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kid Artist” for eleven consecutive years. KIDZ BOP has 24 Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 Chart; only three artists in history—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand—have had more Top 10 albums.

The Insights Family – the global leader in kids, parents, and family market intelligence has launched its inaugural Licensing Report at Brand Licensing Europe. The report – in association with Licensing International – identifies some of the key trends that The Insights Family are seeing in its Kids Insights and Parents Insights data across the 22 markets which it serves. The report also includes expert commentary from industry professionals who share their opinions as to the opportunities and challenges that they see resulting from these trends.

Moose Games, the family gaming innovation division of the award-winning Moose Toys brand, announced the acquisition of the Worst-Case Scenario license from the game developer, Miami Beach game company, All Things Equal, as well as the licensor, Quirk Productions. Quirk oversees the licensing rights to Worst-Case Scenario and has entered a long-term licensing deal with Moose Toys for exclusive global rights to sell Worst-Case Scenario games, including the original game and a newly developed adults-only version, effective immediately.

ASPIRE, the dedicated Corporate & Lifestyle division of world-leading brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG, has secured a deal with the Simba Dickie Group’s Smoby Toys for a master role-play toy range based on the established cleaning-technology brand Kärcher. Brokered by WildBrain CPLG’s German office on behalf of Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG, the partnership will see Smoby Toys create a role-play toy range based on the design of original indoor and outdoor Kärcher products.

Since the story’s publication 65 years ago, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has become such a part of our holiday tradition that there isn’t much of a question as to whom the culprit is behind Dr. Seuss’s classic tale. The green and grouchy antagonist set on hijacking yuletide joy from his neighboring town of Who-ville has been at it for generations, from the pages of children’s books, illustrated on the small screen, and as a live-action character in films and onstage. Now, for the first time ever, the mean-spirited troublemaker is looking to encroach on Christmas in yet a different form—a timeless tabletop board game—where it’s up to you to foil his plan! CLUE: The Grinch puts players in the shoes of the beloved Whos to stop their annual celebration from being stolen by the “mean one,” and it’s available now from The Op!

Known for its innovative line of weighted sleep sacks and blankets for babies and toddlers, Dreamland Baby has announced its first-ever licensed collection with The World of Peter Rabbit during the 120th anniversary year of this iconic and much-loved children’s character. The collection has been launched under license from Penguin Ventures (the licensing team at Penguin Random House Children’s) on behalf of brand owner Frederick Warne & Co.

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has appointed leading licensing agency WildBrain CPLG to represent its newest property, ZAG HEROEZ Ghostforce, across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.  This original CGI action-comedy series for kids and families follows three junior high school students who form a secret team to defend their city from ghastly ghouls—and it is already taking Germany by storm!  

Funko Games has unveiled a new line of Pop!-inspired puzzles, just in time for holiday 2022. Featuring Funko’s iconic Pop! style, the first three puzzles feature Elf, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Universal and Amblin Entertainment are going interstellar to honor 40 years of one of the most beloved films of all time, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Throughout the year, generations of fans around the world will be treated to all-new merchandise across a variety of categories, a re-release of the film in IMAX, retail exclusives, anniversary celebrations and more. “E.T. is a classic film that has been a longstanding part of the cultural zeitgeist,” said Melissa Rodriguez, vice president of franchise strategy for Universal Brand Development. “From treasured lines like ‘be good’ and ‘phone home,’ to the iconography of red hoodie sweatshirts and BMX bikes, the film has stayed present in our collective hearts and minds for 40 years. We’re looking forward to celebrating this classic story of friendship and adventure alongside many generations of fans, while also bringing new viewers into the fold through new products and offerings.”