Licensing News - what’s hot in licensed products

Licensing Expo Virtual agenda revealed

Licensing Expo Virtual, in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, has announced the agenda for the event’s 2021 edition taking place August 24-26 in a virtual format.

Celebrating 40 years of connecting IP owners with retailers, manufacturers, and licensees, Licensing Expo Virtual’s educational agenda has been strategically designed to fuel the $292.8 billion global licensing industry.

Retailers can take advantage of Retail Education & Ask Me Anything Sessions: Licensing Expo Virtual will offer Retail Clinics comprising tailored educational sessions provided free of charge for all retailers. “Our intention with Retail Clinics is to ease the challenge of keeping up with and understanding key trends, helping retailers meet a range of licensing experts and gain the inspiration required to introduce licensing into retailers’ strategy,” explained Anna Knight, vice president of licensing, Informa Markets.

This year’s event features the return of Licensing U, produced by Licensing International, the US market debut of License This!, and an opening keynote address from senior executives at Warner Bros. Consumer Products, plus the launch of Digital Brand Roadshows, Retail Clinics, Sustainability Clinics produced in partnership with Products of Change, along with GLG educational content.

Visitor registration is open and free of charge. For more details head to www. licensingexpo.com

Danger Mouse is 40 years old!

Crikey Chief! The world’s greatest secret agent, Danger Mouse, is celebrating his 40th anniversary this September, and Boat Rocker Studios (a division of global entertainment company Boat Rocker Media) is gearing up with new UK and US licensees and a range of special 40th anniversary merchandise to mark the occasion.

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios said: “Danger Mouse is the world’s greatest secret agent and one of TV’s most iconic animations, packed with action, comedy and drama. The show has achieved incredible global success in both its original incarnation and its thrilling reboot.’’ Funko has signed a worldwide deal to produce a new range of Danger Mouse Classic collectables, including its trademark Pop! stylized vinyl fi gures and the Vinyl Soda! fi gures of the heroes and villains from the series, including a limited edition Evil Danger Mouse chase fi gure. Smiffys will continue to offer their dress-up costumes for both adults and kids. Other products will include a new range of T-shirts and clothing, knitwear, pyjamas, tote bags, mugs, art prints, metal signs, lunchboxes, enamel pins and door mats from Truffl e Shuffl e, and apparel and accessories from Bioworld.

Haribo goes for gold

Ahead of the Haribo Goldbear’s 100th anniversary in 2022, the confectionery brand is rolling out a colourful suite of toys, apparel, footwear and homeware in 2021.

Jakks Pacifi c has entered into a multiyear, global toy licensing deal with the Haribo Group to create a toy line based on its candy products. Jakks has secured rights in the North America and EMEA territories to manufacture, market and distribute collectables and activities, set to launch this month.

“We are thrilled to partner with Haribo in bringing to life a truly sweet line of toys and collectables that will appeal to collectors and Haribo fans of all ages. The line features consumers’ favorite product pieces from the signature Goldbears to Twinsnakes, Happy-cola and more,” said Jill Nordquist, SVP marketing, Jakks Pacifi c.

The fi rst release of Jakks Pacifi c Haribo product will be available at retail in time for Christmas. for Christmas.

Zimpli Kids joins the Paw Patrol

Over the past couple of months, Zimpli Kids has been busy behind the scenes creating exciting new products including the all-new licensed Paw Patrol range. Kids can do their own search & rescue in the gooey Gelli Baff and become part of the Paw Patrol team! perfect for little ones who are obsessed with the furry franchise.

Colin Fox, centre, with Character MD Joe Kissane (left) and Jerry Healy, group marketing director

A characterful career draws to a close

TnP founder Malcolm Naish pays tribute to industry stalwart Colin Fox, who has announced he is taking early retirement from his position as marketing manager at the Character Group in September

Veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered). This phrase very much applies to Colin Fox and his career in the toy industry.

There cannot be many people in the toy industry who don’t know Colin Fox. For the past 18 years he has fulfi lled a number of senior roles at the Character Group, including working on the international side of the business.

I fi rst met Colin at the Harrogate Toy Fair in 1985. Colin had driven up to Harrogate in his new company car as a toy buyer for the Fine Fare grocery group. Sadly, on the way to Harrogate his car was involved in an accident, somewhat messing up his shiny new vehicle.

Ever of the breed that believes ‘the show must go on’, Colin carried on to the show, amply illustrating his commitment to the cause. At the age of 27, Colin was one of the youngest senior buyers in the toy trade.

The company was bought by Gateway and then merged with Carrefour, resulting in the stores being sold to Asda in 1989.

A short spell at Zodiac saw Colin join Makro, where he stayed until 2002. During his time with Makro, Colin worked with Dave Cave and Sue

Treat everybody “ as you expect to be treated yourself ”

Jones, and between the three of them they raised over £100,00 as a result of their fi ne organising of the Makro tennis weekend.

Initially joining Character on a three-month maternity leave cover, Colin must have impressed the management, as he stayed for a further 18 years and will retire at the end of September.

As a buyer Colin’s work ethic was: “Treat everybody as you expect to be treated yourself.” Something not many buyers today work by!

Over the years Colin has taken

“I have known Colin for over 35 years. I sold toys to him in most of his buying roles, the latter being Makro where he excelled and worked with a great team of people.

When he accepted voluntary redundancy, I spotted an opportunity for him to join Character as cover for maternity leave in the marketing department - the rest is history.

Colin has been with Character for nearly 20 years. Apart from working in the marketing department, where he reports directly to Jerry Healy, he has also been involved in International sales, working alongside Kevin.

Colin has become a very good friend; he is loyal and very caring. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Character.”

55 trips to Hong Kong, attended 23 Nuremberg shows, 12 New York toy fairs and 35 London toy fairs. At Character, Colin was responsible for organising its stand at the shows. In addition to all of this, Colin was also a committee member of the BTHA’s ‘Dream Toy’ team.

When Colin fi rst joined the toy trade he was told “if you like it and the industry likes you, you will never leave it”. That’s certainly held true for Colin. He was diagnosed with cancer 25 years ago, and he is of the fi rm belief that his many friends in the toy trade were instrumental in aiding his recovery from this horrible disease.

Now as fi t as a fi ddle, Colin is looking forward to a more relaxed lifestyle, which will include regular gym visits and no more driving to and from the offi ce.

From my perspective, Colin was always a pleasure to deal with - and to be able to deal with all that Character Group placed on his slender shoulders during his 18-year career is much to be applauded!