Royaltie$, June 2012 by aNb Media

This brand leads to adventure... Licensing with a unique vision.

To find out more, visit us at Licensing International Expo, June 12-14, 2012, booth 6454 logon to: www.thelicensingcompany.com email: info@us.thelicensingcompany.com or call: +1 (212) 413-0880 Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.

London, Paris, Munich, New York, Tokyo

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JUNE 2012

Vol. 7, No. 3

Features

32 SPROUT VENTURES INTO CONSUMER PRODUCTS by Nancy Lombardi

34 MATTEL HOSTS FIRST-EVER GLOBAL LICENSING SUMMIT by Nancy Lombardi

36 TRENDS IN LICENSING 2012 by Nancy Lombardi

38 LICENSING SHOW 2012

by Laurie Leahey and Jennifer Lynch

80 THE METEORIC RISE OF THE APP by Chris Adams

82 PRODUCT PRESENTATION: APP LICENSING by Chris Adams

84 THE GAME PLAN FOR LICENSING by Jennifer Lynch

86 PRODUCT PRESENTATION: VIDEO GAME LICENSING by Jennifer Lynch

Departments 10

Observations & Opinions

Essence of Style

12 20 24 28 30 88 92

The TICKER Real Deal

On the Radar

Royaltie$ Marketplace: Classic Media’s Where’s Waldo? Mavericks in the Market: Kathy Ireland of Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW) You’re Hired

Calendar of Events

ON THIS PAGE FROM THE TOP: ESTÉE LAUDER’S MAD MEN LINE IS REPRESENTED BY BRAND SENSE PARTNERS. THIS PRODUCT AND PACKAGING WAS ORIGINALLY RELEASED IN 1967, WHICH NOW MATCHES THE TIMING OF THE TV SERIES. THE NAME GAME IS REPRESENTING THE BEL-AIR ASSOCIATION FOR LICENSING. DOODLE JUMP FROM LIMA SKY IS REPRESENTED BY FREMANTLEMEDIA. THE HUNGER GAMES’ KATNISS FROM MATTEL IS REPRESENTED BY STRIKER ENTERTAINMENT. AN IMAGE FROM THE FASHION SHOW THAT TOOK PLACE DURING MATTEL’S FIRST-EVER GLOBAL LICENSING SUMMIT IN MIAMI. THE HGTV PAINT LINE AT SHERWIN-WILLIAMS IS REPRESENTED BY THE BEANSTALK GROUP. ON THE COVER: GEEK CHIC FROM BRAND CENTRAL; REVENGE FROM FIREFLY BRAND MANAGEMENT; USA CURLING FROM RJM LICENSING; DISCOVERY EXPEDITION FROM DISCOVERY CONSUMER PRODUCTS; PEEPS FROM LISA MARKS ASSOCIATES; AMERICA’S SUPERNANNY FROM JOY TASHJIAN MARKETING GROUP; FRIDA KAHLO FROM SYNCHRONICITY; CUT THE ROPE FROM STUDIO LICENSING AND ESTABLISHED BRANDS; THE SMURFS 2 FROM SONY; GIRL SCOUTS FROM THE WILDFLOWER GROUP; DESPICABLE ME FROM UNIVERSAL; MAN OF STEEL FROM WARNER BROS.; COCA -COLA LICENSED PRODUCT FROM COCA -COLA COVER BY JENNIFER LYNCH

Taste Success

...innovative brand extension! We know it’s not just about the brand...it’s about a flavor, a scent or an experience that captures the magic of a product. TLC Food and Beverage is an award winning specialist division. Our knowledge extends to nutritional, ethical and sustainable food supplies, giving consumers the very best experience when they encounter your brand. To find out more, visit us at To find out more, visit Licensing us at Licensing International Expo, 12-14, 2012, booth 6454 International Expo, JuneJune 12-14, 2012, booth 6454 logon to: www.thelicensingcompany.com logon to: www.thelicensingcompany.com email: info@us.thelicensingcompany.com email: info@us.thelicensingcompany.com or call: +1 (212) 413-0880 or call: +1 (212) 413-0880

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JUNE 2012 • VOL. 7, NO. 3

by Andy Krinner

LARGE-SCALE LICENSING PROGRAMS NOT OVER YET few years ago as a LIMA board

placement and only cover a few categories.

ited debates over what qualified as a successful

changed that much. I know the business has

member, I served on the Awards Committee. There were always spir-

property. On one side of the argument were those who felt that success should only be determined by sales. Their idea of a terrific brand

or property meant products that extended across a wide array of categories at many dif-

ferent tiers of retail. On the other side were those who wanted to reward rather obscure properties that had only a handful of licensees

at best. They had minimal placement at retail but were unique and exemplified what a mar-

riage between an interesting property and product could be. That being said, their sales figures

were usually underwhelming. The argument was that these properties were just as impor-

tant considering the many hurdles they had to get over to even make it to retail while the bigdollar properties were usually the benefactors of big marketing budgets and heavy media ex-

posure. I understood both sides of the argument and tried to make my decisions by recognizing the virtues of both scenarios.

Lately I’ve been hearing that argument

again. Only now it applies to all properties. The licensing landscape has certainly changed

and the window of opportunity, especially for

entertainment licensing, has become smaller.

To a certain extent I see what they’re saying

but I couldn’t believe that our perception has changed over the years but I wonder if we are in a new period of licensing where expectations aren’t what they used to be.

My question was answered when I attended

Mattel’s first-ever Global Licensing Summit in Miami last month. I was given access to what

amounted to an international trade show covering all Mattel brands including Barbie,

Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, and Monster High.

(Read the story on page 34.) Not only was there

merchandise across many categories but across

all regions of the globe. Mattel has created a global synergy that makes it difficult to notice any difference in merchandise from one coun-

try to another. Mattel had a very successful start

with Monster High last year and that success continues as they introduce new characters and new categories. This year, Mattel will roll out

another property in a big way. They tried to keep it from me but using my keen licensing

JUNE 2012

EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CHRIS ADAMS CHRISA@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR LAURIE LEAHEY LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR JENNIFER LYNCH JENNIFER@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DR., HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM

out. So until then, mum’s the word. The trip to

have to visit their booth in Las Vegas to find Miami demonstrated that clearly the days of

large-scale licensing programs are not com-

Vegas. Safe travels to all.

CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM

229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, NY 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727

duce what it was in about 15 minutes. You’ll

these are properties that have limited retail

ROYALTIE$

ADVERTISING MANAGER DONNA MOORE DONNA@ANBMEDIA.COM

sixth sense and my grapevine, I was able to de-

pletely over—thank goodness.

stories and I’m amazed that, in some cases,

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM

INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM

What’s new today is old tomorrow. But I’ve

been hearing opinions on licensing success

PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM

I want to wish everyone a successful Li-

censing Show and I hope to see you in Las

ANB

MEDIA, INC.

ROYALTIE$ is published five times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2012 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. ROYALTIE$ is a registered trademark of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of ROYALTIE$ management.

www.aNbMedia.com

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A RECAP

OF I NDUSTRY

HEADLINES

• For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com

• Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Alerts

KELLOGG COMPANY SIGNS WITH THE JOESTER LORIA GROUP

The Kellogg Company has appointed The Joester Loria Group (TJLG) as its exclusive licensing agency for the U.S. and Canada. TJLG will develop and execute a strategic licensing program around key themes and trends relevant to each Kellogg brand, across a full range of lifestyle products, housewares, and home goods as well as select food extensions. TJLG will represent brands including Apple Jacks, Cheez-It, Eggo, Froot Loops, Honey Smacks, Keebler, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Special K, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini-Wheats, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, and Rice Krispies, in addition to its archive of classic advertising art and characters such as Tony the Tiger; Snap, Crackle, and Pop; Toucan Sam; The Keebler Elves; and original Kellogg artwork by American artists such as Norman Rockwell.

AGENCIES APPOINTED

FOR

PAC-MAN TV SERIES

Namco Bandai Games, 41 Entertainment (41e), and Arad Productions have appointed several new agents for U.S. licensing and promotional efforts for the upcoming Pac-Man television series, slated to begin broadcast on Disney XD in fall 2013. Striker Entertainment, led by Marc Mostman and Russell Binder, will be charged with securing licensees in the key categories of apparel, accessories, footwear, health and beauty aids, oral care, and publishing. The CDM Company, headed by Mitch Junkins, will handle all consumer promotional efforts. All categories not specifically handled by Striker and CDM will be retained by the 41e team in-house. 41e will manage the overall global licensing and merchandising program and has already granted a number of key licenses.

Pac-Man animated series

PINOCCHIO TO BECOME 3-D ANIMATED FEATURE

Guillermo Del Toro will co-direct The Jim Henson Company production Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio along with Mark Gustafson (animation director on The Fantastic Mr. Fox). It will be a 3-D stop-motion animated version of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio, the classic tale illustrated by Gris Grimly. The film marks Del Toro’s first turn helming an animated feature. Inferno, a production and film financing company, represented the property to international buyers at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in May.

LICENSING AGENTS SIGN

FOR

DRIVER DAN’S STORY TRAIN

Rocket Licensing in the UK and Licensing Street in the U.S. have been appointed to take the preschool entertainment brand Driver Dan’s Story Train into a wide range of categories across the two territories. Driver Dan’s Story Train has already established a number of strong partnerships including Golden Bear (UK master toy licensee), The Macmillan Campbell Books imprint (books), and Universal (DVD partner in the UK). Rocket plans to work with all existing licensing and retail partners to maximize the brand’s potential throughout 2012 and 2013. It will also boost brand awareness with strong promotional programs. Licensing Street is planning a major push for the brand at Licensing Show, where the company will be introducing Driver Dan and his friends to potential new U.S. licensees.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

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K’NEX TO CREATE BUILDABLE FIGURES FOR KISS,THE BEATLES

Live Nation Merchandise brokered two deals with K’NEX Brands to create building toys inspired by the rock band KISS and The Beatles’ film Yellow Submarine. KISS buildable figures will feature the iconic black and white makeup, trademark hairstyle, and platform boots of the band members. Yellow Submarine figures will feature groovy outfits, a black mop-top unique to the 1968-era of Beatles history, and the face that captures the look and persona specific to each Beatle. Sets include all band members and their instruments, such as guitars and drums, to recreate the full band experience. The package also doubles as a stage. Designed for children ages 5 and up, the buildable figure packs will be available exclusively at Target, target.com, and knex.com this fall.

EBG TO LAUNCH NEWYORK.COM

Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG) has joined forces with the original owners of NewYork.com to transform the domain into the central resource for researching information, planning and booking activities, and visiting New York City. The site is scheduled to launch later this summer. EBG will operate NewYork.com on behalf of a joint ownership group.

TK BRAND GROUP SIGNS ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT

Andersen Press, based in London, has appointed TK Brand Group to be the licensing agency for Elmer The Patchwork Elephant, for representation in North America. TK Brand Group will look to expand the brand beyond its current licensee base, which includes Kids Preferred, Lakeshore, and Ocean House Media, with merchandising and promotional opportunities. Elmer is a classic literary property with more than five million books sold and nearly 40 books in more than 40 languages, with another original title due out this fall. Elmer shares the positive message of accepting differences, helping others, and enjoying life.

HASBRO, AÉROPOSTALE, C-LIFE PARTNER

FOR T-SHIRT

DEAL

Hasbro and Aéropostale announced the creation of an exclusive T-shirt collection featuring Hasbro’s Battleship and G.I. JOE brands. The new Hasbro–Aéropostale line, created by C-Life Group, includes both Battleship and G.I. JOE men’s graphic T-shirts and is currently available on Aéropostale.com worldwide. Battleship debuted May 18 and G.I. JOE: Retaliation will hit theaters June 29.

INFUSION, DAILY LIFE

DEAL

FOR

SHAMPAW

Infusion Brands continues to expand its product line through a new licensing and distribution agreement with Daily Life LLC, maker of pet products. This agreement grants Infusion Brands exclusive worldwide distribution rights for Daily Life’s signature product, Shampaw. Under the agreement, Infusion Brands will launch the consumer pet products, featuring Shampaw, via direct-response programming. Infusion Brands is currently anticipating a second quarter on-air launch. Shampaw is a dog-washing glove designed to clean your dog from the inside out, instead of just washing the surface like most other products and devices. The 38 water-jet nozzles built into the glove ensure your dog is free of debris, fleas, and dander, while simultaneously massaging your dog.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Fashion Director to Designer

H&M announced a special collaboration with Anna Dello Russo, former fashion editor at Vogue Italia and current fashion director at large and creative consultant at Vogue Japan. The special collection of accessories, which includes jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags, and a trolley, highlights Dello Russo’s unique sense of style and taste for ornamentation. The collection will be available starting October 4, 2012, in 140 stores worldwide and online.

Tommy Bahama at Bat for MLB

Tommy Bahama and Major League Baseball (MLB) Properties teamed up again this year for a new, expanded collection of co-branded apparel. The roster for the Collector’s Editions shirts includes a Red Sox/Fenway Park shirt, a Yankees Special Edition shirt, a St. Louis Cardinals Commemorative World Series shirt, a 2012 All-Star Game shirt, and team shirts for the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, and Atlanta Braves. These will be available only at select Tommy Bahama stores and at tommybahama.com. Tommy Bahama will also unveil new MLB-themed sportswear, including knit track jackets (currently available for nine teams) and a collection of half-zip sweaters, pigment-dyed polos, and signature camp shirt styles, customized for all 30 MLB teams with logos. Fans can find the MLB-inspired designs at select ballparks, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, select specialty stores, and tommybahama.com.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Shoes for Superheroes

Stride Rite Children’s Group introduces the X-celeRacers by Stride Rite Marvel collection. Available at locations where Stride Rite shoes are sold, X-celeRacers feature favorite Marvel superheroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, and Spider-Man. The new X-celeRacers sneaker features a strap with adjustable closure, a grooved and lightweight outsole, and lightweight cushioning for comfort. There is a special X-celeRacers by Stride Rite Marvel collection webpage, www.striderite.com/marvel, that hosts a variety of interactive activities for parents and kids.

A Sweet Skirt

Magnum, a premium ice cream, partnered with fashion brand alice + olivia and its founder Stacey Bendet to introduce new Magnum Mini ice cream bars, now available at grocery retailers nationwide. Bendet will draw inspiration from the dainty but decadent Magnum Mini to design an original “Mini” skirt, which will be revealed during the brand’s spring 2013 presentation at New York Fashion Week this September.

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LMCA SIGNS NEW AGREEMENTS

Sears Holdings’ Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard business unit (KCD) has appointed Leveraged Marketing Corporation of America (LMCA) as its exclusive global licensing agent. The agreement supports KCD’s global initiatives to extend the Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard brands to new product categories and geographic markets, both within Sears Holdings and externally. LMCA will work closely with KCD to identify, evaluate, and manage licensing opportunities around the world. A new deal was also signed with Forbes Media, appointing LMCA as its trademark licensing representative. The agreement supports Forbes’ initiatives to extend the brand to new product categories and geographic markets. LMCA and Forbes will work together to capitalize on new global licensing opportunities.

MEGA BRANDS AND MATTEL

MEGA Brands has entered a multi-year global licensing partnership with Mattel to develop construction toys based on Barbie and Hot Wheels. The new lines will be available at retail starting in spring 2013. The strategic alliance leverages the MEGA Bloks brand and its expertise by bringing Mattel’s properties to life in the fast-growing construction toy category. The MEGA Bloks Barbie collection will offer a new Barbie play experience with a focus on creative play and customization. The line will feature Barbie and friends in a buildable world of fashion and dream locations. The MEGA Bloks Hot Wheels collection will center on performance, stunts, and the vehicles. Boys can customize through construction as vehicle play merges with construction toys.

HYBRID APPAREL SIGNED FOR DESPICABLE ME 2

Universal Partnerships & Licensing, Illumination Entertainment, and Hybrid Apparel will partner on the domestic production of apparel based on the upcoming movie Despicable Me 2, which is expected to be in theaters July 3, 2013. Hybrid will produce a wide variety of apparel including boys’, juniors’, men’s, and girls’ T-shirts, fleece, 2fers, thermals, tanks, and tops centering on Despicable Me minions (pictured right) and other key characters from the film. Hybrid also plans to branch into the toddler category to promote the film. Apparel is expected to launch at retail in summer 2013.

HIT ENTERTAINMENT AND ALL INCLUSIVE COLLECTION

All Inclusive Collection announced a partnership with HIT Entertainment, a division of Mattel, for exclusive rights in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean that brings HIT’s characters to its resorts in the region. HIT’s portfolio, including Thomas & Friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, and Angelina Ballerina, will be featured in the newly designed kids’ clubs and interactive kids’ areas opening this summer at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Cancun Palace (soon-to-be Hard Rock Hotel Cancun in August), and Aventura Cove Palace (soon to be Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in early 2013). These three properties are owned by the All Inclusive Collection, and operated by an affiliate of the All Inclusive Collection under licensing agreements from Hard Rock International.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Despicable Me minions

HASBRO, NETFLIX IN DEAL

Hasbro Studios, the television production and distribution division of Hasbro, Inc., signed a multi-year deal with Netflix, Inc. Ten Hasbro franchises, including new and catalog seasons of the company’s content, will be available to instantly watch on Netflix. Transformers Prime, My Little Pony, Pound Puppies, G.I. JOE: Renegades, and The Adventures of Chuck & Friends are now available to instantly watch on Netflix. Jem & The Holograms, Transformers: Generation 1, G.I. JOE: Real American Heroes, Transformers: Beast Wars, and Transformers: Rescue Bots will follow later this year. Hasbro content will be available on Netflix and included in the Netflix Just For Kids section, which is designed for kids ages 12 and under.

SEARS DIVISIONS ENTER NEW DEALS

Sears and Bonnier Corporation’s Outdoor Life have entered into a relationship to launch a line of Outdoor Lifebranded sportswear for men, to be made available in more than 800 Sears stores nationwide and on Sears.com beginning this September. The exclusive collection will include items such as cotton flannel shirts, thermal crews, Henley shirts, hooded fleece zip jackets, cotton canvas cargo pants, and more. Sears will feature the Outdoor Life brand in stores nationwide in an in-store retail space called the Outdoor Life shop. Outdoor Life will promote the line with a comprehensive marketing campaign that includes coverage in the October, November, and December/January issues of Outdoor Life magazine as well as a presence at consumer events, multimedia program opportunities, and integration on OutdoorLife.com. Kmart (a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation), LF USA (a subsidiary of Li & Fung Limited), and Latin World Entertainment Licensing announced the launch of a new home collection by Sofia Vergara. Sold exclusively through Kmart, the expansion of the Sofia by Sofia Vergara brand into home follows the popularity of the star’s apparel line, which launched exclusively with Kmart stores and on Kmart.com in fall 2011. Sofia by Sofia Vergara Home features both bedding and bath products.

WILDBRAIN ENTERTAINMENT AND JAZWARES

Wildbrain Entertainment, a DHX Media company, has tapped Jazwares as master toy licensee for Yo Gabba Gabba! Jazwares will manufacture, market, and distribute a line of preschool toys based on the television series. The line will cover a broad range of categories, including figures and accessories, plush, playsets, vehicles, and musical toys. Products will be available at mass and online retailers nationwide by early spring 2013.

TK BRANDS ADDS LICENSEES FOR LIL’PANDA

Lil’panda has turned to licensing to expand the brand across retail. With an official brand launch projected for spring 2013, Lil’panda has added licensees including American Greetings (greeting cards), Bioworld (headwear, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, bags, wallets, coin purses, hosiery, audio accessories, and lanyards), Evy of California (girls’ sportswear), Gund (plush), and Jerry Leigh (juniors’ and girls’ tops). Lil’panda is a tween-targeted fashion and self-expression brand that launched in 2009 in more than 40 specialty stores across the U.S., including Fred Segal.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

NEW PRODUCTS, NEW DEALS, HOT TRENDS

New Design Brand Debuts

Art Impressions has teamed with San Francisco-based designer Julie West to develop a new design brand that will be shown for the first time at Licensing Show 2012. In partnership with Art Impressions, West has developed a chic but whimsical design collection featuring animals, smiling fruits, and other imaginative characters. Designed to appeal to children as well as their parents, the new design brand is particularly well suited for apparel, fashion accessories, stationery products, textiles, and home décor applications. With her sophisticated yet quirky art style, West has built a vast following in both corporate and pop-culture circles. She is most well known for her collaborations with clients such as Kidrobot, Nike, Jansport, Arista Records, and Disney Vinylmation. Her custom creations have appeared in Hasbro’s 25th Anniversary My Little Pony collection as well as TOY2R’s Skelanimals Qee figurines.

Angry Birds Lands Garden Deal

Exhart, garden décor manufacturer, has teamed up with Rovio Entertainment to develop a full line of Angry Birds garden stakes, chimes, statuary, accessories, and lighting. Product is scheduled to be available spring 2013 across all channels. The deal was brokered on behalf of Exhart by licensing agent/manufacturers rep Brand Central and Rovio Entertainment.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

New Collectible Domo Toys to Hit Retail This Year

Big Tent Entertainment and Mezco Toyz announced a licensing agreement for a new line of collectibles featuring the iconic character Domo. The new Domo line, which is expected to hit specialty stores later this year, will include bobbleheads, clip-on figures, action figures, and wind-up walking toys. Mezco Toyz first unveiled the assortment of new collectible Domo products at Toy Fair in February.

Spider-Man Electronics Shoots to Retail

Marvel has granted Lexibook rights to design, manufacture, and distribute SpiderMan electronic products in the U.S. and Canada. Lexibook will launch a range of products including electronic learning toys, games, and audio visual products for boys, such as laptops, DVD players, clocks, plug ’n play games, and other toys.

NEW PRODUCTS, NEW DEALS, HOT TRENDS

Dark Knight Hits the Books Hidden Valley Ranch Adds Flavor to a Classic Snack

Thanasi Foods teamed up with The Clorox Company to add Hidden Valley Ranch-flavored sunflower seeds to its line of Bigs Sunflower Seeds. The new Bigs Hidden Valley Ranch Sunflower Seeds will be available this month nationwide. Key retailers include Sports Authority, Loaf ’n Jug, Circle K, Home Depot, Travel Centers of America, Sunoco, ExxonMobil, Speedway, Chevron stores, and more.

Surfs Up for Paul Frank

Saban Brands announced the launch of the new Paul Frank Robert August surfboard, featuring Paul Frank’s iconic Julius design. The limited-edition board is the product of a partnership with American surfer and surfboard shaper Robert August. In celebration of the collaboration, Paul Frank sponsored the 13th Annual Robert August Surf and Turf Charity Challenge in March in Costa Rica, which marked the launch of the exclusive board.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ The Dark Knight Rises will be adapted into an official tie-in novel written by Greg Cox and published by Titan Books, under a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Cox wrote the official novelizations for comic book storylines such as Infinite Crisis, 52, Countdown, and Final Crisis. He also produced adaptations and original novels based on Star Trek, Underworld, Warehouse 13, and other properties. The Dark Knight Rises novel will launch at retail the same day as the film’s scheduled theatrical release, July 24.

The Good Wife Signs First Licensee for Home Décor

CBS Consumer Products has tapped Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Interlude Home to create a home décor line inspired by the CBS drama The Good Wife. The new line, and first license for the TV series, is developed in collaboration with set decorator Beth Kushnick and inspired by the actual set decorations seen on the series. Products will debut on the show’s fourth season this fall. Through the agreement, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams will focus on home furnishings, which will be carried in its stores nationwide. Interlude Home will create accessories, accent furniture, and lighting, which will be available in stores throughout the U.S. and online. All products will be co-branded.

CLASSIC MEDIA’S WHERE’S WALDO? BY JENNIFER LYNCH

artin Handford was working in the UK as a commercial illustrator when he caught his big break. He was approached to highlight his unique talent— drawing large crowd scenes—in the form of his first art book. During the twoyear process of creating the book, Waldo became a fixture hidden in each scene. The character evolved out of neccessity, as a link to tie the book’s diverse crowd scenes together. But it quickly became apparent the public’s interest wasn’t in the scenes but in the red-and-white-striped character. First published in 1987, Where’s Waldo? has since grown into a global publishing success with more than 556 million books sold worldwide and translations in more than 30 languages published in more than 38 countries. Waldo has become one of the most recognizable, yet hard to find, characters in the world. This fall will mark the 25th anniversary of the brand. The brand’s momentum hit an all-time high last year when Classic Media helped to secure a network of new agents for the property across key territories, including France, pan-regional Europe, and Korea, with licensees totaling 130 worldwide. Territories launching new consumer products programs this year include Spain, France, and Korea. In the U.S., new anchor partners were signed, including Techno Source, a division of LF Products (games, puzzles, and novelty), Jem Sportswear (men’s and young men’s apparel), and Concept One (accessories). New lines are expected to launch this fall, timed to the brand’s anniversary. Other upcoming activity for the brand includes partnerships with The Empire State Building, which will display a red-white-red anniversary lighting, and with fashion label Comme des Garçon, which is designing a limited-edition Where’s Waldo? apparel collection. Continuing the anniversary celebration this fall, Where’s Waldo? will build on its foray into the digital gaming space with the launch of its third app for iOS (Ludia) as well as expansion into new platforms, including the property’s first Facebook game (Ludia) and its first app for Android (Gameloft). Waldo may even be spotted on the big screen in the near future after MGM announced that it secured the rights to create a Where’s Waldo? live-action film. [Editor’s note: This is the third production studio that will attempt to translate the property to the big screen.] These days, you never know where you might see Waldo next.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Fast Facts

• Waldo originated as Wally in the UK but is also known as Charlie (France), Willy (Norway), Walter (Germany), Ubaldo (Italy), and other variations.

• Waldo’s dog Woof, typically recognized by his red and white striped tail, is a white Labrador Retriever. • The Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Waldo was broken last year at the Street Performance World Championship in Dublin, Ireland.

• Other Where’s Waldo? characters include Waldo’s friend Wenda, his mentor Wizard Whitebeard, and his alter ego Odlaw. • Some Where’s Waldo? scenes are made up of more than 900 distinct figures.

TECHNO SOURCE

Techno Source, a division of LF Products and part of Li & Fung Limited, is developing Where’s Waldo? board games, puzzles, card games, and novelty items, including the original Where’s Waldo? search-and-find glitter wands.

CONCEPT ONE ACCESSORIES

Concept One Accessories will debut a diverse line of Where’s Waldo? fashion accessories for a wide variety of consumers this summer, including Where’s Waldo? bags, headwear, belts, wallets, and slippers that appeal to juniors, young men, and tweens.

WALKER BOOKS/ CANDLEWICK PRESS

Walker Books/Candlewick Press, the publisher for Where’s Waldo? books for the past 25 years, will launch brand new Where’s Waldo? titles.

ELOPE

Elope is expanding its Where’s Waldo? costume line to more than 10 items, including costumes for men, women, children, and dogs, and complementary socks, messenger bags, beanies, and glasses.

JEM SPORTSWEAR

Jem Sportswear and Awake, a division of Jem Sportswear, will develop a line of fashion-forward Where’s Waldo? tops for men, juniors, boys, and girls.

AMERICAN GREETINGS

American Greetings is developing a line of Where’s Waldo? greeting cards and gift packaging, scheduled for launch this fall.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Kathy Ireland will deliver the keynote address at Licensing Show 2012 on Tuesday, June 12, at 8:30 A.M. at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

KATHY IRELAND BY JENNIFER LYNCH

or Kathy Ireland, her first taste of a career in design and business began at age 4, when she sold painted rocks out of a wagon in her hometown of Santa Barbara, Calif. And then at age 11, when she worked as a newspaper carrier. “My father said to me, ‘If your customer expects the paper on the driveway, put it on their front porch. You must under promise and over deliver,’” says Ireland. Since then, Ireland has held this standard up to everything she does. Before starting Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW), Ireland was best known for her work as a model and actress. But in 1993 when her modeling career hit a lull, she seized an opportunity to model athletic socks for designers John and Marilyn Moretz, of Goldtoe-Moretz, and instead she asked if she could partner with them to design the socks. The Moretzes were onboard, but the concept was immediately met with criticism. Many argued that the only chance Ireland had to make it at retail was if she launched in swimwear, which she was most well known for as a model. “Trying to sell swimwear to women would’ve been too obvious,” she says. “No one would believe the designs were my own. I felt that if women embraced our socks, there would be a door to real opportunity.” Since then, she continues to prove her critics wrong. The company has since sold more than 100 million pairs of those socks and kiWW now designs and markets more than 50,000 products, sold in more than 50 countries. “When someone tells you ‘No’ ask ‘Why?” she says. ‘When

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someone says ‘Yes,’ ask ‘How?’ We must learn to face our fear and use it as an engine to ignite our passions into actions.” For Ireland, it was never about the pay out from a sale, it was and continues to be about creating solutions for families—especially busy moms—for the long-term. This goal became clearer for Ireland after her son was born. From a business standpoint, moms needed to be made a priority. “Maybe it isn’t very catchy,” she says. “But as moms we have lots of challenges and we love solutions. That mission statement gave our brand elasticity.” That mission statement has since expanded to encompass its broadened consumer base in new categories such as bridal, home décor, and outdoor living. Quality, value, and safety of kiWW products are just as important as the look and design of its product, says Ireland. On tables, rounded edges are incorporated into the design to prevent injuries for little ones. Carpets and area rugs are stain and soil resistant. “We think about heavy traffic as well as family members of all ages, shapes, and sizes,” Ireland says. Ireland describes her business strategy as always starting from the ground up. “In fashion, we began with socks,” she says. “In home, we began with area rugs. Starting from the bottom gives us a great foundation.” Licensing is also part of what has made the company’s growth possible. Since Ireland’s first product, which was also kiWW’s first licensed product, the list of kiWW licensees has grown to include Shaw Industries, a

division of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway Companies (flooring); La Jobi (infant room décor); Hallmart Collectibles (bedding); 2be (bridal); and more. The partnership with Shaw Industries specifically helped Ireland hone her vision. “When we began our flooring program with Shaw, Mr. Buffet warned that fashion changed every 90 days,” she says. “He advised that the home industry had a great need for fashion and offered greater stability. He also explained that despite the growth of major retailers, there would always be a place in the landscape for the neighborhood stores.” It was advice that Ireland continues to rely on, growing its success in the independent distribution channel each year. kiWW’s growth has also allowed the company to add new properties to its portfolio. “We wanted to make sure we served families to the fullest,” says Ireland. “There were people who suggested that we take photographs of me in the kitchen and the garden to bring those categories into our brand, but that would be a lie.” So instead, Ireland turned to Chef Andre Carthen to help develop the ACafe Society by Chef Andre brand, which offers a line of products for cooking, entertaining, and fine dining, and landscape designer Nicholas Walker to develop the Jardin J du J brand, which offers products for outdoor living and gardening. Ireland says that every day, she continues to work at honoring the teachings her dad instilled in her. “Today I’m still the girl with the paper route,” she says. “And I hope I always will be.”

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Ventures into Consumer Products BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

Chica, from Sprout’s Sunny Side Up Show, is getting her own series. The Chica Show, expected to launch this fall, will be the focus of the network’s first consumer products program.

hica is a chicken puppet who co-hosts Sunny Side Up Show on the Sprout TV network. Chica, whose voice resembles a kazoo, is paired with a rotation of four live hosts. She is about to become the network’s break-out star. Last year, Fiesta Toys was signed by Sprout to produce 13-inch Chica plush. The plush was tested exclusively on Amazon.com and 12,000 units were sold in a week’s time, according to the network. A quick search on Amazon.com before press time shows the original Fiesta plush still listed on Amazon.com with a few opportunistic sellers offering it from $185 to $300—and to top it off, the buyer has to pay for shipping. Sprout’s goal with last year’s test, according to Jim Multari, Sprout’s vice-president of marketing, was to gauge awareness of Chica and gauge interest in buying products. Needless to say, viewers are aware and interested. The nearly 150 comments from shoppers on Amazon.com are begging for more products—and are certainly not happy with the few exploitive sellers. And with that, Sprout is now in development on consumer products programs for its own intellectual properties (IP) starting with Chica. At the same time, the network is also developing more of its own IP. Sprout went on the air in September 2005 operating as a partnership between Sesame Workshop, PBS, NBCUniversal, and Apax Partners. (Apax Partners also owned HIT Entertainment, which was recently

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purchased by Mattel. Sprout is a separate entity and was not included in the sale to Mattel.) Initially the network relied on its owners to provide the on-air content, such as Sesame Street and Barney & Friends. While these shows and many other classics are still on the air, Sprout’s next step is to air its own IP. The programming on the network is set up to wrap around the day of a preschooler. The 6A.M.–9A.M. block is Sprout’s Wiggly Waffle Block. The block features The Wiggles, and it’s about getting up, getting active, and starting a busy day. “We then have Sunny Side Up Show, which is 9A.M.–noon,” says Multari. “This is a live show that we produce every day at the Comcast Center in Philadelphia. This show is hosted by Chica, along with a live host.” The 6P.M.–9P.M. block features Good Night Show. It’s all about winding kids down from their busy day, according to Multari. Sprout owns Sunny Side Up Show and Good Night Show and is looking to develop them into consumer products programs. In addition, “We are starting to develop more long-form original shows,” he says. This fall, Chica from Sunny Side Up Show will get her own series. It has a working title of The Chica Show. The series will feature Chica along with a variety of new characters, which will focus on exploration, imagination, and free play. Chica is the starting point for licensing for Sprout. Fiesta will develop a plush line that will once again be on Amazon.com and will also be stocked across Fiesta’s extensive network of specialty retailers this fall. Sprout’s Multari says that the network will host a shop on its website at sproutonline.com for its IP as well as the other series on the network. Multari says that Sprout is in nearly 55 million homes so it does not yet have the reach for full-scale mass-market retail distribution. Awareness of the network and its series must grow first. Although Sprout is not exhibiting at Licensing Show, they will use the show as an opportunity to meet with potential partners. The next opportunity is expected to come from Noodle and Doodle, another Sprout IP, says Multari. The series, which is about crafting and cooking, has licensing potential. In addition, there’s Good Night Show, which also has licensing potential especially in the digital space for eBooks, says Multari. Chica may be poised to be the network’s break-out star but it appears she will have to share the spotlight with a whole cast of characters.

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MATTEL HOSTS FIRST-EVER GLOBAL LICENSING SUMMIT

iami was the host city for Mattel’s first-ever Global Licensing Summit, which took place in early May. Certainly summits are nothing new for Mattel but this was the first time that the company brought global licensees together in one place to make one brand statement. The goal was to get the regions to interact and work in unison to expand everyone’s business. Over the course of the three-day event, Mattel mapped out its global plans for each of its brands. Mattel hosted a gala on the final evening with a sit-down dinner for nearly 700 guests. All were treated to a Barbie fashion show (image shown here) that featured clothing from myriad licensees. aNb Media sat down in Miami with Rosa Zeegers, senior vice-president of global consumer products for Mattel Brands, to discuss the company’s plans. Zeegers discussed the strength of Barbie, Monster High, and Hot Wheels while acknowledging that Fisher-Price has a lot of work to do to reposition itself to reach today’s moms. (The HIT Entertainment acquisition was not part of the discussion just yet as the integration of HIT into Mattel continues.)

The moment a woman learns she’s pregnant is when she starts seeking information. Today’s moms-to-be find virtually all of that information online. Fisher-Price recognizes that it needs to reposition itself to interact effectively with moms of the 21st century. As a mom builds her online community, Zeegers explains that Fisher-Price needs to situate itself as a brand that is part of that mom community. “This is a completely different way of

FISHER-PRICE

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NANCY LOMBARDI

positioning ourselves than we have ever done before,” she says. “The values of the brand don’t change. It is still about trust and quality. But the way we talk to moms has to change profoundly.” Part of this refocusing will be to create a consumer products program. Fisher-Price has always had a modest consumer products business but Zeegers says, “We have put a stake in the ground. That stake looks across all the Mattel brands and our biggest growth targets are within Fisher-Price. There is an equity in FisherPrice that we have not yet maximized.” Mattel’s flagship Barbie brand has a robust global consumer products program. However, Zeegers says there is a lot of opportunity to grow in the apparel category. “Apparel is the core of any licensing program,” she says. “The more solid you make it, the ripple effect will grow from there.” It was previously announced that Bentex Group has been signed for a U.S. apparel line, which is in Kmart and Walmart. The Barbie apparel program will spread globally with licensees and retailers that are appropriate for each market.

BARBIE

Monster High marks the first time that, “we launched a franchise as a franchise,” says Zeegers. This wasn’t a doll launch with consumer products added as an afterthought. Monster High fans can expect to see significant growth for this brand over the next few years. There will be more content, characters, and categories. Also, more countries will be introduced to the brand. It was previously

MONSTER HIGH

Mattel’s first-ever Global Licensing Summit took place in Miami in early May. It ended with a gala for nearly 700 people. Attendees watched a Barbie fashion show featuring product from licensees.

announced that a theatrical film is in the works for Monster High. Hot Wheels continues to successfully cultivate its message that it’s moving from a “toy brand to a boy brand,” says Zeegers. Hot Wheels is developing content and additional consumer products, especially in the outdoor and sports-related categories, to reach fans of all ages.

HOT WHEELS

In speaking with licensors and licensees leading up to this month’s Licensing Show, South America and Asia were repeatedly mentioned as key regions for growth regardless of the property or product categories mentioned. The conversation in Miami with Mattel was no different. It is recognizing the strength of its brands globally while admitting weakness in some sectors. This first global summit is helping Mattel strengthen its reach by inviting licensees to work hand-in-hand with Mattel— and each other—on a worldwide basis.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Domestic Licensing: Cindy Chang 818-777-2067 or Tricia Chaves 818-777-2440 • International Licensing: Ray De La Rosa 818-777-5694 Worldwide Digital Licensing: Bill Kispert 818-777-5446 • Retail: Jamie Stevens 818-777-6716 • Domestic Promotions: Michelle Hagen 818-777-8175 • International Promotions: Amy Cruz 818-777-5789

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TRENDS IN LICENSING 2012

ow that we are halfway through 2012, and another Licensing Show is upon us, it’s a good time to assess the trends in licensing. The recession has changed business profoundly. In conversations with numerous licensors across all categories, part of that change now puts the focus on Asia, South America, and New Europe for growth. Continued shrinking U.S. retail shelf space—and a shrinking amount of U.S. brickand-mortar retailers—is forcing many to look for alternative channels of distribution. For some, those opportunities are coming from overseas while for others it’s online. Overall, the mood of those interviewed is bullish for the continued turnaround of the U.S. economy. Or simply put, “Let’s face it, Americans can only go so long without shopping,” says Debra Joester, president and CEO of The Joester Loria Group, which recently signed Kellogg’s and Eric Carle for licensing. While that certainly is true, the fact remains that unemployment in the U.S. is high, many people are also under-employed, and it’s an election year. All factors that could lead to uncertainty. Looking across the pond, things in “Old Europe” are a mess. Germany’s economy is doing well. Yet on the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s Greece. As of press time, it had yet to be decided whether Greece would remain with the Euro. Whatever the outcome, it creates uncertainty for all of Europe, which will affect the U.S. While the U.S. and Europe are offering slow growth, the economies of China and Brazil are strong. “Brazil is hungry for anything,” says Bill McClinton, senior vice-president of licensing for Global Icons. “Its economy is booming. It has more traditional retailers [compared with some other markets] and it is hungry for brands and

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NANCY LOMBARDI

especially aspirational brands.” Global Icons’ BMW, Mini, and Ford programs are seeing success in Brazil as well as the rest of South America and Mainland China. In a similar aspirational vein, Saban is growing Paul Frank across Asia. “China has been our fastest growing market,” says Elie Dekel, president of Saban Consumer Products. “We partnered with Shanghai Romma and they opened numerous boutiques in high-end malls. We expect to have 40 stores across China by year end.” The Licensing Company (TLC) opened 13 Jeep-branded stores in the past six months with 27 more planned in the next year mainly in South America and Asia, according to Angela Farrugia, group managing director of TLC. The company is also working globally to license Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, and ReckittBenckiser, to name a few. In addition, TLC is building infrastructure in New Europe by working with a variety of consultants. TLC’s primary targets will be Poland, Russia, and the Ukraine.

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP

While traditional retailing may be on the rise overseas, online shopping is changing the retail landscape in the U.S. To compete with online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores are working diligently to offer exclusive merchandise as well as reduce the size of their stores in some markets. Both options are expected to help combat “showrooming,” where consumers browse the stores and then shop online for a better price, according to Carla Dearing, managing director and CEO of IMC Licensing. Retail exclusives continue to be important and a number have been announced over the past year. FremantleMedia recently signed a deal with

Kohl’s for an exclusive line of American Idol apparel. The Kardashian Kollection is available only at Sears. Kmart is featuring actress Sofia Vergara. Actress Salma Hayek has a line at CVS. “Retail exclusives are still very important but they require much more creativity,” says Michael Stone president and CEO of Beanstalk. Beanstalk crafted the CVS exclusive for client Salma Hayek. Beanstalk also created a retail exclusive in the paint category for client HGTV with Sherwin-Williams. Stone also points out that supermarkets may be the next frontier for retail exclusives. The food licensing category has performed very well but no one has targeted specific supermarkets with product lines, according to Stone.

HOT PROPERTIES

Licensors are finding opportunities in many types of places. There are the more traditional routes such as movies and television, which certainly still prove successful. However, apps, YouTube, and young adult novels were the key words on everyone’s lips. The Angry Birds grip on the industry continues. “We have 30-plus licensees in the U.S. and retail support continues to be strong,” says Marc Mostman, partner in Striker Entertainment, representing Angry Birds for licensing. Yet with all the tech talk, one of the hottest licenses of 2012, The Hunger Games, comes from a series of books written by Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games debuted at the box office on March 23. Catching Fire and Mockingjay are the next two books in the series. Both are slated for the big screen. Represented for licensing by Striker Entertainment, the next film Catching Fire is expected in theaters in November 2013. Mostman

was unable to reveal plans for the upcoming licensing program but said, “The focus at Licensing Show will be on Catching Fire. All things point to a very successful program.” Successful literary licensing programs are nothing new for Striker Entertainment. It is managing the Twilight series for licensing.

CARVING A NICHE

It wouldn’t be Licensing Show without talking about blockbuster films and it’s impossible to ignore the $1 billion in ticket sales that is Marvel’s The Avengers. The rest of the big-budget lineup features such movies as Battleship (now in theaters), Men in Black 3 (now in theaters), G.I. JOE:

Retaliation (June 29), The Amazing Spider-Man

(July 3), and The Dark Knight Rises (July 20).

However, those interviewed are not connected to the

Hollywood studios and instead are part of the shift in

the business toward “niche properties,” which focus on an audience with specific interests.

Niche properties “may not offer a $50 million

a year program,” says Holly Rawlinson, founder

of The Name Game. “But it’s something you can sell that is sustainable.”

Rawlinson is building her business on these

types of properties. She was recently signed by the Bel-Air Association to create a luxury lifestyle program. She also works with Dara Foster, pet

fashion stylist, of PupStyle.com. Foster just debuted a line of goods at Global Pet Expo, which is now available in T.J.Maxx, HomeGoods, Bed

Bath & Beyond, and other stores. Foster has also

just finalized her second book with Scholastic and two more may be on the way.

The Name Game’s Rawlinson has also recent-

ly signed fitness expert Tiffany Rothe. Rothe has

a channel on YouTube with 52,000 subscribers,

more than 14 million video views as of press

time, and an active website. “We are focusing less on retail for Rothe and focusing more on

building her business online,” says Rawlinson.

Brand Sense Partners has shifted the way it

operates and is taking an approach that is similar to

The Name Game. “We are looking for other ways

to make money off of the licensing eco-system and provide value to our clients,” says Ramez Toubassy, president and CEO of Brand Sense Partners. The company now offers clients additional services such as creative services, marketing, and branding work. “We can get a bigger piece of a smaller licensing pie but, at the end of the day, it can be a longer-term pie,” says Toubassy. Brand Central agrees and is taking it one step further by creating its own brand. “Owning the trademark Geek Chic, Brand Central has created a lifestyle brand that celebrates fashion-forward geek style in a broad array of product categories,” says Ross Misher, CEO of Brand Central. Brand Central is also working with lifestyle website Apartment Therapy. “These lifestyle destinations allow consumers to share information, ideas, and products, which give these sites great authenticity,” Misher says.

MUST-SEE TV

Like everything else these days, TV viewership is changing. No longer do audiences have to tune in when the network dictates to watch their favorite shows. Consumers can watch what they want, where they want, when they want. They are not necessarily watching their favorite “TV show” on a TV. Increasingly, viewers are on mobile devices and many shows are developing devoted audiences. That provides ample opportunity for product placement in shows that turn into programs at retail. Licensors also have to be a lot more clever and speak to fans who are in the know, which often means taking the high-end route to licensing.

Brand Sense Partners represents AMC’s Mad Men for licensing. Estée Lauder recently relaunched makeup in its original packaging from 1967, coinciding with the timeframe of the show, says Toubassy. There is such subtle branding that programs like this, “expand the way we think about licensing,” says Toubassy. Not quite as high-end as Estée Lauder but exemplifying the same attributes that others interviewed have mentioned, Brandgenuity has been signed by History Channel to represent the brand and its TV shows such as Swamp People, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and American Restoration. “Each of these shows is very different but there’s a thread that ties them together,” says Adina Avery-Grossman, partner, Brandgenuity. The thread is “Americana.” Each series exemplifies what viewers see as American values whether it’s working with your hands, entrepreneurialism, or working with family across the generations. “It’s a back-to-basics mindset that many men relate to,” she says. “Many feel these are the values that made this country great,” says Avery-Grossman. “These are the values that will bolster us through these times and into the future. These are hopeful shows and they present a very hopeful and positive view of America.” The licensing program is expected to feature all-family options such as food, destinations, and experiences. It will also focus on specialty outdoor retailers, sporting goods, and home improvement stores. This hopeful message as described by Avery-Grossman was felt by all of those interviewed. Regardless of the product category, global region, or property, the industry is carrying a positive attitude about the business into Las Vegas and into 2013.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012

COMPILED BY LAURIE LEAHEY AND JENNIFER LYNCH

The following companies represent a sampling of what will be on display at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas during this year’s Licensing International Expo.

Mattel

Mattel’s Barbie brand is represented in more than 45 different consumer products categories including apparel, accessories, home décor, beauty, publishing, sporting goods, and electronics. This year, Barbie invites fans to “See What Happens . . . ” by providing innovative and fashionable consumer products. Barbie steps into the apparel aisle with an all-new Barbie-branded apparel line for girls launching globally throughout the year. In the U.S., Barbie will partner with The Bentex Group to unveil a stylish new apparel collection available at Kmart and Walmart. The collection will include apparel set combinations of tops and tunics with skirts or leggings that feature chiffon, tulle, and ruffles. The Bentex Group will also launch a line of Barbie graphic Tees showcasing glam embellishments including sparkles, sequins, and bows. This fall, a new Monster High middle grade book series will expand the global partnership of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Monster High into the tween market. The new series, called Ghoulfriends Forever, will be written by Gitty Daneshvari, author of the popular School of Fear books. The series adds three new monster characters—Becca Steam, Rochelle Goyle, and Venus Mcflytrap—to Mattel’s Monster High brand. This year, Random House Children’s Books and Mattel will celebrate 50 years of bringing Barbie to the page for young readers through classic Golden Books. To commemorate this anniversary, Random House will publish two vintage replicas of the original Barbie stories and art from 1962, the first year of the partnership. In 2010, Dynacraft released a Hot Wheels bike, and this spring, the company introduced the Hot Wheels Turbo Revvin’ Rev Grip Bike with lights and sounds. This new 14-inch bike features a BMX frame and a new light-up Rev grip that “revs” like a motorcycle. The bike has a high-gloss adjustable seat, a handlebar pad, and comfort grips. It is for ages 4 and up. Dynacraft also released the Barbie Bling It Bike, which lets girls decorate their own bike and bike bag with gems, markers, glitter glue, and pre-printed stickers. The sturdy frames are decorated with a Barbie design, and the bike features a handlebar pad, comfort grips, high-gloss adjustable seat, and colorful training wheels. The Barbie Bling It Bike also comes with a minibike for Barbie attached to the handlebars. The bike is for ages 3–7.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ (WBCP) Man of Steel (June 2013) provides opportunities for licensees and retailers. The Dark Knight Rises (July 2012) will be supported by master toy licensee Mattel and many other partners. For the The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (December 2012) and The Hobbit: There and Back Again (December 2013), WBCP is working with a range of top-tier licensees, including master toy partners The Bridge Direct and Vivid Group. WBCP will grow its DC Nation block on Cartoon Network, a multi-platform franchise featuring programming produced by Warner Bros. Animation, with the new series Beware the Batman and additional animated fare. The Looney Tunes Show and Scooby-Doo are reaching new generations of fans and partnering with licensees to support each program. This year WBCP and DC Entertainment have extended their partnership with Mattel, which continues image from The Hobbit: An to build on the strength and value of the DC Comics superheroes. Unexpected Journey

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications and its licensing agent, The Joester Loria Group (TJLG), plan to broaden the branded Animal Planet pet program with new products. Premium Pet Health, a division of the John Morrell Food Group, will introduce a line of 100-percent allnatural treats, crunchy and chewy biscuits, and jerky. The grain-free treats are all-natural, made with real meat, made in America, and are USDA- and FDA-approved. Wet grooming products from Fantasia Accessories will include dog shampoo and conditioner and dog deodorizing body mist. The products will be non-toxic, alcohol-free, tear-free, and PH-balanced for pets’ sensitive skin. Edison Nation will launch kitty litter, pet gates, and bird houses via direct response television. In addition, the Animal Planet pet care library of more than 75 titles continues to grow. California Costumes will expand its line of Halloween pet costumes with new SKUs launching at Party City and key online accounts this fall. A portion of the proceeds from all licensed products will continue to benefit the principal partners of R.O.A.R (Reach Out. Act. Respond), Animal Planet’s national campaign that, together with leading animal organizations, leads the way in taking action and being a voice for animals. Going into the end of this year and into 2013, Discovery will continue to develop a multi-faceted licensing program including digital media, toys, fan gear, publishing, and other merchandise based on popular programs. Licensing programs that are expanding this year include Sons of Guns Tshirts and caps, gift and novelty items, bar ware, paintball guns, and accessories from Club Red. Discovery and Northwest Territorial Mint introduced a line of Gold Rush collectibles and commemorative coins, including gold-enhanced coins, ladies’ jewelry, key fobs, and real gold nuggets mined in Alaska. A line of T-shirts and caps are in the works, while Discovery seeks further opportunities in accessories, gaming, and publishing. Discovery partnered with My Dirty Jobs to produce a line of Dirty Jobs-branded cleaning products earlier this year. Dirty Jobs Complete, a heavy-duty, oxygenpowered stain remover, debuted at Walmart in March. Additional products will be available at major retailers this year including bleach-powered bathroom cleaner, oxygen-powered foaming cleanser, carpet aerosol spray, multi-surface cleaner, laundry spot-remover, degreaser, and hand sanitizer. In partnership with luggage manufacturer Delsey, a line of Discovery Expedition lifestyle luggage, travel bags, and accessories debuted earlier this year. Delsey featured more than 25 SKUs, including the Discovery Expedition Aquilon line. The rugged-looking collection offers upright luggage, rolling duffel bags, and outdoor backpacks that are spacious, lightweight, and feature innovative, functional elements, such as pockets for tech gear and an ergonomic trolley handle. Products will be available at retail later this summer. Discovery is also seeking partners for Discovery Expedition lifestyle apparel, footwear, eyewear, and camping gear.

Hasbro

Hasbro entered into an agreement with music group One Direction to produce a new line of toys and games based on the members of the popular boy band. Hasbro’s One Direction product offering will be sold globally, with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland, this fall. The collection will include fashion dolls, mini-figures, and more. The Global Brand Licensing & Publishing division of Hasbro will expand its lifestyle licensed merchandise for kids, adults, and families based on Transformers, My Little Pony, Nerf, and other Hasbro brands. The lineup will span major categories including apparel, home, food, and publishing. Additionally, the company will spotlight ongoing momentum in the entertainment sector from film to television and digital gaming.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Marvel

Marvel continues to assemble a major worldwide licensing and merchandising campaign to support Marvel Studios’ upcoming theatrical slate, led by the recent release of Marvel’s The Avengers and the upcoming release of Iron Man 3 (May 3, 2013). Marvel will also leverage all the Avengers-related TV content, including two brand new TV series launching in 2013, as well as other platform content, such as video games, comics, and digital. Marvel’s approach is to establish Avengers Assemble as the franchise retail umbrella that will help drive licensed product sales in 2013 and beyond. Marvel is positioning Avengers Assemble as a long-term theme that will provide licensees and retailers the opportunity to develop integrated, evergreen consumer products programs based on the individual films and the overall franchise. Partners already on board include master toy licensee Hasbro, Hallmark for social expressions, Li & Fung for apparel, Jay Franco for home, and Kraft for food, among others. Marvel is looking to assemble a roster of licensees across all core categories to build comprehensive licensing and merchandising programs as well innovative retail and co-branded programs surrounding its upcoming feature film releases. The soon-to-be-released The Amazing Spider-Man is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Spider-Man support and enthusiasm. To bring the character to kids’ homes on a weekly basis worldwide, the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series recently launched as part of the Marvel Universe on Disney XD block in the U.S. and will roll out internationally this fall. This content focus, along with new video games, comics, books, and digital initiatives, will secure Spider-Man’s status as a core, evergreen boys’ franchise. Marvel’s approach to this portfolio is both long-term and expansive, establishing Ultimate Spider-Man as the franchise retail umbrella that will help drive licensed product sales through 2013 and beyond. With major licensees already on board and new partners being signed in key categories, Marvel is looking to grow Spider-Man significantly with comprehensive licensing and merchandising programs, as well an innovative retail approach.

The Wish Factory

The Wish Factory created a new line of Cody Simpson dolls and accessories, figures, and plush koalas available exclusively at Toys “R” Us and ToysRUs.com. The Cody Simpson Fashion Doll Collection dolls come with sculpted hair made to resemble Simpson’s signature side-swept surfer ‘do. The 11.5-inch dolls feature bendable joints, and each includes a pair of shoes, sunglasses, microphone, guitar pick, and lanyard. The Singing Doll Collection includes two 11.5-inch dolls that sing either “On My Mind” or “iYiYi” when you push a button on the doll’s stomach. Each doll comes with an outfit, shoes, stickers, microphone, guitar pick, and lanyard. The Wish Factory is relaunching the original ICEE Slushy Machine. The ICEE Deluxe Slushy Machine’s new and Singing Cody improved design makes slushies in three steps and includes all the equipment needed to make slushies. The ICEE Slushy Simpson Maker is a smaller, sleeker version of the deluxe machine. Each ICEE Slushy Refills box comes with one pack of orange, cherDoll ry, and blue-raspberry flavors. PopGrrl is a new line of fashion accessories for tween girls. The first product in the line is PopGrrl Nail Charms, stick-on nails with three-dimensional art designs. The licensed PopGrrl Nail Charms include Blow Pop (in strawberry, grape, watermelon, and apple scents), Tootsie Roll (chocolate scented), and Gummy Bears. They are for ages 6 and up.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 FremantleMedia Enterprises

Bellator Fighting Championships is a tournament-based mixed martial arts organization that showcases a unique format of world-class fighting with a 12-week eight-man tournament. FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) sold the TV rights to the sixth season of Bellator Fighting Championships to Celestial Tiger Entertainment for exclusive broadcast on its assortment of pan-Asian channels, including the all-action channel KIX; CANAL+ in Poland; Esporte Interativo in Brazil; RTL for the Big RTL Thrill channel in India; Turner in Latin America for syndication to more than 48 countries across the region; Ananey Communications in Israel for its Ego Men’s Package; and TV2 in Norway. FME will handle the licensing, digital, and ancillary rights for the U.S. and international markets, and explore a range of opportunities across co-branded products, licensing partnerships, e-commerce, sponsorship, and more. Monsuno, co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between Jakks Pacific, Inc., and Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FME and The Topps Company, Inc., premiered on Nicktoons in the U.S. on February 23. It is rolling out in more than 60 markets worldwide with multi-platform launches in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand this spring on Nicktoons, plus more free-to-air deals to be announced. As distribution and ancillary rights agent for the brand, FME signed agreements with Jerry Leigh for a range of apparel, including graphic T-shirts and bottoms for boys; VIZ Media for paperback and digital graphic novels (U.S. and Canada only); and Accessory Innovations for accessories, including backpacks, lunch totes, messenger bags, and more (U.S. only). FME seeks new global partners for categories such as apparel, graphic novels, sticker and activity books, games, outdoor toys, dress-up and roleplay, activity and craft, and puzzles. Tree Fu Tom is a new 3-D, CGI-animated fantasy action-adventure property. With animation by Blue Zoo Animation, Tree Fu Tom is a co-production between FME and the BBC for CBeebies. Aimed at 4–6-year-olds, the show is set in an enchanted world where movement creates magic. Viewers are encouraged to interact with the show through physical actions that have been devised and approved by movement development specialists to assist in the development of children. FME is taking a phased approach to its consumer products roll-out strategy in order to maximize consumer awareness and build character recognition. For the initial launch, FME seeks partners in toy, publishing, apparel, and DVD. For full launch, FME seeks partners for outdoor/sports, interactive games, stationery, dress-up, novelty, puzzles, and tableware.

MGA Entertainment

Novi Stars is a new tween brand from MGA. The Novi Stars may look a little different on the outside but inside they are just like any other Earth girl, wanting to make new friends, update fashion trends, try new things, and find out what on earth is going on. Lalaloopsy’s licensing program includes a video game from Activision as well as apparel, fashion accessories, books, and film from a variety of other licensees. First released in 2001, Bratz dolls continue to keep up with and set the pace for fashion trends. The dolls feature a message of self-expression and individuality for pre-teen girls. From the iconic Cozy Coupe to innovative new toys, Little Tikes has delivered an engaging play experience for more than 40 years. MGA helps keep that heritage alive with new toys and licensed properties this year.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 MODA

The Tour de France Cycling collection by Cycle Force Group/Messingschlager consists of bicycles, gear, and parts/accessories. Tour de France bicycles, parts, and accessories are available in North America, the UK, and Europe through IBD, sporting good stores, distributors, and online retailers. A range of kids and adult Tour de France bicycles are in select U.S. Walmart stores. Licensing benefits America’s VetDogs by assisting the non-profit organization’s ability to raise funds through the sale of licensed consumer products. Licensing is a major initiative for VetDogs to build incremental and sustainable revenues as well as brand awareness for the organization. America’s VetDogs raises, trains, and matches service dogs to wounded American heroes at no charge to the soldier. Categories available for VetDogs licensing include dog apparel, grooming, accessories, crates and kennels, flea and tick, leashes and leads, collars, and dog toys.

NBCUniversal

Based on the 1978 science-fiction television series Battlestar Galactica, Bif Bang Pow will release eight-inch scale action figures of Captain Apollo and Cylon Centurion. Each figure features multiple points of articulation, episode-specific fabric clothing, and a retro style. Also for Battlestar Galactica, licensee Anovos will produce costumes. And later this year fans can purchase high-end art prints of Ralph McQuarrie’s original, classic Battlestar Galactica concept from EFX Collectibles. Diamond Select Toys expands its Munsters action figure line with an Eddie and Marilyn twopack. The two youngest members of the Munster clan come as a pair, side-by-side in oversized select figure packaging, along with character-specific accessories for Spot and Woof Woof. Moebius Models will produce a building kit that lets fans build 1313 Mockingbird Lane, the home of The Munsters. The Munster House kit is 1:87 scale and approximately six inches tall upon completion. Rittenhouse Archives will produce trading cards for TV show brands The Bionic Woman and The Six Million Dollar Man. In April, Ubisoft released House, M.D.: Critical Cases on Facebook. The game allows fans to join House and his team at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital to investigate and uncover medical mysteries. Working alongside characters from the show and Facebook friends, players race against the clock to diagnose and cure the most critical cases. House, M.D.: Critical Cases is licensed through Universal Partnerships & Licensing on behalf of NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group. The Biggest Loser Live Training program will launch this year through a partnership with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). The program will offer certification for fitness professionals to become official Biggest Loser Pros, as well as direct-to-consumer fitness options with online and onsite training. To mark the debut of The Biggest Loser Live Training, AFAA will offer free workout sessions conducted live online with a certified AFAA Biggest Loser Pro. This online event will take place on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 from 9 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. PST. It will feature a series of 20-minute workout sessions running every half hour throughout the duration of the event. The deal between AFAA and NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products was brokered by Consumer Strategies, Inc.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 The Wildflower Group

The Wildflower Group is spearheading a full-scale licensing and merchandising program for Girl Scouts of the USA, in association with licensing agency Creative Properties. In March, Build-ABear Workshop debuted a make-your-own Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Bear. Available at BuildA-Bear Workshop stores and buildabear.com, the limited-edition bear features a matching pink nose and feet and an anniversary trefoil on her chest. Bear-sized Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior uniforms are also available. In April, Carvel debuted Sundae Dashers featuring Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs. The limited-time treats combine Carvel’s classic soft serve ice cream with layers of one of the three Girl Scout Cookie toppings. Also arriving at Carvel chains nationwide in July will be Carvelanches in these three new flavors. The specialty ice cream concoctions feature Carvel ice cream blended with one of the three varieties of Girl Scout Cookies. This fall, Steiff will introduce its Girl Scouts Centenary Bear, a limited-edition golden blond collectible bear. Made of mohair wool and featuring five-way articulation, the bear wears a Girl Scout Junior uniform with a green skirt and sash and the troop number 312 (for March 12, 2012, the official date of the 100th anniversary).

Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price offers the DC Super Friends Wheelies Batman Raceway Ride-On, available this June. Fold down the front of the ride-on to convert it into a raceway ramp. Line up the Batmobile and The Joker race cars at the top, press the button, and watch them zoom down to the finish line. The ride-on includes underseat storage and Batman and The Joker Wheelies race cars featuring Batman phrases and sound effects. It is for ages 1–3. From Amscan is the Fisher-Price First Birthday Party Goods line available at Party City this October. Utilizing the new Fisher-Price signature style design and popular circus theme, more than 30 products are availFisher-Price Two Tune TV ornament able to help set-up for baby’s first birthday. The line will include candles, wall and hanging decorations, and first birthday hats and bibs. TCG (formerly The Canadian Group) has partnered with Fisher-Price to develop, manufacture, and market infant and preschool puzzles for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The new line will provide age-appropriate developmental learning content and feature the characters from the Laugh & Learn and Little People brands. Puzzles will feature content appropriate for kids as young as 10 months old in a variety of formats including wood and traditional paperboard. From Reader’s Digest are two new Little People lift-the-flap books: Let’s Go to the Farm and Let’s Go to the Zoo, available this month. They feature early learning concepts such as colors, shapes, action words, counting, and animal sounds with labels and rhyming text in both English and Spanish. Reader’s Digest has also introduced some of the best-selling Fisher-Price Little People preschool books in e-book format, bringing the Little People characters and their stories to life with narration, sound effects, and music. They are available through iTunes, BarnesAndNoble.com, and Amazon.com for Kindle, Nook, and iPad. Fisher-Price and Hallmark announced new ornaments to be included as part of Hallmark’s holiday keepsake collection. Introduced in 1966, the Fisher-Price Two Tune TV ornament plays the “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and “London Bridge is Falling Down!” melodies while pictures scroll across the screen. Turn the knob on the front of the ornament to see scenes move and hear the authentic sounds of toy.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment’s (SPE) Hotel Transylvania (3-D), a CG-animated film due in U.S. theaters September 28, is available for worldwide licensing and promotions. The Hotel Transylvania is Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up. Dracula invites some of the world’s most famous monsters to celebrate his daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. But his world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis. After Earth, a live-action film set 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s flight from Earth, is available for worldwide promotions and licensing. While traveling to a nearby planet, an asteroid storm damages legendary soldier Cypher Raige and his son Kitai’s ship, and they crash-land on an inhospitable Earth. As his father is dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. The film is anticipated for U.S. release June 7, 2013. Sony Pictures Animation’s The Smurfs 2 (3-D), the sequel to the hybrid live-action/animated comedy The Smurfs, is scheduled for release in the U.S. August 2, 2013. It is available for worldwide promotions and North American licensing. International licensing for the property is handled by IMPS. In the sequel, the evil wizard Gargamel creates a group of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties to harness the all-powerful, magical Smurfessence. But when he discovers that only a true blue Smurf can give him what he wants, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and imprisons her in the city of Paris. To save Smurfette, Papa and the Smurfs must reunite with the Winslows before Gargamel can learn the secret and rule the world. Cloudy 2: Revenge of the Leftovers (3-D), is the sequel to the 2009 film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. At the end of the first movie, Flint Lockwood and friends are forced to leave Swallow Falls. But when it is discovered that sentient food beasts have overrun the island, they return to save the world again. The film is due for U.S. release February 7, 2014. It is available for worldwide promotions and licensing.

C3 Entertainment

C3 Entertainment, Inc., (founded as Comedy III Productions, Inc., in 1959 by The Three Stooges) is expanding its licensing activity, with The Three Stooges brand remaining at the core of its business. C3 introduced a new licensing program for The Three Stooges movie, which released last April, in addition to its classic Three Stooges licensing program. Several current licensees for The Three Stooges classic program have taken on the movie license, including Changes and All-U (T-shirts) and IGPC and Homestands (international collector coins and stamps). New licensees for both programs include Papercutz (new movie-based comics and reprints for classic Three Stooges comics in a collector’s hardcover edition), Browntrout, Leap Year Publishing, Mead Westvaco (calendars), and Easter Unlimited, Inc./Fun World (Halloween costumes). Senitype also licensed the film for collectible bookmarks, film cel cards, and movie tickets. C3 has taken on additional classic brands for licensing and merchandising including the Barbi Benton Signature Collection. Merchandise is expected to feature the style and flair of the actress, recording artist, and super model. C3 is seeking licensing partners in all categories. Last November C3 also announced its exclusive representation of Dan Haggerty, best known for his role as Grizzly Adams in the TV show The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, for worldwide licensing and merchandising. Arrow Classics/Linda Lovelace is another brand now represented by C3 for licensing and merchandising. A Lovelace biopic is now in post-production. C3’s product line will only provide non-offensive, fully clothed, traditional pin-up art for Lovelace and other classic Arrow titles. The Deep Throat Energy Drink is now available at retail. C3 is seeking licensees in all categories.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 HIT Entertainment

HIT Entertainment, a division of Mattel, will introduce new friends and destinations for Thomas & Friends on the Island of Sodor in the CG-animated 60-minute feature Blue Mountain Mystery, set for its global release on DVD (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) this fall. Thomas & Friends licensees worldwide, including Fisher-Price, Random House, Egmont, MEGA Bloks, and TOMY will create more than 75 tie-in products, including books, games, engines, playsets, apparel, bedding, and accessories based on Blue Mountain Mystery. Discovery Bay Games and HIT Entertainment will introduce the first Thomas & Friends iPad game “appcessory” and corresponding apps. The new Thomas & Friends-branded Duo appcessory will offer app-supported active play for iPad and is slated to be introduced this fall. HIT Entertainment and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio have teamed-up to produce 52 12minute episodes of Mike the Knight. Additional new broadcast territories for the property include Cartoon Network (Italy), Hop TV! (Israel), YLE (Finland), RTE (Ireland), NOS (Netherlands), VRT (Belgium), Canal Panda (Portugal), and EBS (South Korea). More than 40 licensees have been signed for the property including Character Options as master toy licensee in the UK and Simon & Schuster as global publishing partner. Product roll-out began in the UK, and a full U.S. consumer products program will debut at mass and specialty in 2013. Most recently, the series was sold to Super RTL (Germany) and the broadcaster was also appointed as the property’s licensing agent in the territory. International expansion continues with the appointment of CPLG Benelux and TF1 Licenses as licensing agents in their respective territories. Nelvana Enterprises represents the series in broadcast and home entertainment in Latin America and France as well as broadcast in the U.S., while HIT Entertainment represents Mike the Knight in all other territories globally. HIT Entertainment has new partners for Angelina Ballerina. A new feature DVD release, Angelina Ballerina Dreams Do Come True, debuts this August (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) and will air on PBS Kids later in the year. Angelina Ballerina Dancing on Ice, the UK winter DVD release, hits shelves in October. In Latin America, new partners were added for apparel and accessories. AB Studio Licensing will also license an Angelina Ballerina dance curriculum—The Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy—to studios in the U.S. The program will commence this fall, teaching beginner dance at two levels developed by dance education specialist and master teacher Beverly Spell. UK master toy licensee Character Options will launch a new range of Bob the Builder toys later this year including new playsets, vehicles, and figurines. This summer, Red Toolbox will debut a new line of Bob the Builder-themed real working tools and wooden kits for preschoolers in the U.S. A new Bob the Builder website with CGI artwork debuted in the UK earlier this year and will roll out to all other territories throughout the year. Muck’s Train to Trouble debuted as the first Bob the Builder app in January, and a new game app launched this spring.

The Orb Factory

The Orb Factory will feature new licensed items from Fancy Nancy and VeggieTales. The Sticky Mosaics Fancy Nancy Sunglasses kit contains one pair of sunglasses, one sunglasses case, eight Fancy Nancy stickers, and more than 250 sparkling jewel pieces. VeggieTales Sticky Mosaics Friendship Box contains one friendship box with a special compartment and more than 650 colorful sticky foam and sparkling jewel pieces. Kits feature the well-known characters from the Fancy Nancy children’s books and the faith-based series VeggieTales. Follow the simple numbered legend and add sparkling jewels and tiles. Kits are for ages 5 and up.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

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A Global Multiplatform Brand • Over 200 Licensees Worldwide and Counting! • 156 x 7 Minute Episodes + Special Content. • New Content Premiering in 2012 + 2013 • Visit us at Booth #7161

Pocoyo™ & © Zinkia Entertainment S.A.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Universal Partnerships & Licensing

Gru’s Minions from Despicable Me 2

Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) has a slate of properties available for licensing, retail, and promotional partnerships. Despicable Me 2, the sequel to the 2010 blockbuster, leads the lineup. Illumination Entertainment has created an all-new animated adventure featuring Gru, his girls, and his vast army of minions, expected in theaters July 3, 2013. Fast & Furious 6, expected to be in theaters May 24, 2013, brings the next installment in the global franchise. Tom Cruise will star in the sci-fi motion picture event Oblivion, expected to hit theaters April 26, 2013. On June 28, 2013, Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds will star in the supernatural action-adventure R.I.P.D. and on July 19, 2013, Universal is expected to release Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park in 3-D. In addition, 2012 films to be featured include the 3-D fantasy-adventure 47 Ronin, starring Keanu Reeves (due in release November 21) and Les Misérables, the motion picture adaptation of the musical, starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe (due in theaters December 14). UP&L will also highlight evergreen properties such as Curious George; The Big Lebowski; E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, which celebrates its 30th anniversary; Back to the Future; and Woody Woodpecker.

The Jim Henson Company

For The Jim Henson Company’s preschool television series Pajanimals, currently airing on Sprout, TOMY International, its U.S. master toy licensee, is developing an assortment of innovative toys and juvenile products for launch in 2013. The company also inked a digital licensing deal with NFusion Interactive for the first Pajanimals app launching this month for tablets and smartphones. The 3-D app, an interactive adaptation of the episode Light in the Sky, features activities that play off of the theme of the episode as well as music and animation. NCircle Entertainment, its home entertainment distributor in the U.S. and Canada, is set to release the first DVD, Meet the Pajanimals, this August. Additional licensees to launch products in 2013 include SaraMax Apparel Group, Inc. (sleepwear), Planet Sox (socks), Lighthead Beds (illuminated graphic children’s headboards), Starbound Entertainment (parade balloons), and California Costumes (infant/toddler Halloween costumes). Dinosaur Train, airing on PBS Kids, currently has about 70 licensees worldwide. Henson recently signed a licensing agreement with TDG & Associates for the brand to develop healthy foods and snacks for toddlers across several food categories. The first products will be available at retail in 2013. Master toy licensee TOMY will debut new products for the brand this year including new additions to the InterAction Figure line led by the new Extreme InterAction Figures. TOMY has also expanded the Dinosaur Train playset offerings and collectible figure line to include a new Arctic Adventure Motorized Train Set and a large-scale Dinosaur Motorized Adventure Set. Internationally, the Company has signed new licensing agents and licensees, including Mega License for Russia; Puffin (publishing in the UK) and Egmont (cover mounts in Poland); and Henson is close to making an announcement for new agents in Germany and the UK. The company unveiled a new licensing strategy to celebrate Fraggle Rock’s 30th anniversary in 2013. Henson is partnering with Talenthouse to provide a platform for artists and designers to create art that embodies the brand. Thirty brands, designers, and artists will offer unique products to commemorate the year. Companies and designers already on board include: DRx Romanelli (DRx Fraggle Denim), celebrity designer Anita Ko in conjunction with Glamhouse (costume jewelry), Kamibashi (Fraggle Rock String Doll Gang dolls), and music producer Bryan Ray Turcotte (compilation record featuring top indie artists’ unique rendiFraggle Rock tions of popular Fraggle songs).

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Paradox Entertainment

Paradox’s portfolio of entertainment and character properties includes Spartacus. The Starz show focuses on the lore of Spartacus—betrayed by the Romans, forced into slavery, and reborn as a gladiator. A new season for the series, starring Liam McIntyre, Lucy Lawless, and Peter Mensah, will debut in January 2013. New licenses include Gale Force Nine, Titan Publishing, and Rizzoli/Universe. The sequel to the 2010 movie, The Expendables 2 stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, and Terry Crews, along with Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and new members Liam Hemsworth and Yu Nan and martial arts legends Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. It hits theaters in August. Licensees include Hot Toys, United Cutlery, and Diamond Collectibles. Conan the Barbarian celebrates its 80th birthday this year. New licensees include Quarantine Studios, Epic Weapons, and Rizzoli/Universe.

RJM Licensing

RJM Licensing, Inc., has been named by Michael O’Mara Books Limited as the exclusive licensing agent for the Where’s the Meerkat? series of books. Where’s the Meerkat? was published in September 2011 in the UK. As of this spring, the activity-based book will be distributed by Barron’s in the U.S., and the book will be available in 20 additional countries. Future titles will include Where’s the Meerkat?: Journey Through Time and Where’s the Meerkat?: On Vacation. RJM Licensing is seeking licensing partners in toys and games, apparel, electronics, room décor, and stationery. RJM Licensing was also appointed as worldwide licensing agent for USA Curling, which is the national governing body for the sport in the U.S. RJM will fill key licensed categories, such as technical gear, apparel and accessories, toys, games, and apps, in order to have merchandise available right before, during, and after the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, which will be held in Sochi, Russia. RJM also plans to team up with a leading Russian licensing agency to ensure that USA Curling merchandise needs are looked after in Sochi. RJM Licensing was named licensing agent in the U.S. and Canada for British artist Madeleine Floyd. Working in conjunction with DRi Licensing in the UK, RJM will fill key categories, such as stationery, fabric, kitchen textiles, pet products, and home décor. Floyd’s whimsical artwork captures the character and personality of a diverse range of subjects, including birds, animals, gardening icons, sports, and special occasions.

Source Interlink

Source Interlink Media (SIM) completed its transformation into a multimedia full-service agency and content creator. The company will be expanding its apparel and accessories offerings in both its automotive brands and its action sports group, as well as developing more apps for mobile and tablet devices. SIM is the owner of more than 70 enthusiast brands. The company has more than 800 licensed consumer goods, and the automotive category continues to drive sales with products including jumper cables, jumpstarts, inverters, air compressors, power centers, organizational tools, multi-tools, and pet car safety. Motor Trend cellular accessories and Bluetooth items have been successful, and the assortment grows with GPS accessories. Advance Auto Parts sells Motor Trend product in each of its 3,500 locations. SIM’s GrindMedia division has licensed the Surfer and SLAM brands for apparel and accessories. SIM added eight new branded radio shows and developed four different branded TV shows.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Striker Entertainment

Striker Entertainment will feature several new blockbusters including Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, due in theaters November 2013. Striker will also announce several worldwide licensees for Pacific Rim, an action film from Legendary Studios, directed by Guillermo del Toro, and starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, and Ron Perlman. The film is anticipated for release summer 2013. Striker continues to represent new film properties from Summit Entertainment, including Ender’s Game, based on a popular science-fiction novel series, starring Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, and Viola Davis (due November 2013); and Warm, a zombie/human love story starring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, and John Malkovich (due February 2013). Other properties that will be featured at the Striker booth include AMC’s The Walking Dead, which enters its third season this fall; Ted, a Seth MacFarlane live-action film; and other new reveals. Striker’s work with Rovio Entertainment for Angry Birds continues to grow, with more than 35 domestic licensees currently in place.

The Hunger Games’ Katniss Barbie doll from Mattel

Zinkia Entertainment

Zinkia Entertainment’s Pocoyo now airs in more than 150 markets around the world in multiple languages, with renewals and new partners joining. In the licensing arena, Pocoyo has more than 150 partners worldwide and continues its global expansion. In the U.S., Zinkia recently signed a slate of new licensing partners, brokered by Evolution, including LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (digital content for the LeapFrog platforms), Buy Seasons (online party goods and accessories), Pioneer Balloon Company (balloons for global distribution), Baby Boom Consumer Products (toddler bedding and pillows), and JCP Live Productions (costume character events). The new licensees join the brand’s existing roster of key partners, including Bandai America Incorporated (master toy); Random House Children’s Books (books); Bentex Group, Inc. (master apparel); TCG, formerly The Canadian Group (puzzles and games); and NCircle Entertainment (DVD), which recently renewed its agreement for five years. New Pocoyo-branded merchandise launching this summer through 2013 includes books (Random House), apparel (Benetex), party goods (Buy Seasons), and new DVD titles (NCircle). In spring 2013, Zinkia will introduce a new Pocoyo circus theme, which will be incorporated across select product lines. In Russia, Zinkia has signed Rio Licensing as its licensing agent and Gran Toy as its master toy partner. In Turkey, Zinkia has secured licensees for Pocoyo across categories with Metropol serving as licensing agent. In South Korea, Zinkia has signed licensing agency Cocoban and renewed the agreement with its Pan-Asian agent Empire. Pocoyo continues its growth in Spain with new licensee deals bringing the total number of licensees in Spain to more than 50. A new licensing agent, Tycoon, was also secured to manage Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Colombia.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 CPLG

CPLG, Cookie Jar Entertainment’s licensing arm, along with TAITO Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., the intellectual property owner of Space Invaders, is launching a range of licensed product for the U.S. this year. Product launches include apparel from Changes Apparel, high-end apparel from Junk Food Clothing, children’s sleepwear from Saramax Apparel Group, adhesive wall clings from Blik, as well as an e-commerce launch with ThinkGeek and Fanatics, Inc. Space Invaders was the first game to hit Japanese arcades in 1978, resulting in a gaming craze that spread worldwide. The image of the pixelated alien has reach far beyond the world of video games. CPLG is leveraging the retail success of Caillou with Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and Toysrus.com, which will Space Invaders Astronaut T-shirt offer an expanded assortment of Caillou merchandise this fall. The line will include figures, playsets, puzzles, bath toys, from Changes Apparel and plush. PBS Distribution continues to release new Caillou DVD compilations this year including Caillou’s Outdoor Adventures and Caillou’s Mysteries and Adventures. Caillou toddler Tees are now available at JCPenney stores, and Caillou bedding is being developed by new master bedding partner, Baby Boom (dba Betesh Group). Richard Scarry’s Busytown launched a new toy line in fall 2011 with its master toy partner The Bridge Direct. The Busytown Play System lets kids explore and play in their own Busytown world, just like in the books and on the TV show Busytown Mysteries. Wonder Forge has followed up with another board game for this year, Busy, Busy Airport Game. CPLG is also renewing its partnership between the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Richard Scarry’s Busytown to continue promoting child passenger safety, and has secured a top QSR partner for most of 2013. Also in development are home furnishings from Gift Creations and toddler footwear by Crocs.

Brand Central

Brand Central will unveil new opportunities for both new and existing clients. Brand Central has developed an entire lifestyle program to capture the trend of geek culture in its new trademarked brand Geek Chic. The program celebrates fashion-forward geek style in a broad array of product categories. Brand Central continues to be a dominant force for food and beverage licensing representing dairy manufacturer and distributor Wells Dairy; Dr Pepper Snapple Group; restaurant chains Baja Fresh, La Salsa, and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s; as well as new client Beekman 1802, the brand behind the reality TV show The Fabulous Beekman Boys and bestselling novel The Bucolic Plague. Brand Central is also a market leader for fitness and wellness brands representing the eco-home brand Seventh Generation, yoga lifestyle brand Gaiam, and personal health and wellness expert Dr. Andrew Weil. In the home arena, the company signed Apartment Therapy, a leading home blog reaching more than five million unique visitors per month; safety and security leader First Alert; and high-end baby boutique Petit Tresor (with agency Ripe Ideas). The agency is working with leading outdoor brands on behalf of The Jarden Corporation, including Coleman (camping), K2 (skiing), Ride (snowboards), ExOfficio, Marmot, Rawlings, Berkley Fishing, and Shakespeare Fishing. Brand Central is also building ABC’s new daytime cooking show, The Chew, into a full merchandise program. Other current entertainment clients include Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Mark Burnett Productions, home of Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? and The Apprentice.

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American Greetings Properties

American Greetings Properties’ (AGP) Strawberry Shortcake introduced a new character, Cherry Jam, to the show, now in its second season on The Hub. Cherry Jam is the first new character to join AGP’s Strawberry Shortcake family in 10 years. The character will make its DVD debut this fall. Other initiatives for Strawberry Shortcake include a new live touring show throughout Latin America, an expanding global publishing program, a long-term partnership with Pernambucanas Department Stores in Brazil, and QSR promotions with McDonald’s Latin America and Asia Pacific, KFC in China, and Jollibee in the Philippines. This year, Care Bears celebrates its 30th anniversary with the debut of a new CGI-animated TV series this summer on The Hub. Set high above Earth in the enchanted land of Care-a-Lot, the new series will feature an all-new character. Toys from Hasbro are slated for spring 2013 in the U.S. and other key international markets. AGP also secured global deals for the brand with Uniqlo, Oysho, Fox, and Pull & Bear as well as promotional opportunities with Unilever in Europe; Yahoo!, Cathay United Bank, and Family Mart Convenience Stores in Taiwan; KFC and Coca-Cola Brand (Olo Olo) in Japan; and Malaysia Airlines. Holly Hobbie’s extensive licensing program expands throughout Europe. The program includes recycled stationery products from Pigna Nature and a DTR apparel program with 275 Springfield outlets. In addition, the brand has a line of agenda and novelty books from V&R Editoras in Latin America.

Joy Tashjian Marketing Group

Joy Tashjian Marketing Group (JTMG) was appointed licensing agency for the Shed Media U.S. television series Supernanny. As part of its representation, JTMG will unveil a comprehensive licensing program in several categories, including stationery, interactive media, and games, designed to emphasize the series’ theme to “keep kids and parents on the right track.” Shed Media U.S. launched in February 2009, bringing together five television production and distribution companies: Ricochet Television, Wall to Wall, Twenty Twenty, Shed Productions, and Outright Distribution. In October 2010, Shed merged with Warner Bros. Shed Media U.S. productions include such programs as Supernanny, The Real Housewives of New York City, Who Do You Think You Are?, Bethenny Ever After, It’s Me or the Dog, All-American Muslim, and Basketball Wives.

King Features

King Features will focus on licensing programs for Army vs. Navy, Popeye, Betty Boop/Baby Boop, and Sunday Funnies. Through a collaboration with fashion designer Darren Romanelli, known for his fashion brand Dr. Romanelli (DRx), comic icons Beetle Bailey and Popeye are serving as the inspiration behind an exclusive Americana and military-infused Army vs. Navy collection for men and Popeye boys. The program continues to unfold. Popeye and the rest of the cast of characters (Olive Oyl, Bluto, Swee’Pea, and Wimpy) continue to be top-ofmind with food licensees, which are introducing new Popeye products on a continuous basis. Popeye’s global appeal has also ensured success on all fashion levels from mass market to high-end department stores. Betty Boop has become a multi-million dollar brand, licensed in nearly every product category. King Features has been raising the profile of Baby Boop, the infant version of the Betty Boop brand. Both in the U.S. and internationally, new agreements have been signed for infant apparel and accessories, baby care products, gifts and stationery, and learning and exploration products. Sunday Funnies is a collection of King Features’ fan favorites, including Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Hagar the Horrible, and The Family Circus, packaged and available for artistic use on a wide array of products.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 HBO Global Licensing

HBO Global Licensing will led its lineup with its TV property Game of Thrones. Currently in its second season, Game of Thrones will be supported by HBO Global Licensing as it builds upon a targeted retail and promotional program for the show, adding more categories for the brand. HBO also seeks new partners to help support True Blood at retail as well as Eastbound & Down, Treme, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Veep, Girls, Enlightened, and its evergreeen properties such as The Sopranos and Sex and the City.

Coolabi

Coolabi’s animated preschool property Poppy Cat continues to grow its licensing program. The Joester Loria Group is the exclusive licensing agent for Poppy Cat for North America, and a home entertainment deal for the U.S. with eOne was announced in January. Licensing agents for other major territories both in Europe and worldwide are being appointed for a roll-out of licensing programs to coincide with broadcast plans in 2013 and beyond. Golden Bear, its master toy partner, will launch plush, plastics, and arts and crafts ranges for the UK and Eire beginning this fall. Other key partners have also been secured, including Jumbo Games, Macmillan, Aykroyds, TDP, Redan, and Silver-Knit. Poppy Cat has also been picked up by numerous territories around the world including France, Canada, Australia, Spain, Latin America, Scandinavia, and Korea. Cake Entertainment is Coolabi’s global TV distribution partner for the series. Significant licensing and consumer marketing announcements are planned for the property throughout the year. Scarlett & Crimson, co-owned and licensed by Coolabi and its creator Ged Backland, is a brand that appeals to teen and tween girls through its themes of individuality and strong friendships. The brand has found success in the UK, U.S., and other territories where key categories at retail and in development include cosmetics, apparel, bath and body, gifting and accessories, stationery, and apparel. In North America, the brand is represented by Lisa Marks Associates. Overseas licensing partners include Hip Designs Ltd. in Benelux, Biplano in France, Gorian in Germany, and Wild Pumpkin in Australia. Coolabi recently extended its agreement with Japonesque, which already covers U.S. cosmetics for the brand. The new deal includes a range of bath, body, and hair care products for the U.S. market and a new cosmetics range for the UK. Designed for teen and tween girls, the products are expected to launch for fall/winter 2012. This deal follows the success of Scarlett & Crimson products in Boots stores in the UK, along with the appointments of Rudolf Stein for hair and fashion accessories and Grace Cole for toiletries, including hair care, bath, and beauty products for the UK. Coolabi will focus on the brand’s expansion at retail, the continued sign-up of on-trend licensees, and working with promotional partners, teen magazines, and events companies to take the brand directly to girls. Purple Ronnie, the poem and social expression brand, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Hallmark, which sells Purple Ronnie greeting cards for all occasions at retail and online, is launching a number of refreshed ranges next year. Other key licensees on board include Primitive State (customizable apparel), Personalised Memento Company (customizable mugs, plates, glasses, chocolate, and champagne), and Macmillan (books). The brand is also reaching new audiences through social media platforms, including Purple Ronnie’s Express Yourself app for Facebook.

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The Name Game

The Bel-Air Collection

The Name Game will craft a licensing program for The Bel-Air Association. The program will seek to capture the beauty, lifestyle, and history of the famed neighborhood. Targeting a range of product categories, including furniture, lawn and garden, gift and collectibles, and decorative accessories, the program will be based on the premise of 1930s Hollywood glamour meets modern California lifestyle. The collection will incorporate classic Bel-Air imagery such as the world famous gates, the iconic cherub logo, and the art deco signage with designs that reflect the architecture and landscape of the neighborhood. The Name Game will collaborate with the Bel-Air Association and The Germ Factory, which helped to create the Bel-Air brand. New products are scheduled to launch in late 2013 and will focus on the home and the garden.

Big Idea Entertainment

Big Idea Entertainment, a division of Classic Media, will showcase its new licensing, promotional, and retail programs for VeggieTales as the brand gears up to celebrate its 20th anniversary beginning December 2013. New products and licensees include crafts and activities from The Orb Factory, live plant containers from Masterpiece Flower Company, home school curriculum from A Journey Through Learning, wall covering murals from Wacky Wallscapes, book apps from Ruckus Media Group, and multiple educational and game apps from Weeblets (Spotisode), Moveable Code (Step By Story), and ReelCards (video eGreetings).

CBS Consumer Products

For Star Trek, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation this year and the May 2013 release of J.J. Abrams’ second Star Trek movie, CBS Consumer Products has signed Hasbro as master toy licensee and Namco Bandai to create a new multi-platform video game. For the CSI franchise, the new Club CSI, a series of children’s novels, further expands the CSI children’s program, which includes a direct-to-retail line of science kits with Toys “R” Us. The CBS primetime collection will highlight properties such as NCIS, The Good Wife, and America’s Next Top Model, while the Showtime library includes programs for Dexter, Weeds, The Borgias, Californication, and more available for licensing. The Television City classic collection, which includes The Brady Bunch, Charmed, Dynasty, Happy Days, Twilight Zone, and more, is also celebrating milestone anniversaries for Cheers and Mighty Mouse this year.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Innovative Artists

For the YouTube phenomenon Randall’s Honey Badger, Innovative Artists has helped to establish a licensing program that is launching throughout the year. Categories include apparel, books, posters and calendars, energy drink and barware, phone apps, plush, Halloween costumes, and more. Cited in Time and Us Weekly’s Top 10 List of Best Viral Videos of 2012, Randall’s Honey Badger has also been featured in the Wonderful Pistachio advertising campaign and the new MSNow broadcast campaign. After the Dutch Shepherd rescue pup Clark G emerged in the hit YouTube series Ultimate Dog Tease, Clark G became a viral hit. With his popularity and visibility, Clark will share his success and animal welfare message through a line of pet products, commercial partnerships, and consumer merchandise that will appeal to pet and animal lovers, while benefiting animal charities around the world. Products will include grooming, pet treats, pet beds, pet accessories (plush toys and more), and apparel and accessories. The collection is set to debut at mass, specialty, and pet Stardoll Barbie dolls chains nationwide this fall. Dr. Lisa Masterson, co-star of the CBS daytime talk show The Doctors and a specialist in women’s medicine, fitness and nutrition, and family planning, utilizes her popularity, visibility, and accessibility to help women improve their overall health and lifestyle. Beginning this fall, a full line of fashion-forward apparel and fitness DVD series will be added to her fitness line, available at mass and sporting goods retailers nationwide. Lifeline USA and Dr. Lisa have teamed up to create a full line of easy-to-use, low-impact fitness apparatus. The Gym in a Bag fits onto any door and offers every workout that a universal gym does. The Power Walker by Dr. Lisa is another lightweight system that offers a full-body workout while you walk or dance. Additional products include fitness bands, a heavy fitness band door anchor, and a traveler fitness handle. Therafit, a patented footwear technology specifically designed with a woman’s body type in mind, also signed with Dr. Lisa to create the Therefit by Dr. Lisa. The footwear features a specific curved design, lightweight padding, and no-blister insole and ankle design. Stardoll, an online fashion and social community for tween and teen girls launched in 2004, is now a popular brand for girls in stores nationwide. The licensing program includes an exclusive partnership with JCPenney and features girls’ apparel, fashion accessories, footwear, hosiery, and cosmetics, with additional categories rolling out throughout 2012. In addition to apparel, Stardoll by Barbie Doll was introduced for holiday 2011 from Mattel. The line also contains eight different dolls inspired by the brands found on the site, such as Pretty n’ Love.

BBC Worldwide

Millimages signed a licensing and merchandising deal with BBC Worldwide for its preschool property 64 Zoo Lane. Under the agreement BBC Worldwide was granted global licensing rights to the show, excluding the French-speaking world. The television series centers on Lucy, who has some very unusual neighbors—zoo animals. Each night, Georgina the giraffe fetches Lucy from her bed and she meets the animals in the zoo and listens to their stories.

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scene from 64 Zoo Lane

Pressman Toy

Pressman Toy is offering a line of games and puzzles based on The Smurfs movie and the classic artwork from the original TV series. Pressman will also launch a line of new products inspired by the 3-D film The Smurfs 2, scheduled for release summer 2013. All priced at under $20, the line includes a range of memory, action, and board games as well as floor-sized puzzles and puzzles in tins. They are available for purchase at mass and specialty retailers nationwide. Pressman also announced a new line of games and puzzles based on the comic strip and children’s book series Big Nate, which will be available at mass and specialty retailers nationwide in July. Games include Big Nate’s Detention Dash Game, Big Nate Busted! card game, and a Big Nate 150-piece puzzle. All three are for ages 7 and up and retail for under $20.

Guru Studio

Guru Studio’s first original preschool adventure series, Justin Time, will leap from the TV screen into an all-new book series produced in partnership with Immedium. The first book in the series, Justin Time, The Pancake Express, is based on an episode from the animated TV show, which launched on Sprout in April, and was adapted and illustrated by Justin Time creator Brandon James Scott. The agreement with Immedium follows Guru Studio’s new deal with Sprout. Additional partnerships for the preschool property will be announced soon.

Studio Licensing

Studio Licensing, Inc., and its new U.S. strategic partner Established Brands Licensing will showcase its roster of entertainment brands and an extensive set of new deals. For North America, it will highlight Cut the Rope, the popular puzzle game app; Angel Cat Sugar, a new character from Hello Kitty creator Yuku Shimizu; and Lolligag, a kawaii-inspired lifestyle and pop art character brand. Products for Cut the Rope began rolling out to mass market this spring for North America. A widespread category offering will be targeted at kids, tweens, teens, and young adults. Licensees include Mattel (Apptivity game), Hasbro (co-branded board games), Jakks Pacific (plug ’n play), Round 5 (plush and action figures), LF USA and NTD Apparel (sleepwear, outerwear, loungewear, underwear, swimwear, and more for Canada), Franco Manufacturing (bedding, throws, and bath towels), and Natural Foods (fruit snacks, gummies, and hard candy). More licensees are also being finalized. For Canada, Studio Licensing has acquired the rights to the NBA, Elvis Presley, and Stupid Factory Studios, a wacky mix of properties and characters by Todd Goldmann. Multiple categories will support exclusive retail programs for the NBA, targeted for kids, teens, and adults. Recently signed licensees include Gillyboo (toy and activity sets), X-Treme Worldwide (men’s apparel, loungewear, and sleepwear), and Gertex Hosiery (hosiery and accessories). For Elvis Presley, products began to roll out this spring, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Presley’s passing. Licensees include X-Treme Worldwide (infant and toddler sleepwear, women’s and men’s apparel, glassware, bar accessories, and Christmas items), Calego (luggage, bags, and accessories), and Primemotion (adult-targeted collectible puzzles).

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LICENSING SHOW 2012 Synchronicity

Synchronicity was appointed North American licensing agent for artist Frida Kahlo by Mexico’s More Than Licensing and the Frida Kahlo family. The Frida Kahlo lifestyle and home programs, FK and Casa Kahlo Collection, will be inspired by the spirit of Kahlo and her love of color, beauty, nature, animals, and her Mexican/European heritage. These programs will include apparel, bags and accessories, fragrance, bedding, tabletop, furniture, fabric, wall coverings, art supplies, and journals. Synchronicity also represents Amber Dusick’s blog, Parenting Illustrated with Crappy Pictures. Dusick’s book of the same name will be published by Harlequin Nonfiction and will hit shelves Mother’s Day 2013. New licensees for the Tootsie Roll candy brands include Mead Westvaco (back-to-school stationery), The Wish Factory (PopGrrl nail charms), Eugene Textiles (fabric by the yard), NRG Global Sourcing (tops in Canada), Open Road Brands (signs, wall art, thermometers, glass candy jars), Shindigz (custom party decorations and favors), Trevco (specialty market Tees), and Box Seat Clothing (custom Tees at PopFanatics.com). The Wham-O toy brands (Frisbee, Hacky Sack, Slip ‘N Slide, Hula Hoop, SuperBall) are now represented in the UK and Europe by Rocket Licensing International. Kiloo’s Frisbee Forever app is available on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Frisbee Forever 2 is now available. The Android version just hit the market. Frisbee scratch lottery tickets are now available in Nebraska. Sassy Slang and Sporty Slang by Icebreaker Entertainment signed new deals with FAB•Starpoint (bags, luggage, impulse accessories, stationery), C&D Visionary (buttons, stickers, magnets, key chains, mugs), JAT (barware, phone cases, lunch boxes, travel mugs), and Box Seat Clothing (custom Tees on PopFanatics.com). Internationally, Bulldog Licensing was awarded subagent rights for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and has already secured its first apparel deal, to be announced shortly. The Slang Brands are represented in Mexico by Amy Rosemberg of More Licensing.

DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation’s Turbo hits theaters July 19, 2013. This tale of an ordinary garden snail with dreams of racing greatness will enjoy cross-category support led by global master toy licensee Mattel. Other licensees will offer toys, apparel and accessories, sporting goods, room décor, back to school, party, and digital content. Also on DreamWorks Animation’s film slate is a pair of franchise sequels in How to Train Your Dragon 2 (June 20, 2014) and the recently released Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (June 8, 2012) as well as two new original films: The Croods (March 22, 2013) and Rise of The Guardians (November 21, 2012). Other new business initiatives include an array of digital projects in both publishing and gaming, plus the expansion of themed entertainment experiences in the recreation and leisure markets.

Fox Licensing & Merchandising

Fox continues its licensing endeavors for The Simpsons, the latest season of Sons of Anarchy, New Girl, and Family Guy. In the world of sports, new programs will be revealed for the Fox Sports brand. Fox continues to expand licensing programs for big-screen franchises, such as Ice Age and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Rise of the Apes and Rio will have sequels, and Steven Spielberg prepares for the sci-fi film adaptation of Robopocalypse.

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Playmates BuildA-Bear playset

A2E2

A Squared Elxsi Entertainment (A2E2) will expand the Build-A-Bear brand beyond its traditional retail environment. Existing partners for the U.S. and Canada include Enterplay (novelty cards and fun packs); TCG, formerly The Canadian Group (puzzles and magnetics); ConAgra (fruit snacks); Candy Treasures (seasonal confectionary); Ruckus (digital storybook); and Smile Makers (stickers). New licensee Playmates is producing a line of 4–5-inch bear figures with playsets and accessories to be sold for back to school at mass retailers, such as Walmart. An iOS app and Nintendo DS game will be out for holiday through 505 Games. Tech accessories from Zeikos are also on the way. Further expansion includes toys, digital, crafts, activity, apparel, publishing, novelty/social, stationery/impulse, room décor, costumes, party, gift/collectibles, and food/candy. A soft plush infant line is in development. International partnerships include Wild Pumpkin as Build-A-Bear’s agent for Australia and New Zealand. Bulldog Licensing, the agent for the UK, signed Pedigree Books for a range of branded workshop books, including an official activity handbook.

Beanstalk

The Airheads licensing program continues to expand. Currently in product categories including frozen novelty, beverages, apparel, gift and novelty, and home décor, new partners this year include Nahui Olin (handbags) and Zazzle.com. Last year, Beanstalk partnered Airheads with Unilever’s Popsicle brand. The popsicles leverage the candy’s signature tangy flavors and transform Airheads taffy-like consistency into a unique chewy coating. Jel Sert’s Airheads Fruit Squeezers translate the sour flavor into a sweet, candy beverage. AT&T-licensed products include corded and cordless telephones, business telephony systems, mobile device accessories, and children’s toys. The AT&T licensing program will continue to grow at retail, adding to recent launches in the consumer electronics space including a recent partnership with Concept 101 for docking stations, headphones, and accessories for Bluetooth devices and tablets. The Chiquita licensing program will extend the brand into adjacent food and non-food categories. Rasta Imposta will introduce the first-ever licensed Chiquita banana costume to the Halloween industry. The costumes will come in all size ranges (baby bunting, toddler, adult, plus-size styles, and pet) and will be available in the U.S. and the UK. Chiquita-branded lip balms, lip glosses, and nail polish from Almar Sales International will launch next year. Beanstalk London will work to extend the brand to quality food extensions across Europe and the Middle East. The Coppertone licensing program continues to expand. This summer, InnoVision will launch Coppertone and Sesame Street co-branded children’s headwear with UPF 50+ protection at Rite-Aid. Coppertone sunglasses and sun readers by Select-A-Vision will be available at all Walmart stores this summer. Aqua Leisure will launch children’s UV-protective swimwear, apparel, accessories, eyewear, sun shelters, inflatable pools, and beach novelties next spring. Later this year, Jerry Leigh will debut Coppertone vintage Tees leveraging the iconic Little Girl & Dog image. HGTV Home launched in 2011 with HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, a line of interior and exterior paint, color, wallpaper, and painting supplies sold exclusively at more than 2,900 Sherwin-Williams stores and HGTV Home Flooring by Shaw, which is currently sold in more than 600 independent flooring retailers. To complement the brand’s existing home décor product lines, this year HGTV teamed up with horticulture experts Agricola Management Group to introduce the HGTV Home Plant Collection, launching at more than 350 garden retailers nationwide. HGTV and Bassett Furniture announced the launch of the HGTV Home Furniture Collection, which will be available at the top 100 furniture stores and independent retailers. A separate line of HGTV Homebranded custom upholstery and accent furniture will be available in HGTV Home Design Centers, only at Bassett, this fall. Other major launches include HGTV Home Indoor Lighting with Elk Lighting and HGTV Home Solar Lighting with Alpan Lighting Products. In 2013, HGTV Home will continue program expansion by introducing a collection of HGTV Home Fabric, among other categories.

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LICENSING SHOW 2012

The Thomas Kinkade Company

For the past 28 years, Thomas Kinkade’s artwork has provided inspiration for licensed products. The Thomas Kinkade Company and Morning Glory Licensing will continue to work with new and existing licensing partners to create products that will help preserve Kinkade’s legacy as “The Painter of Light”. Kinkade passed away in April at the age of 54. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our founder Thomas Kinkade,” The Thomas Kinkade Company said in a statement. “As we share our grief with millions who mourn his loss, we are reminded of his inspirational message of faith, family, Thomas Kinkade’s Studio in the Garden and all that is beautiful in the world. He knew from an early age that painting was his true calling, and he used his extraordinary talent to share his faith and share [God’s] light with the world. Thomas Kinkade always wanted to make his art accessible to everyone. He strived to make his paintings available and affordable to the public and his collectors. In his honor, we will continue his legacy and do what we can to carry on. The man is already greatly missed by the Kinkade extended family, but we want everyone to know that the galleries will remain open, and his images will continue to be marketed worldwide, just as he would have wanted it.”

Mind Candy

Mind Candy announced four publishing partners joining the Moshi Monsters portfolio. New children’s titles will be available this year at major retailers nationwide. These debut offerings will include children’s paperback, hardcover, and electronic offerings from Penguin, as well as a Moshi Monsters character encyclopedia and Ultimate Sticker Collection from Penguin’s DK imprint. Scholastic will produce colorful Moshling collectors’ guides. Children’s novelty books will be available from Reader’s Digest. Prima Games, an imprint of Random House, will produce a print strategy guide for use with the Moshling Zoo Nintendo DS game. SkyJack extended its partnership to the Americas with the new U.S./Canada version of the popular Moshi Magazine.

Classic Media

The Moshling Collector’s Guide from Scholastic

Classic Media celebrates the 25th anniversary of Where’s Waldo? with new licensees, broader retail presence, and several territory launches. Where’s Waldo? continues to build on its success as a gaming franchise with the recent launch of the property’s first Android app (Gameloft) and the upcoming release of the third Apple app (Ludia) and first Facebook game (Ludia). In the U.S., new anchor partners Techno Source, Concept One, and Jem Sportswear will debut products this fall. Territories launching consumer products programs include France, Spain, and Korea. This year will have more publishing SKUs than any other year in the franchise’s history. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Masters of the Universe, and Classic Media has brought on a slew of new licensees to complement Mattel’s Masters of the Universe toy line. Key partners include DC Comics, Changes (apparel), Disguise (costumes), New Era (headwear), Mill Creek (30th anniversary DVD), and Funko (bobbleheads), with more new partners to be announced. Classic Media recently acquired two classic preschool properties: Noddy and Olivia. In the U.S., Olivia product from new partners will roll out, including Just Play (toys) and LeapFrog (educational toys). Momentum continues for Noddy with a new toy line (Lansay), a publishing program (Hachette), and a full consumer products program.

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Big Tent Entertainment

Buddy Valastro

Domestic deal highlights for Domo this year include renewals with Fifth Sun (apparel), Nancy Sales Co. (amusement park novelty items), and Virtual Greats (virtual goods), along with new licensees Bioworld Merchandising (apparel and electronic accessories), Mezco Toyz (collectible toys), Modify, Inc. (watches), Pangea Brands (novelty items), and Worldwide Dynasty (jewelry). Existing key partners include Concept One, Dark Horse Comics, License 2 Play, and Nintendo. Domo’s global presence continues to grow with programs in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Eastern and Western Europe, the UK, and Australia/New Zealand. New and existing international licensees include Barcel (Mexico), Tex-Ass Textilvertriebs (Germany), PlayCorp (Australia/New Zealand), and Sunset International bv (Netherlands). Big Tent will continue expanding the Domo licensing program worldwide in fashion, video games, casual games, electronics, and home décor. Big Tent inked several new deals for Discovery Kids. Gamenamics will debut a collection of Discovery Kidsbranded, build-your-own science and robot kits. Parragon Books introduced the Discovery Kids Sharks app, which features animated games, information, and live-action Shark Week video footage. Zap Toys’ Scuba Adventure mobile game is now available for download on iOS and Android devices. Big Tent is looking to expand the licensing program for Discovery Kids in the following categories: video games, electronics, apparel, home décor, outdoor sport, toy, food, and promotional partnerships. As the U.S. licensing agent for TLC, Big Tent spearheads licensing efforts for the overarching TLC brand as well as the network’s lineup of programming and sub-brands. A licensing deal with Dawn Foods, brokered by Big Tent, brings ready-to-sell cakes to Cake Boss fans. Buddy Valastro, master baker, cake decorator, and star of Cake Boss, worked closely with Dawn Foods to create a unique selection of celebration and dessert cakes based on his personal recipes and designs featured on the show. A selection of buttercream iced cakes will be available this summer at bakeries, grocery stores, and warehouse clubs nationwide, while fondant iced cakes will be unveiled this fall. Big Tent is also focusing on key categories for the TLC brand such as home and organization, cooking, fashion, and weddings.

Pretty Ugly

Pretty Ugly, LLC, official licensor of the Uglydoll brand, announced recent partnerships with companies in a variety of categories. Callaway Digital Arts will create mobile apps available for worldwide distribution. Amscan, Inc., and its division Grasslands Road and its related subsidiary Anagram International, Inc., will create a complete line of Uglydoll-branded decorated party goods, balloons, and ceramic ware. Pretty Ugly partnered with FAB•Starpoint for a fashion-forward line of Uglydoll-branded backpacks, messenger bags, handbags, totes, wallets, coin purses, zipper pulls, lunch bags, cosmetic bags, and luggage. The line will be distributed in North America in January 2013. Pretty Ugly also partnered with Accessory Innovations for Uglydoll fashion headwear, cold weather accessories, hosiery, and umbrellas in North America. Thermos will produce Thermos FUNtainer products, lunch accessories, and lunch kits for distribution in North America and Canada this fall. Zak Designs signed with Pretty Ugly to manufacture and distribute children’s dinnerware, flatware, and drinkware beginning January 2013. Freeze signed on to manufacture and distribute Uglydoll-branded T-shirts and fleece apparel for kids and adults in North America. Beginning this fall, Komar Kids will manufacture and distribute Uglydoll children’s (boys’ and girls’) sleepwear and robes in North America. Richard Leeds International, Inc., will produce Uglydoll sleepwear, loungewear, daywear/intimate apparel, and robes for juniors and women in North America and Latin America. United Legwear signed with Pretty Ugly for socks and legwarmers for infant/toddlers, kids, and teens, as well as items for men and women in North America. Toy Factory will manufacture and distribute Uglydoll elastic balls and character figures, novelty hats, and rubber balls throughout North American amusement park markets. Thumbtack Press signed on to create a line of Uglydoll art prints. United Legwear infant ankle socks

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

LICENSING SHOW 2012 Jakks Pacific

Jakks Pacific, Inc., announced a licensing agreement with Nerd Corps Entertainment, Inc., to manufacture, distribute, and market a line of toys based on the animated series Slugterra. The sci-fi, action-comedy adventure series is set to air on Disney XD this fall with 39 half-hour episodes, plus 39 one-minute online “Slugisodes.” The agreement includes action figures and accessories, vehicles, playsets, roleplay, novelties, and plush items. Jakks expects to launch the Slugterra product line at major retailers in North America and additional territories beginning spring 2013, targeting kids 6–11.

Kenn Viselman presents . . . Inc.

The Oogieloves in The BIG Balloon Adventure will open in theaters on August 29, 2012. Filming has already begun on the sequel, The Oogieloves in The BIG Family Adventure, which is slated to premiere on August 28, 2013. The third adventure in the series, The Oogieloves in The BIG Holiday Adventure, is in final scripting stages for release Labor Day weekend 2014. The theatrical releases are being distributed by Kenn Viselman presents . . . Inc. Audiences are invited to get up in the theater to sing and dance along with the three onscreen Oogieloves (Goobie, Zoozie, and Toofie) and their friends (J Edgar, Windy Window, Schluufy, and Ruffy the Fish) as they go on adventures throughout LovelyLoveville.

Kidz Bop

Kidz Bop kicks off summer with all-new promotional partnerships, consumer products, and licensing agreements. The latest volume in its best-selling audio series, Kidz Bop 22, will be released July 17. The album includes 16 chart-topping hits sung by kids for kids. Timed to the release of Kidz Bop 22, Imperial Toy will debut a new line of Kidz Bop Pop Star Role Play toys. The line will feature a range of items including musical microphones, keyboards, and fashion accessories with on-trend styles and technological elements. Kidz Bop will also continue to roll out new content monthly in LeapFrog’s digital Imperial’s Kidz Bop roleplay toys app center. Kidz Bop also partnered with Sakar to create a new line of youth electronics. Initial product includes karaoke machines, headphones, MP3 players, and digital cameras. Product will hit shelves during the holiday 2012 season with additional product available spring 2013. KidzBop.com launched an allnew interactive games section that will continue to roll out new games throughout the year. In addition, it will host new video contests in partnership with several major youth-oriented entertainment brands. On the mobile front, Kidz Bop released a karaoke app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Ludorum

Ludorum, creators of Chuggington, announced Traintastic Adventures!, a multi-platform campaign focusing on Chuggington’s characters, destinations, and adventures. New products and promotions for the campaign will launch in August. Anchor Bay Entertainment will kick off the program on August 14 with the release of its newest Chuggington DVD, Traintastic Adventures! Also in August, Budge Studios will launch a Traintastic Adventures! full-feature game app for iOS and Android devices. In October, families can visit their local movie theater to watch Traintastic Adventures! episodes on the big screen courtesy of Kidtoons. Ludorum will introduce Chuggington Traintastic Adventures! collector cards and map, which will be free to consumers with the purchase of select TOMY or Anchor Bay Entertainment Chuggington product beginning in August, as well as a gift with purchase through Scholastic Book Clubs. In October, Totsy.com and Ludorum will launch a Traintastic Adventures! online feature shop, where parents can purchase new Chuggington merchandise and receive free collector cards and a map with purchase. Ludorum will also launch a Traintastic Family Adventure Sweepstakes in August in partnership with Delta Vacations. Through December, fans can enter to win a Delta Vacations trip for four to “ride the rails” of a treasured scenic railroad in the U.S. on a new dedicated microsite, www.chuggington.com/adventures. In addition to the sweepstakes entry point, fans can download digital collector cards, watch videos, and more. The third season of Chuggington premiered on March 26 on Disney Junior, Disney Channel’s programming block designed for kids ages 2–7 and their families, as well as on the new 24-hour Disney Junior cable and satellite channel. New episodes of the series will continue to roll out through 2013. The brand’s consumer products program continues to build momentum as Ludorum and its partners prepare to introduce new Chuggington products to the market throughout the second half of the year. Master toy partner TOMY introduces an all-new track system designed to take train play to new heights in the flagship Chuggington Die-Cast Railway. The new system, which allows fans to build track layouts vertically for the first time, will hit shelves this fall. Also in the fall, Bendon Publishing International, Inc., will introduce Chuggington activity books under the new Imagine Ink line, as well as educational workbooks; the first Chuggington bikes, protective gear, and accessories will be released from Pacific Cycle; and LeapFrog will offer digital Chuggington content in its App Center for the first time.

Nelvana

The second season of Nelvana’s Babar and the Adventures of Badou features new characters and themed episodes. Every episode is an adventure as Babar, Badou, and Badou’s friends explore the world of Celesteville. Licensing opportunities are also available for classic Babar. After recently acquiring Chorion’s interest, Nelvana now has the complete merchandise licensing rights to Max & Ruby. The TV series follows the adventures of bunny siblings Max and his older sister Ruby, and is based on the books by internationally acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Rosemary Wells. Seventy-eight halfhour episodes are now available, along with a number of popular apps for mobile platforms. Nelvana Enterprises and d-rights, Inc., are releasing 52 new episodes of Beyblade. In part three of the series, Beyblade: Metal Fury, the world is at a tipping point in the battle between good and evil. The key to earth’s salvation or destruction lies within ten star fragments that empower its masters to fight for their chosen side. The series includes the new Beywheelz chapter, which takes place in the futuristic city of Destection where Sho is champion of the Beywheelz World Tournament. This peaceful city is home to battles between friends and allies until the city is suddenly attacked by an evil Beywheelz army called the Dominators.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

LICENSING SHOW 2012 Universal Press Syndicate

In a new licensing deal with Alchemy3, Ziggy, the comic page classic, will be featured in all new lottery games and promotions nationwide. Under the agreement, U.S. lotteries will be able to choose from an abundance of artwork that features Ziggy in a variety of situations. Ziggy & Friends, Inc., president and artist Tom Wilson will also create custom designs exclusive to each lottery. Distributed through Universal Press Syndicate, a division of Andrews McMeel Universal, Ziggy is published in more than 600 newspapers, reaching 75 million readers daily. Ziggy, now in syndication for more than four decades, also maintains an online presence through www.ziggyzone.com. Ziggy also serves as an official spokescharacter for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Ziggy

Robin Zingone

Designer Robin Zingone has numerous collections available for licensing across multiple categories. Cocomimilulu, the character brand for girls, features a look that is modern with a nod to mid-century style combined with characters whose popularity is based on their smarts. The brand is currently featured on activity books, stickers, journals, diaries, and scrapbooks, along with electronics, baby products, and back-to-school items. Cocomimilulu is also expanding into Latin America, Canada, and Europe. loveMe robinzingone, the kawaii brand, delivers pop art onto products ranging from backpacks and back-to-school items to scrapbooks, journals, diaries, photo albums, greeting cards, electronics, textiles, baby products, and bed and bath items. The property features the iconic dogs and cats of the Me family. The style guide offers nine characters along with patterns, borders, and icons. Girlygirl robinzingone, the collectible brand, has already found success with tweens to adult in Central and Latin America, as well as in Europe and the U.S. The brand can be seen across a range of product from back-to-school items to pencil cases, stickers, journals, wall art, electronics, greeting cards, social expression, gift bags, and notepads. The latest product for the brand is motorcycle helmets. Girlygirl is a multi-ethnic and multi-generational brand fashioned with a modern vintage look. The brand features a color palette of pastel brights and graphics with an emphasis on style.

MHS Licensing

artwork by Amylee Weeks

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

MHS Licensing will introduce new artists Amylee Weeks and Stephanie Ryan. Weeks’ faith is channeled through her artwork to create inspirational designs available for licensing across a variety of product categories, including stationery, tabletop, gifts, apparel, and accessories. Ryan’s designs make use of simple shapes and thoughtful color palettes. Ryan has 20 years of experience as a tabletop and product designer and made a successful introduction into the marketplace with her first Lenox tabletop collection. Her portfolio of artwork is fit for categories including paper products, fabric, and bedding as well as kitchen, bath, and garden décor. MHS Licensing will also highlight new images from artists including the Hautman Brothers, Tina Higgins, Robin Roderick, Al Agnew, Audrey Jeanne Roberts, Paper D’Art, Patrick Reid O’Brien, Collin Bogle, Louise Carey, Judy Buswell, Kathy Hatch, Luis Fitch, Amy Hautman, H. Hargrove, Cranston Collection, Darrell Bush, James Meger, and Victoria Schultz, as well as the brands Smirk, Sparky & Marie, Museware by Sheree, Munki Munki, Buck Wear, and The Girls.

Scholastic

Scholastic Media celebrates the anniversary year for multiple properties including Clifford the Big Red Dog and Goosebumps. Clifford the Big Red Dog celebrates its 50th birthday with the launch of new items from licensees Douglas, Zoobies, Patch Products, Buy Seasons, TCG (formerly known as The Canadian Group), and Bendon and Derma Sciences, as well as new print and digital publishing from Scholastic, new DVDs from Lionsgate, new digital products from Scholastic Interactive, and a new QSR partner. PBS Kids will premiere Clifford’s Really Big Movie this fall. The live show Clifford: A Big Family Musical from Mills Entertainment is also currently touring 50 cities. Goosebumps will mark its 20th anniversary this Halloween. In addition to on-air promotion on The Hub, which now airs the series, there will be new publishing from Scholastic, new DVD releases from Fox Home Entertainment, and new branded board games from Fundex. For The Magic School Bus, LeapFrog will offer The Magic School Bus: Oceans for the LeapFrog Leapster Explorer; The Young Scientists Club will offer four new science kits; and Scholastic Audio will offer three new releases. The brand will also enjoy a major back-to-school launch from new home video partner New Video. The I Spy seek-and-find franchise will see several new games and puzzles released by long-time partner Briarpatch, two new console titles for both Nintendo DS and Wii, and new publishing from Scholastic. Little Scholastic will have new branded infant and baby developmental toys from Danara in a Target exclusive, while Kids Station will add seven new Scholastic-branded products to its existing portfolio. For WordGirl, Kaboom will release new comic books. The vocabulary heroine also led the Third Annual Definition Competition, which was streamed to thousands of schools this past spring. Scholastic’s The 39 Clues continues with new publishing for its The 39 Clues: Cahills Vs. Vespers book series as well as audio editions. Scholastic Media also seeks partners this year for the rest of its brand portfolio including Animorphs, Flyguy, Turbo Dogs, Dear America, and Maya & Miguel.

Nickelodeon Consumer Products

SpongeBob SquarePants

Beairdo

Nickelodeon Consumer Products (NCP) will unveil products and new merchandising partners for new and established properties, including the highly anticipated franchises, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Winx Club, Team Umizoomi, and Bubble Guppies. NCP will introduce a broad new lineup of Dora the Explorer-inspired toys from FisherPrice including a dollhouse, dolls, figures, playsets, roleplay toys, and more. SpongeBob SquarePants’s product lineup will include construction sets from LEGO and Imaginext system playsets, figures, and vehicles from Fisher-Price. The animated modern fantasy-adventure series Winx Club will make its debut with a new line of dolls, playsets, accessories, dress-up and roleplay items, and Halloween costumes based on the series by Jakks Pacific and its Creative Designs International (CDI) and Disguise Halloween divisions.

Beairdo, aka Ryan Beaird, has been a cartoonist for more than five years, steadily gaining exposure for Jack and Runty (newspaper strips) and the Runty Show (animation). Beairdo has now secured publication in newspapers in India and the U.S., has pitched to kids’ TV networks such as Disney and Cartoon Network, and is in discussions to work with the German Press Association to distribute the cartoon strips to newspapers around the world starting in August. Beairdo is looking for agents to come on board and secure licensees to produce Jack and Runty products, which will coincide with the launch of the brand in August. Runty, a Corgi, is on the run from the Queen of England after peeing on her antique rug at Buckingham Palace. He takes refuge in New York as the family pet with the unsuspecting Randall family, using his British charm to get himself out of trouble with Jack, the dad.

Runty Show

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

LICENSING SHOW 2012 The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company brands continue to translate into new and exciting opportunities to expand the company’s footprint with licensed merchandise. In 2012, Coca-Cola will continue to focus on collaborating with leading brands and designers to build out its product range in the fashion, sports, and technology areas. Sustainability will remain front and center as Coca-Cola converts existing products into recycled materials and collaborates with new partners. Some current partners and products include Gilli, which has produced items such as leather bags in Italy. In Japan, Ishizuka produced items such as a recycled Coca-Cola glass. U.S. licensee Jack Spade has produced a variety of items, including canvas totes and iPhone covers. In France, licensed product from Platex includes a vintage tray. Plomo O Plata has produced such items as silk scarves in Germany.

Dimensional Branding Group

Dimensional Branding Group’s (DBG) app game Temple Run has more than 80 million downloads on iOS and Android platforms and was named one of Time magazine’s Top 30 Apps. Spin Master, the master game licensee, will capture the essence of Temple Run in traditional games, including card games and board games with electronic features. DBG is looking for both domestic and international licensing partners to expand the current merchandising program. DBG’s Miniclip is an online game publisher. Many titles, including Gravity, Fragger, and iStunt, are mobile apps as well. The classic Skee-Ball brand, a long-time DBG client, is also an app. The upcoming Skee-Ball 2 app will launch this summer. The traditional toy and game platform is available for both indoor and outdoor licensing options. Hatch is a new pet app launching later this summer on the iOS platform. The app blurs the line between gameplay and real life, according to DBG.

CopCorp Licensing

CopCorp Licensing will showcase a variety of brands, including Jim Benton’s It’s Happy Bunny, a character brand starring a cute little bunny with a big attitude. Other Jim Benton properties include Just Jimmy, a cartoon art brand for those who stand out from the rest of the crowd, and The Misters, a classic Benton brand celebrating the goofiness at the heart of every guy. Pink Cookie is an international fashion brand for tweens, teens, and juniors. Crusade is a young men’s fashion brand from the creators of Pink Cookie. CopCorp also represents Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the historic family entertainment brand widely known as The Greatest Show On Earth. Zoodorable is a colorful, cute, and uplifting fashion brand from American pop artist/illustrator Han L. Lee. MoshiMoshiKawaii is a Japanese-born design property featuring hundreds of different cute and collectible characters. Barcode Kitties is a Japanese “kawaii” kitty art brand featuring anime-style kittens with bar code whiskers.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

Jewel Branding & Licensing

Jewel Branding & Licensing (JBL) represents London-based artist Dominique Vari for North America and Japan. Vari’s extensive portfolio is available for greeting cards, tabletop, social stationery, apparel, and home décor. JBL will also launch Shell Rummel’s new collections and add coordinating products to Rummel’s fabric and tabletop licensees launching this fall. Heather Rosas, who Jewel signed in 2011, partnered with Eugene Textiles for fabrics and flannel blankets, Department 56 for a Christmas gift line, and Unique Industries for partyware. Jessie Steele launched tabletop, kitchen stationery, and gifts at the Atlanta Gift Show in January, and will also launch fabrics by the yard in October of this year with Timeless Treasures. Simon+Kabuki is launching office products with MeadWestvaco in the fall in addition to four partyware collections with Unique. Betsy Cameron is building upon her greeting card collection with Leanin’ Tree with six new images. Rachael Hale continues to grow its existing licensing business by expanding product lines with CSS and Fast Forward, and taking advantage of a new partnership with the Morris Animal Foundation, supporting animal research around the globe. Robin Pickens is expanding categories with existing licensees by adding new greeting cards, gift products, and rug designs for 2012. JBL is also expanding internationally, working with agents in the UK, Germany, France, Japan, and Korea to extend its artists into additional territories. JBL also launched www.LittleRedTulip.com where it offers personalized products utilizing designs from most of the artists and brands it represents.

Lawless Entertainment

Blend Fabrics’ Shell Rummel Coastal Le Mer pillows

Lawless Entertainment was appointed the representative for animation, licensing, merchandising, and publishing for The Little Prince property in the U.S. and Canada. The Little Prince, first published in 1943, is a novella and the most famous work of the French aristocrat writer, poet, and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Lawless Entertainment will introduce the various categories of The Little Prince-licensed merchandise to the North American marketplace as well as seek retail partnerships with department stores and specialty chains. For Suzy’s Zoo, which was created by artist Suzy Spafford in 1968 as a line of greeting cards, Lawless Entertainment will expand the brand’s reach within the online community. This initiative was launched with a new interactive website in June 2011 and will continue throughout this year. The first free Flipbook was launched on the website in March 2012; four e-books will be available online via Barnes & Noble and Amazon throughout 2012; Suzy’s Zoo and interactive digital apps will be launched mid-2012. These combined efforts will continue to increase overall initiatives for Suzy’s Zoo throughout the world in 2012. Further plans include securing licensing agents in the major world markets: France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, etc. Multiple deals have recently been concluded and will drive growth in 2012. Flickback Media expands its line of greeting cards, calendars, etc., as the new social expressions licensee, utilizing all three of the Suzy’s Zoo character sets. Dalmatian Press will continue to develop books and coloring books, with six titles planned for launch this year. Fun Rugs launched Little Suzy’s Zoo and Wags and Whiskers rugs this spring. StickerYou will offer personalized stickers utilizing the Suzy’s Zoo and Little Suzy’s Zoo character sets. Joanna Sheen, LTD will develop a variety of craft items, including decoupage and rubber stamps, for the Little Suzy’s Zoo character set. These items will be available for purchase throughout Europe. Suncrest developed an extensive line of Little Suzy’s Zoo nursery bedding and accessories. Blue Sky developed books utilizing the Little Suzy’s Zoo character set. University Games will continue to develop board, card, travel, and electronic board games, color forms, and jigsaw puzzles utilizing Suzy’s Zoo and Little Suzy’s Zoo character sets.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

LICENSING SHOW 2012 The Joester Loria Group

Annoying Orange

An Annoying Orange TV series will air on Cartoon Network this summer. The Collective and its licensing agent, The Joester Loria Group (TJLG), will debut new licensees and expand the merchandise program. Current partners include The Bridge Direct (master toy), Hybrid Apparel (apparel), Accessory Innovations (accessories), Nancy Sales Co., Inc. (amusement park toys), Rubies Costume Company (Halloween costumes), and LF USA (loungewear and sleepwear). Product from new licensees will roll out this summer and through 2013. New licensees include A&A Global Industries (vending machine gift and novelty), Calendar Holdings (2013 calendars), Classic Imports (Sherpa blankets, lanyards, talking coffee mugs, orange-scented air fresheners, frosted pint glasses, key chains), Kurt Adler (holiday decorations), Mount Franklin Foods/Sunrise Confections (gummies and fruit snacks), Papercutz (graphic novels), Paris Geneve Company (ladies’, men’s, boys’, and girls’ apparel in Canada), Play Visions (talking pens, temporary tattoos, and 3-D lenticular stickers), Sakar International (ear buds, headphones, cell phone/MP3 cases and skins, flash drives, docking stations and speakers, talking alarm clock radios, talking flashlights, talking digital cameras, and Nintendo DS cases and skins), and Scorpio Posters (posters). As the global master licensing agent for The World of Eric Carle licensing program, TJLG has initiated a global strategy designed to build on the success in the U.S., Japan, the UK, Australia, and Europe and further extend the program’s reach. Infant and toddler apparel toys, games, arts and crafts, HBA, feeding, and home textiles are a key segment, as are teaching and in-school materials. New to the program are museum-quality gifts, home and personal accessories featuring the art of Eric Carle, and juniors’ apparel, loungewear, and accessories.

My1story

My1story creates kid-friendly adaptations of fairy tales. For example, Little Red Riding Hood becomes Lil’ Riding Hood & Wolfie about Wolfie, a cute wolf cub rather than a sharp-toothed beast, who learns to share a snack from Red’s basket. In October 2011, Granmark signed on to manufacture and market a complete line of party goods for My1story to include wrapping paper, gift bags and boxes, mini coloring books with stickers, and other party favors, decorations, and social expression items. Product will be distributed and sold nationwide. Additional deals have been signed in Latin America, and My1story hopes to fill several key categories for an initial phase of international licensing: publishing, toys, home décor, and bedding.

Firefly Brand Management

Firefly Brand Management has been signed as the licensing agent for ABC’s Revenge. Seventeen years after her father was framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Emily Thorne returns to the Hamptons under an assumed identity with one endgame in mind—revenge. Firefly’s program will license the brand into apparel, perfume, HBA, games, food and drink, jewelry, accessories, travel, and home décor.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

SMC Entertainment

In 2011, SMC Entertainment, Inc. (SMC), an entertainment and brand management company and sister company to global consumer products manufacturer Sun-Mate Corporation, acquired all North American television, home entertainment, licensing and merchandising rights, and promotional rights for The Jungle Book CGI-animated television series and one-hour telefilm from DQ Entertainment International. SMC also acquired The Jungle Book master toy rights for Australia and New Zealand and licensing and merchandising rights for South Africa. SMC recently signed deals with Phase 4 (home entertainment), Isaac Morris (master apparel), Komar (sleepwear), Seasons USA (Halloween costumes), Nanco (amusement plush), Pacific Playtents (outdoor), and Barnes & Noble (ebooks). SMC is seeking partnerships to develop a comprehensive consumer products campaign across categories, including toy, ELAs, publishing, games and puzzles, gaming/interactive, apparel, footwear, accessories, back to school, party goods, food and beverage, arts and crafts, home furnishings, and more. The Jungle Book will debut this summer on a major soon-to-beannounced broadcast platform in the U.S. Home entertainment titles and digital platforms will release this holiday. The series is also available through Hulu, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix. SMC will initially build H20: Just Add Water’s licensing and merchandising program to include swimwear, apparel, accessories, publishing, gaming/apps, stationery, room décor, novelties, and HBA, with further expansion into other categories in the second tier. Merchandise is targeted for retail spring 2013. SMC looks to develop partnerships with retailers such as PacSun, Claire’s, Forever 21, Zumiez, Urban Outfitters, Old Navy, Target, and Kohl’s. Launched in 2009, H20: Just Add Water is currently in its third season. SMC will develop relationships with licensees and promotional partners for the TeenNick series Dance Academy, targeting tween/teen girls 8–14 in categories such as dancewear, apparel, accessories, publishing, gaming, back to school, HBA, room décor, and others. SMC plans to launch at retail spring 2013. Dance Academy premiered on TeenNick in February.

The Licensing Shop

The Trash Pack

Moose Toys’ The Trash Pack is back this year. Series 2 will launch this spring. It features new orange bins, 168 new collectible Trashies, and new special-edition Moldy Trashies to collect and trade. Moose Toys and The Licensing Shop (TLS) are extending the brand to include licensed goods, including apparel, publishing, backpacks, and more. Based on the quirky designs of Noah Z. Jones, Almost Naked Animals is a fast-paced comedy set at the beachfront hotel The Banana Cabana and featuring underwear-clad animals. The series launched on Cartoon Network in June 2011 with a new season of episodes underway this fall. Basic Fun, Underground Toys, and Character Options are set to launch toys in Q4 2012 with NCircle launching the first DVD this fall. Two publishing partners will be announced shortly. TLS also announced a roster of new licensees to develop and market a line of Calgary Stampede-licensed consumer products. The Calgary Stampede will mark its centennial celebration in July with high-profile local, national, and international marketing events and activities. Licensees include GGS Ltd. (apparel and small leather goods), Stuffed Animal House (plush product focused on mascot Harry the Horse), Hunter Canada (glassware and souvenir collectibles), Frameworth (posters, photographs, greeting cards, and high-end collectibles), Pollard Banknote (scratch card lotteries), Cloud-River (auto accessories), Live Nation (e-commerce and CalgaryStampede.com), Quintaro (high-end art collectibles), RJ Enterprises (party-in-a-box and souvenir items), NuMarketing (co-branded Coyote Pancake Mix), and Highwood Distillers (co-branded whiskey product). In addition to these licensees procured by TLS, the Calgary Stampede has signed merchandising partnerships with Roots Canada, Smithbilt Hats, and Justin Boots. The Calgary Stampede is also introducing a new anti-counterfeiting program using holographic labels and hangtags to clearly identify officially licensed products.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

LICENSING SHOW 2012 Lisa Marks Associates

Lisa Marks Associates (LMA) has signed on as North American licensing agency for candy company Leaf Brands. LMA will create broad scale licensing programs for Leaf’s stable of brands, including the recently revived classic Astro Pop, Bonkers!, and Wacky Wafers brands, as well as the newly launched Yummers, Farts Candy, and David’s Signature Beyond Gourmet Jelly Beans brands. LMA is planning comprehensive programs across all categories including apparel and accessories, health and beauty aids, food, packaged goods, gifts, stationery, social expressions, school supplies, publishing, toys and games, multimedia, mobile apps, and more. Leaf’s nostalgic candy brand licensing programs kick off with a new line of young men’s T-shirts for T.J. Maxx for the Astro Pop brand from licensee Chaser. LMA will relaunch and develop licensing programs for popular classic American brands owned by RetroBrands U.S.A., Inc., including Chipwich, Hai Karate, Whistle Pop, Big Mouth, Tender Vittles, Ken-L Ration, Puss ‘N Boots, Modess, and Aftate. Licensing programs for all brands will include apparel and accessories, gifts and collectibles, social expressions, and more, as well as core category programs. Licensing programs are also in the works for RetroBrands’ cat food brands Tender Vittles and Puss ‘N Boots and dog food brand Ken-L Ration. The brands will be relaunched in core pet food, pet toy, and other categories. LMA has added key new partners to the licensing program for the MoonPie brand. The Old Wood Co. has introduced The MoonPie Heritage Furniture Collection, a modern, industrial line with numbered pieces handmade to order. The collection captures the nostalgia of the brand, and includes stools, accent tables, Lazy Susans, wall pieces, and other decorative furniture for the home. In apparel, lead licensee Trau & Loevner is creating a line of basic and fashion T-shirts and fleece for juniors, girls, and young men, for mid-tier, mass, and specialty. Boxercraft is also developing MoonPie men’s, women’s, and children’s lounge pants, shorts, boxers, and afghans as well as fashion tops, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and tank tops for specialty. MDI Entertainment, a subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation, is producing MoonPie lottery tickets, available in North America where tickets are sold. Desperate Enterprises has created MoonPie tin signs and magnets, using logos, packaging, and art to capture the classic and vintage aspects of the brand. Square One Brands also signed an agreement to produce MoonPie wall décor for the mass market.

Jen X Productions

San-X Co., Ltd. selected Jen X Productions to commercialize the Space Hamster children’s brand across the globe. Founded by television producer Jennifer Erwin, Jen X Productions’ plans for the Space Hamster licensing program include a children’s apparel line and an iPhone/iPad story app and game. Jen X Productions will explore new opportunities to expand the Space Hamster brand through an extensive licensing program. A children’s animated television series based on the Space Hamster characters is currently in the works. The new Space Hamster iOS app will be one of the first products that gives users a glimpse of the loveable characters and their Hamster homeland—outer space. The interactive app will introduce the backstory of the Space Hamsters and their mission on Earth, which includes rescuing pets and acting as ambassadors to all animals of the world. Jen X Productions will donate one percent of net proceeds to a variety of animal-based charities, creating a 1% For the Animals charity fund.

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The Licensing Group

The Licensing Group (TLG) will feature new properties available for licensing from SPD Brands, including Malibu Life, The Flight Patterns brand, social expression brand HeartGirl, and the children’s character Huggledoo—When Only A Hug Will Do. Bluewater Productions has commenced a licensing program for its comic books, which includes such titles as Wrath of the Titans, William Shatner Presents the Tek War Chronicles Soldier of Fortune, Logan’s Run, and The Misadventures of Adam West. Painter/sculptor Terry Ritter’s mural Folies In Flight, which pays homage to the Las Vegas showgirl and the golden age of Las Vegas, is available for licensing as part of the Stage Life property, which includes Ritter’s many other showgirl-inspired works. TLG property America’s Legacy, developed for the United States Secret Service Uniformed Benefit Fund, provides the use of many American symbols including logos such as the U.S. Great Seal, the official White House emblem, and the Air Force One Insignia, emblems, seals, military images, and national historic buildings and monuments. America’s Legacy has been adapted to products worldwide, with proceeds donated to the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Benefit Fund. Terry Ritter’s Folies In Flight The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will offer the LAPD shield, logo, and other images for licensing. Winners of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew are now performing nightly to sold-out audiences on the Las Vegas strip. The Jabbawockeez’s distinctive synchronized style and costumes have made it one of America’s most popular dance troupes. Targeted to the young adult market, Jabbawockeez licensing rights are now available. Art available for licensing includes Andrea Alvin’s portfolio of iconic photo realism American images and 100,000 photographs in Lucinda Lewis’s Car Culture library, which celebrates the automobile with images of roadside America and Route 66. TLG is also the licensing consultant to Yash Raj Films, a film production company in India as well as representative to a number of manufacturers for acquisition of licenses including: U.S. knifemaker Master Cutlery; back-to-school manufacturer Continental Accessory; collectible coin company S & A Partners; and T-shirt manufacturer American Trendz.

Evolution

Evolution is looking to expand its client portfolio from filmed entertainment and character brands into new media, location-based entertainment, corporate trademarks, consumer-packaged goods, and fashion brands. Evolution will continue to handle Summertime Entertainment’s new animated feature film Dorothy of Oz, to be released theatrically in 2013; Zinkia Entertainment’s animated preschool property Pocoyo; Zydeco Studios children’s novelty brand Floppets; and new business development for Creata. In addition, the company has acquired several new entertainment properties and a technology client, including Taffy Saltwater, a new half-hour animated television series targeted to girls ages 4–8, created by author and artist Michael Paraskevas (Maggie and the Ferocious Beast), and executive producer Judy Paraskevas. Evolution will provide all licensing and retail development functions globally for the property, which is anticipated to launch fall 2013, with products at mass retail in summer 2014. Key licensing categories will include toys, dolls, figures, playsets, apparel, accessories, swimwear, and seasonal merchandise such as beach toys and towels. Evolution will handle the global licensing, retail development, and promotional partnerships for Monstroids, a new half-hour animated television series targeted to boys 6–11, based on the comic book property created by Kevin Grevioux. The show is anticipated to launch fall 2013, with products at mass retail in fall 2014. Key categories will include toys, video games, apparel, accessories, fast food, beverages, and theme parks. Evolution will also help Everhear Partners, Inc., license its technology Cuddletunes, which utilizes patented technology to create the first-ever “social music” plush for children. Cuddletunes allows users to record their own audio tracks over a soundtrack and download them to an MP3 player inside their child’s plush toy.

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The Meteoric Rise of the App BY

CHRIS ADAMS

hen it comes to emerging trends and markets in the tech sector, let’s just say that my crystal ball is cloudy, at best. Not only am I bad at predicting what will succeed in that marketplace but I’m even bad at predicting what suits me. For instance, when Apple launched the iPad in April 2010, my first reaction was, “Who in their right mind would buy this device? If someone already has a laptop for portable computing, as well as an iPhone for all of his or her mobile device needs, why would anyone spend hardearned money on this compromise between the two?” Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong on both the marketplace front and my personal front. Apple sold 300,000 iPads on its initial launch day and sold three million iPads in its first 80 days on the marHalfbrick Studios is expanding its Fruit Ninja ket. As for me, cut forward to brand into the consumer products space. Above is a screen shot from the 2011 when my wife bought app game and on the right is a Fruit Ninja me an iPad 2 for my birthday. adult T-shirt by Hybrid. Since that mid-June day, I can’t think of a single possession that I’ve spent more time with. The acceptance and growth of the mobile marketplace has led to the explosion of apps offered. Apps—there is another market that I was completely wrong about. A few years ago, when licensed apps started making their way into Apple’s App Store, I took it as a passing fad. I figured licensors would quickly develop apps for all of their major properties and then the market would move onto the next big thing. Wrong again. Since that “brilliant” thought crossed my mind, the app marketplace has exploded. There are more than half a million apps in each of the major app markets—Apple’s App Store and the Android Market, which was just renamed Google Play in March. The app marketplace has grown so large so quickly that not only is there a growing list of apps licensed from an array of properties, but app properties are migrating off screen and into the consumer products world.

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To put into perspective how big the opportunities are in the app world, Rovio, developer of the popular Angry Birds app, posted $106.3 million in revenue for 2011. The company says that approximately 30 percent of that revenue is from licensed consumer products. The company also recently announced it has plans for an IPO. Building brands in the app marketplace is a different beast than in more terrestrial worlds. A brand can go from an unknown entity to a top-seller in a matter of hours. “An app can hit the top-selling list within 24–48 hours and that means huge buzz and visibility— which greatly helps with word of mouth,” says Phil Larsen, CMO of Halfbrick Studios, developer of the Fruit Ninja app. “The popularity of iPhone and Android platforms means a huge audience that is getting into games, and they all want to get their hands on the most popular titles.” Many of the top titles in the app market have had long runs atop the best-seller list. Angry Birds has been on the list for more than two years, and Fruit Ninja has been on that list for almost two years. That’s not to say that there isn’t a ton of competition entering the space. “Cut the Rope has been around for 18 months and has remained on the top-selling list,” says Tanya Haider, head of licensing and merchandising at ZeptoLab, developer of Cut the Rope. “It is a crowded space with a low barrier to entry, so there will always be a lot of competition.” The size of the app market certainly is enticing for both app developers and brand builders. With the right ingredients, great timing, and a dose of luck, a heavyweight brand can be built quickly—and on a global basis— but as more apps are put on the market it is increasingly difficult for apps

App Speed

to cut through the clutter in order to establish a solid brand. “The market size is a massive strength for apps, but a significant weakness is the lack of valued users,” says Halfbrick’s Larsen. “To really get people invested in your app, game, and brand, you need to produce something of significant value and make a genuine connection. This is difficult given the thousands of apps released daily, but this is where one needs to cut through.” While that app marketplace has a lot of differences when contrasted with more terrestrial channels, it still takes a lot of the same ingredients to build a strong, long-term brand. This becomes evident when looking at top-selling apps that are successfully being translated into consumer products and those that haven’t had that type of success. “All successful apps can gather hundreds of millions of downloads,” says Daniel Amos, associate director of brand development at Beanstalk, which represents Outfit7’s Talking with Friends brand for licensing. “However, those that can be extended into product have the same licensable equities as traditional brands.” Not only is the app marketplace an incubator of strong app-based brands, but IP holders of existing brands can grow their brands in new directions thanks to the power and penetration of apps. Due to the rise in scope and power of the app marketplace, apps are something that is expected from IP holders. “We have a handful of excellent app development partners to bring new brand experiences to our existing and new audiences,” says Natasha Fishman, vice-president of digital media at HIT Entertainment. “With licensed apps, you have to deliver an experience that looks and feels like the authentic thing. Clearly, strength of IP is a plus in the app marketplace because you are able to tie in with so many elements of a property.” The key to developing a successful licensed app is to make its experience and game play seamless with the rest of the brand’s entertainment options. It can’t feel like a second-rate interaction with a property’s world. “The bottom line is that licensed apps are, at the heart of things, not really so different from any other licensed product,” says Carole Postal, president of CopCorp Licensing, which represents a host of properties that offer licensed apps. “If you want a licensed app to suc-

Licensed Apps

ceed, you need to match it with the right brand and it has to be a quality product at a reasonable price point.” As the app market continues to grow and evolve, content owners and game developers will focus on building brand statements, on screen and off, to attract and engage consumers. Licensors are looking to build a network of apps around a property, rather than using a one-off approach. “Game developers spend a lot of time thinking about how to build a narrative around an app, so it has longer-term engagement beyond the app,” says ZeptoLab’s Haider. “We are looking at potential animation and publishing partners and we have dabbled with comics.” And, as for the future of apps, well, I won’t venture a guess. I’ll leave that to someone who knows more about this stuff than I do. “Apps won’t simply replace at-home or web content anytime soon, but the role will evolve to the point where the app and other content channels communicate seamlessly in real time,” says Halfbrick’s Larsen. “This is one of the most exciting next steps and, although many apps and games are moving this way, we still have a short but intense move toward full connectivity in the immediate future.”

Onward

HIT Entertainment is developing an assortment of apps around the Thomas & Friends property. Shown is the Thomas & Friends: Engine Activities app.

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App Licensing BY

CHRIS ADAMS

The emergence of apps offers IP owners many new opportunities. Whether it is app developers looking to license out their brands to consumer product categories or entertainment licensors looking to take their properties into the world of apps, there are big opportunities to be had in this rapidly growing category. Below is a sampling of the latest of both types of licensing deals.

Halfbrick Studios

Halfbrick is extending its Fruit Ninja app brand into many consumer product categories, including plush, fruit snacks and gummy candy, T-shirts, board games and card games. Shown is the carabiner Fruit Ninja Game by Basic Fun, which also has Sensei Figural Key Chains on the way. Mattel is offering the Fruit Ninja Slice of Life Game and the Fruit Ninja Card Game. Healthy Food Brands will offer a range of Fruit Ninja snacks.

FremantleMedia Enterprises

In January, FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) signed a deal with independent app developer Lima Sky to represent the worldwide licensing rights for Doodle Jump, an app that has been downloaded more than 25 million times since its launch in 2009. FME is seeking partners across consumer products, live events, and publishing.

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Beanstalk

Beanstalk represents Talking Friends for licensing. Shown is the Talking Ben animated plush by Dragon-I. Also on the way for the U.S. is a range of gift and novelty items by JAT Creative.

ZeptoLab

ZeptoLab announced a number of merchandising agreements that are part of its larger initiative to expand its global gaming presence into different markets and build the Cut the Rope character Om Nom into a long-term entertainment franchise. The agreements include deals with Hasbro (board games), Mattel (toys and games), Jakks Pacific (plug â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n play), and LF USA (sleepwear and loungewear).

LEGO

The LEGO DC Super Heroes Movie Maker app, the result of a partnership between the LEGO Group and Warner Bros. Consumer Products/DC Entertainment, is a kid-friendly app that lets users create a LEGO stopmotion movie on their iPhone. Simple tools and guides make it easy to shoot, edit, score the movie with music, and save it to the phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camera roll to share. More updates and features are planned for the coming months.

CopCorp Licensing

CopCorp is currently working with several licensees to translate the properties it represents into apps. Playful Owl (an imprint of digital publisher Moveable Code) has already launched two Tom Arma Step-by-Story apps. Playful Owl is also launching its first (not so) Scary Monsters Step-by-Story app this month. Below is a screenshot of that app.

HIT Entertainment

HIT is introducing apps for a range of its properties, including Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, and Mike the Knight. Thomas & Friends Blue Mountain Mystery is a new Thomas & Friends app experience that will be launched with Callaway Digital Arts. Thomas & Friends: Engine Activities (shown) includes two activity packs based on Thomas & Friends home entertainment releases, Pop Goes Thomas and Creaky Cranky. New Mike the Knight and Bob the Builder apps are on the way this year.

Mattel

touchGrove has translated the classic Mattel LED football into an app. The app features animated LED-like dots that simulate the offensive and defensive players, much like in the classic handheld game.

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The Game Plan for Licensing BY JENNIFER LYNCH

hen you are restricted to a single platform for video gaming, structure of licensing because licensees are no longer packaging product, such as the console, it also restricts the consumer base you are putting it in a box, and shipping it to retail. We’ve cut out those steps. It’s able to target. But as companies move away from relying sole- given everyone more opportunity because it’s faster, easier, and it’s not as ly on consoles, it has opened up doors to a wider audience of consumers and great an investment.” created more opportunities for licensors to engage consumers across mulLicensing for console games can be uncertain, but mobile and social tiple screens throughout their day. games pose less risk for licensors. “If it’s While console gaming was once not a huge AAA movie, or if it’s a slightly seen as a lucrative opportunity to cresmaller film, the time frame can be too ate tie-in video games for top entershort to come up with a console game,” tainment properties, dropping in-store says Jason Yim, president and executive revenue has led to more hesitation in creative director for Trigger Global, a digithe category. Video game hardware, tal marketing and production agency that software, and accessories sales declined specializes in websites and digital games 42 percent for April 2012 when compared for film companies such as Sony Pictures, to 2011, according to a report by The NPD Sesame Workshop, Lucasfilm, and more. Group. This comes on the heels of THQ’s “By the time you shoot the film, negotiate Games are offered across platforms to give gamers differannouncement to exit licensed kids’ video the license, and get the developer on board, ent gaming experiences while still remaining engaged with games, ending its relationships with you’ve missed your launch window. That’s the same property. (l-r) Ice Age: Continental Drift Artic Games from Fox Consumer Products and Activision, CSI: Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation, why they are pushing for mobile. It’s lower Crime City from CBS Consumer Products and Ubisoft while Nintendo also reported its first annual loss risk and more likely to see success.” in more than three decades. “Licensing in general hasn’t been working out for a lot of publishers The Right Rights for Gaming Because of the shifting demographic of gamers, consideration must be over the past several years,” says Scott Mucci, director of research at IGN Entertainment. “Licensing can be a heavy burden for developers to take on paid to the audience for a property and where that audience resides in the for consoles and many folks aren’t willing to commit because that means gaming space. “Different segments of the game population expect different things,” says Gary Rosenfeld, senior vice-president of interactive games, you have to guarantee at least some level of success.” Fox Consumer Products. “So you have to identify the market segment you The Digital Impact want to go after and then pattern the game design after that segment.” The rise of the free-to-play model has impacted what consumers are Once this is achieved, finding a partner with the same strategy and willing to spend, and as a result impacted the kinds of licensing taking vision is the hard part, says Rich Maryyanek, CMO of Big Tent place in the category. While console gaming is still an important piece Entertainment. “As an agent and IP owner, we have to select the right partof the business for game publishers, licensors have become more ner for the right game,” he says. “Some games may have a single distribufocused on mobile/social gaming. tion strategy, while others may have a multi-platform strategy that ranges “We’re seeing the complete convergence and evolution from console to from platform to handheld, to downloadable content and apps. I imagine digital, and that shifts how we think about licensing,” says Liz Kalodner, very few deals are getting done for platform-only games without apps and vice-president and general manager, CBS Consumer Products. “What the some downloadable game strategy.” shift toward mobile has allowed us to do is augment our portfolio with the IPs that still fair well on consoles skew toward the original traditional digital piece, not necessarily replace consoles. It also changes the financial gamer, in part because of the type of experience they still look for from the

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game. While price point for casual gamers can outweigh experience, console gamers are still willing to pay a higher price if the game can deliver the heavy action and visuals they seek, such as Sega’s Alien: Colonial Marines, which is being developed with Gearbox Studios for launch across consoles in early 2013, according to Fox’s Rosenfeld. Finding a middle ground for both new and old gamers that meets both their needs is the ideal scenario. Fox Consumer Products is trying to achieve this balance with the launch of Family Guy Online (Roadhouse Interactive), which it describes as “a mid-core game,” and plans are underway with Activision to bring the franchise to additional platforms. “We launched Family Guy Online as a browser-based game because it creates a richer 3D environment that delivers the humor of Family Guy but also incorporates real gameplay elements,” says Rosenfeld. “So when core gamers go into the game, they’ll understand what they’re supposed to do, and the game will deliver for them because of those recognizable game elements. And when casual gamers go in, they will first be attracted to the idea of becoming a citizen of Family Guy’s Quahog and participating in the show. Then we will guide them through the game, so that someone who might not have played an MMOstyle game before won’t be intimidated.” Just as licensors look more closely at properties for the gaming category, licensees are finding that the more rights they gain for a property, the more touch points they can offer consumers. “The ideal licenses for us on the retail side need to have strong, broad exposure with media, whether it’s TV or movies, with strong consumer products programs and support at retail,” says Bill Anker, vicepresident of business development, D3Publisher, a

The latest Halo title from 343 Industries, Halo 4, is available exclusively on the Xbox 360.

division of Namco Bandai. “On the digital side, where you can experiment a bit more with less risk, there are opportunities with licenses that might be more niche with really passionate fans.” Depending on the type of deal, the focus varies for different individuals. For platform developers such as Microsoft, licensing deals are not driven by the IP but instead by whether that IP translates into a unique gaming experience that can only be offered through a specific platform. “From Microsoft’s point of view, our sole interest is in pioneering experiences that really showcase the value of our platforms—Xbox, Windows Phone, and Windows itself,” says Jaymi Bauer, director of marketing for kids & lifestyle entertainment, interactive entertainment business, Microsoft. Game publishers can also license out their own IPs, which is where a diversified portfolio is also important. For example, merging physical and interactive play, as seen with Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure from Activision, has helped build out licensing for this gaming property

Different Game Appeal

because gamers are immediately able to interact with the game’s character in the real world. According to Activision’s Q1 earning report, the property has already sold more than 30 million toys. “I think we’ll see more people testing this model in the next couple years,” says IGN’s Mucci. “Especially as people look to Skylanders and say, ‘Kids can attach to game characters just as they can attach to characters in cartoons and movies. Why not create a rich franchise and monetize through toys?’” Activision was unavailable for an interview. Likewise mobile gaming IPs, which tend to feature more toyetic characters, can help publishers round out their licensing strategy. “We have real demand from our core community for Mass Effect product from graphic novels, figurines, online stores, high-end hoodies,” says Patrick O’Brien, vice-president, EA Entertainment & Licensing. However, EA’s recent acquisition of Popcap, the maker of mobile games such as Plant Vs. Zombies, has offered the company a much broader mass-market proposition, in part because of the accessibility of these properties. “For something such as Plants Vs. Zombies we’re able to do twice as much, entering new categories we never would have gone into when dealing with a more core gaming audience. When you’ve got a kid-friendly franchise with 43 loveable plants and 22 kindof loveable zombies, the possibilities are much more significant,” says O’Brien. Ultimately the landscape is changing; no one can argue this point. But as long as developers and licensors are able to work together to develop product that captures the original essence of a character, there will be a place for video game licensing. It’s just a matter of where it will be.

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VIDEO GAME LICENSING BY JENNIFER LYNCH

As consumers move away from traditional gaming consoles toward smartphones and tablets, which they can game with on the go, new licensing opportunities are opening for brands to give consumers quick brand interaction at low and freemium price points. Below are some samples of new licensing deals in the category.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Bigpoint, an online game developer, is working with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products to create the online game Ice Age Online, based on the Ice Age film franchise. The game will be free-to-play online and incorporate the franchise’s most popular characters. Ice Age Online will launch alongside the premiere of Ice Age: Continental Drift in July.

CAPCOM

Capcom entered an agreement with Kraft Foods to create the World Gone Sour video game, based on the “sour then sweet” candy Sour Patch Kids, for the Playstation Network and Xbox Live. The game puts players in the role of a miniature lost piece of candy that sets off on a journey to find its ultimate destination—the human stomach. The console versions allow for two players to team up for local co-op play and includes support for global leaderboards as well as Microsoft Achievements and PlayStation trophies. The game can also be downloaded for PCs.

DISNEY INTERACTIVE

Disney Interactive’s Brave: The Video Game will be available for Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and DS, and Windows PC/Mac. Inspired by Brave, the upcoming Disney/Pixar animated fantasy/adventure movie, the video game invites players to run, jump, and battle their way through the rugged landscape of mythical and mysterious Scotland. By using their wits and bravery, gamers will also be able to wield a sword and bow to defeat fierce enemies, break a magical curse, and save a kingdom. The video game will release this month in conjunction with the film.

D3PUBLISHER

D3Publisher, a division of Namco Bandai, and Cartoon Network Enterprises announced the upcoming release of Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why’d you steal our garbage?!, a video game based on the popular Cartoon Network series, Adventure Time. This is the first Adventure Time video game. It will release on the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS handheld systems late fall. The series’ creator, Pendleton Ward, is designing a new storyline and quests for the game.

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CBS CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Perfect World Entertainment, Inc., and Perfect World Europe B.V., wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Perfect World Co., and Cryptic Studios, Inc., along with CBS Consumer Products launched the free-to-play, massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) Star Trek Online for Europe. German and French players can now lead their crew on missions in their own language and also participate in events, in-game chats, competitions, and episodic missions that will immerse them even more in the always expanding Star Trek universe.

ELECTRONIC ARTS

Electronic Arts announced the next collaborative project between The Sims and Katy Perry. The Sims 3 Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats will be available this month on PC/Mac. Players can sweeten up their Sims’ lives with Katy Perry-inspired, candylicious items, such as décor, furniture, objects, fashions, and hairstyles, that will enhance their game experience. Three pre-built venues will help transform the world for the Sims characters with a game packed full of Katy Perry-inspired content.

MAJESCO

Majesco Entertainment Company will release NBA Baller Beats, a high-energy, first-of-its kind participative basketball video game this fall, exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360. Developed by HB Studios, NBA Baller Beats gets players on their feet mastering ball-handling skills using a real basketball while playing to the beat of an eclectic soundtrack. The Kinect motion sensor captures every movement of both player and ball to create an entirely new basketball gaming experience.

ACTIVISION

Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc., and SpiderMan Merchandising L.P., a subsidiary of Marvel, are teaming up for a Spider-Man video game. Planned to launch June 26, Spider-Man 3: The Game brings Spider-Man back to the thrill of freeroaming through New York City in an original epilogue story to Sony Picture Entertainment’s upcoming feature film. Players take on the role of a young Peter Parker discovering his new Spidey powers and added superhero responsibilities, using the game’s Web Rush mechanic to swing freely, combat a variety of criminal activities, and take on classic Marvel super villains.

UBISOFT

Ubisoft completed a deal with Marvel to acquire the Avengers video game license that was formerly held by THQ. Ubisoft is preparing the release of Avengers: Battle for Earth, which will be available on Xbox 360 and Wii U this fall. The Xbox 360 version will feature Kinect support, while the Wii U version will make use of the new system’s anticipated tablet controller.

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thE WiLDfLOWEr grOup

appOintmEntS anD prOmOtiOnS

the Wildflower group appointed christina nix Lynch as executive sales director and rory flynn as licensing coordinator. in their respective new posts, nix Lynch and flynn work side-by-side with agency veterans Jeanne perry, who has been promoted to executive vicepresident, business affairs, and cheryl chua, who has been promoted to vicepresident, creative services. nix Lynch will lead licensing initiatives for the firm’s clients, identifying and soliciting licensees across multiple product categories and managing all aspects of licensing Christina Nix Lynch sales. She previously held the post of executive director at peanuts Worldwide LLc (formerly united media). prior to her 13-year tenure at peanuts Worldwide, nix Lynch served as manager, marketing & consumer products at Scholastic Entertainment, inc., and, before that, as product manager at Warner home Video/time Warner, inc. flynn provides support for sales, Rory Flynn operations, and product development, as well as manages the day-to-day needs of the agency’s clients and licensees. a 2011 graduate of the university of South carolina, flynn joins the Wildflower group following internships at cBS Sports network and Wicked cow Entertainment. perry’s duties include heading the company’s operations, including overseeing finances, contract negotiations, and human resources responsibilities. chua spearheads all aspects of creative and product development for the company’s clients, including product approvals, style guides, and other assets.

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JakkS pacific

BrODSky & ruSSO, appOintmEntS

Jakks pacific, inc., elected Leigh anne Brodsky as a new independent member of its Board of Directors and appointed her to the nominating and corporate governance committee and compensation committee of the Board. Brodsky is a 25-year veteran of the children’s entertainment and toy industry. until September 2011, she served as president of nickelodeon & Viacom consumer products, inc., where she oversaw worldwide licensing and merchandising for nickelodeon, mtV, and comedy central. prior to her nearly 13 years with Viacom, Brodsky worked in senior executive roles for Lorne michaels’ Broadway Video and Scripps howard’s united media. She is a board member of the children’s Brain tumor foundation and served from 2010–11 as an elected board member of the toy industry association. Jakks pacific also appointed carmine russo as president of Jakks’ international Division, which coordinates the company’s growing international sales, marketing, advertising, promotions, and distribution operations across all product divisions. russo, a 28-year veteran of the toy industry, was the cOO of toymax. Jakks acquired toymax in 2002, and russo became the senior vice-president of Jakks international, before being promoted to executive vice-president of Jakks international in 2009.

Lima Sky

Eric karp, chiEf LicEnSing OfficEr

Lima Sky appointed Eric karp as chief licensing officer. karp will work directly with founder igor pusenjak to develop a creative and cohesive ecosystem of products around Lima Sky’s properties. karp will begin by overseeing licensing of Doodle Jump in close collaboration with agent fremantlemedia Enterprises. karp, who has held senior posts at chorion, mgm, and fox family, most recently established the western hemisphere presence for mind candy Ltd., owners of moshi monsters.

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tWentietH century fox consumer Products

smc entertAinment GrouP

HeAtHer smitH noBAcK, vice-President, interActive & diGitAL mediA

KAzi & cHess, APPointments

twentieth century fox consumer Products named nabil Kazi to the position of vice-president, global promotions, and morgan chess to the position of vicepresident, digital strategy and commerce. Kazi will define and set the global licensed promotions strategy for fox’s tv properties. Prior to joining fox, Kazi was vice-president, global marketing and publicity for Walt disney Animation and disneytoon studios. chess will handle digital and e-commerce strategy planning for the breadth of fox consumer Products’ portfolio. she previously served as director, digital marketing for 20th century fox studios.

Nabil Kazi

Morgan Chess

evoLution exPAnds executive teAm

evolution’s initial founders, travis J. rutherford and Adam unger, joined forces with stanley Lerman and ryan Broomberg to expand the capabilities of the firm. As managing director and coo, Lerman’s primary responsibilities are strategic planning, operations, finance, and legal. He will oversee all international licensing efforts. As executive vice-president, Broomberg brings expertise in retail operations, sourcing, and distribution logistics. He is a chartered accountant with more than 25 years of experience in building companies. Kirsti tichenor also joins evolution as senior director of licensing and brand compliance. she will handle all product development approvals, creative services, and category licensing sales.

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

smc entertainment Group, inc. (smc), an entertainment and brand management company and sister company to global consumer products manufacturer sun-mate corporation, named Heather smith noback to the post of vicepresident, interactive & digital media. noback joins smc from encore software. noback’s appointment coincides with the formation of a new division to oversee online and social media marketing strategies across all brands. As a result, an updated and refreshed smc entertainment Group, inc., website has been unveiled, along with the launch of facebook and twitter pages for smc and all of its brands, including the Jungle Book, dance Academy, and H2o: Just Add Water.

AmericAn GreetinGs ProPerties

LindsAy mArtinez, director of LicensinG And Business deveLoPment

American Greetings Properties (AGP) appointed Lindsay martinez as director of licensing and business development. martinez will direct the building of AGP brands, such as care Bears and strawberry shortcake, through new and existing licensing and retail strategies and work to launch new properties. martinez returns to AGP after serving as vice-president of brand management and marketing at chorion, where she was responsible for the strategic development and execution of brand marketing and retail initiatives for chorion’s portfolio of brands in the Americas. from 2006–2008, martinez worked at AGP as director of marketing for Holly Hobbie, madballs, and new brands.

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JULY

12–15

Comic-Con International

comic-con.org

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego

New York International Gift Fair

nyigf.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

TIME TO PLAY FALL SHOWCASE

TIMETOPLAYMAG.COM

THE ALTMAN BUILDING

NEW YORK CITY

2–4

TIA Fall Toy Preview

toyassociation.org

Dallas Market Center

Dallas

8–11

MIPCOM

mipworld.com

Palais Des Festivals

Cannes, France

26–28

AUGUST 18–22 20–23

OASIS Gift Show

MAGIC

SEPTEMBER 28

OCTOBER 2–4 6–7

13–18 14–17 16–18

30–11/1

PB&J

MIPJunior

High Point Market ABC Kids Expo

Brand Licensing Europe AAPEX

NOVEMBER 11–13

17–18 27–28

JANUARY 7–10 8–11

10–13

magiconline.com

pbandjshow.com mipworld.com ihfc.com

theabcshow.com

brandlicensing.eu aapexshow.com

Phoenix Convention Center

Las Vegas Convention Center

Dallas Market Center Palais Des Festivals

International Home Furnishings Center Kentucky Exposition Center The Grand Hall Olympia The Sands Expo Center

Phoenix

Las Vegas

Dallas

Cannes, France

High Point, NC Louisville

London, UK Las Vegas

PLMA

plma.com

Rosemont Convention Center

Chicago

Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair

hktoyfair.com

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong, China

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

International Character & Licensing Fair

International CES

FEBRUARY 7–10

oasis.org

Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair

American International Toy Fair

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

chitag.com

character.ae

cesweb.org

toyfair.de

toyassociation.org

Navy Pier

Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center

Las Vegas Convention Center

Nuremburg Exhibition Center

Jacob Javits Convention Center

Chicago

Dubai, AE

Las Vegas

Nuremburg, Germany

New York

P OSTED

BELOW IS A SAMPLING OF WHAT

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME. . .

Source: Brand Keys As baseball season got underway this spring, the 20th annual Brand Keys Sports Loyalty Engagement Index was released. It was designed to help the management of professional sports teams identify precise fan loyalty rankings. THE 2012 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 5 AND BOTTOM 5 BRANDS: (Note: the numbers in parentheses give team rankings for 2000 and 2005 respectively)

TOP

TOP 5 IN 2012 1. Philadelphia Phillies 2. New York Yankees 3. Boston Red Sox 4. San Francisco Giants 5. St. Louis Cardinals BOTTOM 5 IN 2012 1. Pittsburgh Pirates 2. Baltimore Orioles 3. Kansas City Royals 4. Seattle Mariners 5. New York Mets

NANCY LOMBARDI

(#17, #6) (#3, #2) (#1, #9) (#4, #10) (#10, #18) (#21, #21) (#25, #23) (#12, #16) (#10, #10) (#9, #7)

Fan loyalty correlates very highly with broadcast viewership, merchandise purchase, and ticket revenue. However, win/loss ratios do not entirely govern fan loyalty. Here are four ways to measure fan loyalty: • PURE ENTERTAINMENT: How well does the team perform? However, more importantly, how exciting is the team to watch? • AUTHENTICITY: How well do they play as a team? New stadiums and new managers can lift interest. • FAN BONDING: Are players respected and admired? • HISTORY AND TRADITION: Is the game and the team part of the fans’ and a community’s rituals, institutions, and beliefs?

A MERICAN

CONSUMERS ARE INTERESTED IN THIS MONTH .

MOMS, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND SHOPPING

Source: Totsy.com Flash sale website for moms, Totsy.com, in conjunction with BSM Media, surveyed 1,978 moms from ages 18–55 in March about their shopping habits. • 69 percent of moms said that social media has “somewhat” to “drastically” changed the way they shop. • 50 percent said product reviews impact their purchasing decisions. • 21 percent said friends’ online opinions impact their purchasing decisions. • 18 percent reported being influenced by blogger opinions. • 79 percent of moms said they adopted new shopping techniques due to the recession and they won’t return to their pre-recession ways. Moms reported using more coupons both online and offline.

TOY-BUYING HABITS OF LATINA MOMS

Source: BabyCenter en Español Parenting website BabyCenterEnEspañol.com conducted a poll in March of the toybuying habits of Latina moms who live in the U.S. The poll surveyed more than 400 moms, whose kids range from newborns to age 6 or older. The moms ranged in age from 18–55, with the majority in the 25–39 year old range. • 43 percent said they bought their child’s first toy sometimes before the child was born. • The poll indicates that Latina moms are not very interested in dolls that have features and skin color similar to those of their family. Only 5 percent of respondents said they chose dolls with these characteristics, when asked for the three main requirements in dolls. They are more interested in dolls that are bilingual, a characteristic that 16 percent of moms chose. • The winning characteristic, at 40 percent, is a doll that “represents a character my child loves.” Dolls that are interactive received 37 percent of the votes. • 34 percent of the moms said that sports-related toys are among the most popular items they bought in the past six months (balls, baseball gloves, etc.). • Other favorites are digital toys (camera, computer, iPad, video game console, etc.) and building toys (such as blocks or LEGO). • One in four of the moms polled buys toys for her kids every month or more often (21 percent each month and 5 percent each week). • 20 percent buy toys about once every two to three months. • 18 percent buy them only for major holidays. Here is what the moms reported spending on toys per shopping trip: • 36 percent spend between $10 and $20 • 30 percent spend between $20 and $30 • 5 percent spend between $50 and $100 on toys

ROYALTIE$ JUNE 2012

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