Licensing

Real Deal

Pacific Cycle and Nickelodeon Expand Licensing Deal

Pacific Cycle, a division of Dorel Industries, Inc., and the manufacturer of the Schwinn, Mongoose, IronHorse, Pacific, InSTEP, Dyno, Playsafe, KidTrax, Powerlite, and Roadmaster brands, has expanded its license agreement with Nickelodeon. Under the new partnership, Pacific Cycle will begin to produce bicycles and tricycles for Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go!, and iCarly, as well as continue with bicycle protective gear and accessories for Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go!, iCarly, and SpongeBob SquarePants. New safety messaging will be found on the litho cartons and depict Dora and Diego wearing their helmets.

The multi-year deal will allow both Pacific and Nickelodeon to bring a streamlined program of bicycles, parts, and accessories to consumers for years to come.

Little Tikes Signs VM Global for Ride-On Deal

Under an agreement with Little Tikes, a division of MGA Entertainment, VM Global, a global manufacturer, importer, and distributor of wheeled products, was granted the licensing rights to develop, manufacture, and distribute battery-operated ride-ons to retailers in the U.S. and Canadian markets. VM Global plans to roll out its first shipments of Little Tikes six-volt quad ride-ons later this summer.

Wizard Card Game App Launches

U.S. Games Systems, Inc., has announced the launch of its Wizard Card Game app on iTunes, which is now available for select Apple devices including the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad.

The entry of Wizard into the electronic arena dovetails with the company’s launch of its Wizard Game Night Event program. U.S. Games Systems has put together a complete kit for game players and retailers to host Wizard Card Game Nights. Individuals who wish to organize a game night receive complimentary copies of the Wizard Card Game, bidding coins, score sheets, table set-up instructions, and $25 for prizes or snacks. Retailers who stock Wizard Card Game can also host special game events with materials supplied by U.S. Games Systems.

Winners of these events will have the opportunity to participate in the Wizard National Tournament to be held in Orlando in September.

Care Bears Apparel Program Expands in the UK

American Greetings Properties, the intellectual property and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation, announced two apparel deals for the Care Bears brand in the UK. Somerbond and Trademark Products join the roster of apparel licensees for the region.

Somerbond will be launching a range of fashion nightwear, loungewear, and underwear in a number of fashion retailers such as Primark and Pennies. Trademark Products has renewed its contract to supply the entertainment and online retail sector, such as HMV and Play.com, with edgy and humorous prints on both T-shirts and sweats.