Joester Loria Group Signs Britax and Amy Coe in Separate Deals
The Joester Loria Group (TJLG) has been selected as the exclusive licensing agent for North America to represent Britax, manufacturer of premium car seats, strollers, baby carriers, and accessories.
Since its founding in Britain in 1939, the company has established itself as a trusted juvenile products brand. TJLG will execute a comprehensive licensing program. Product categories are expected to include gear, furniture, health and safety products, bath products, feeding, and other functional brand extensions.
In a separate deal, TJLG announced that it has signed fashion apparel and interior designer Amy Coe for licensing. Coe’s lines have been in Target and Babies “R” Us for more than a decade and now TJLG will offer broader distribution and new product categories. TJLG will expand on Coe’s apparel programs, reintroduce Amy Coe layette, infant and toddler accessories, bedding and décor, and develop Amy Coe Home for adult bedding and home goods.
Coe boasts a successful retail track record with sales exceeding $200 million in children’s apparel, bedding, and home goods, according to TJLG.
Epic Rights Signs John Lennon
Epic Rights has been signed as the global licensing agent to develop a global branding and licensing initiative encompassing the career of John Lennon.
Epic Rights will develop two new programs for the John Lennon legacy: the John Lennon Classic brand for products featuring the artist’s name, likeness, and signature; and the Bag One Arts brand–based on drawings by John Lennon from rare archival sketches. These whimsical, hilarious drawings encompass 1964–1980 and evoke a sense of harmony and warmth.
To ensure the continued integrity of Lennon’s legacy and art, all licensed products will have the personal approval of Yoko Ono, according to Epic Rights.
Beanstalk Signs Carmen Marc Valvo
Beanstalk has signed the luxury fashion brand, Carmen Marc Valvo, for representation. Beanstalk will work to extend the brand to additional fashion and lifestyle products, including handbags, fragrance, health and beauty, and bridal categories, among other products.
Carmen Marc Valvo started his career in 1989. Today, the lifestyle brand is made up of several collections through licensing partnerships with leading fashion manufacturers. Current partners include Swimwear by Swimwear Anywhere, Eyewear and Sunglasses by Signature Eyewear, Fur by BC International Group, Knitwear by Republic Clothing Group, Shoes by H.H. Brown Shoe Company, and evening and beach bags by Y&S Handbags.
Saban, Jakks Partner for Emojiville
Saban Brands and Jakks Pacific, Inc., announced a strategic collaboration on the development of a new multi-platform property, Emojiville (working title). Saban Brands will launch Emojiville as an original web series this fall, and is also developing a television series for the brand to debut in the near future. This new kids’ series follows five emoji friends and their fun antics in Emojiville, which is a colorful town filled with spirited personalities and adventures.
Jakks Pacific will serve as Saban’s strategic partner for Emojiville and will develop a consumer products and toy line as well as technology products for the property. Saban Brands will lead the content, distribution, marketing, promotion, and other licensing for the brand.
Tinderbox Partners with Microsoft
Tinderbox, the digital division of Beanstalk, announced a partnership with Microsoft Studios to develop global consumer products programs for certain titles within the Xbox portfolio. Tinderbox will support two of Microsoft’s internal studios, Turn 10 Studios and Launchworks, in pursuing global licensing opportunities across multiple categories for Xbox franchises Forza Motorsport, Killer Instinct, and State of Decay.
Scholastic, Sprout Partner for Astroblast! Series
Scholastic Media, the entertainment and media division of Scholastic, announced a new series and licensing program. Astroblast! is an animated, interplanetary comedic television series for preschoolers that premieres July 12, 2014, on Sprout.
Astroblast!, based on the Scholastic books by author and illustrator Bob Kolar, is created and produced by Scholastic Media and Sprout. The new show follows the adventures of a crew of friendly and funny animal characters, Comet, Halley, Radar, Sputnik, Jet, and Sal, who run the Astroblast Space Station.
Scholastic Media is currently reviewing opportunities for Astroblast! in the following consumer products categories: toys, games, and puzzles; children’s apparel and accessories; and room décor and bedding.