Licensing News - what’s hot in licensed products

Spin Master renews Warner Bros. DC Super Heroes deal

Spin Master has renewed its global licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and comics and graphic novel publisher DC for the Batman franchise and other DC Super Heroes. Spin Master first joined forces with WBCP in 2018 as the toy licensee for DC in the action figure, playset, roleplay, and vehicle categories for the period of 2019-2022, and has now extended the relationship for a four-year term beginning in 2023 through to 2026.

Spin Master president, toys and chief commercial officer Chris Beardall said: “It’s been an honour to work with WBCP on this heroic and innovative line of action figures, vehicles and playsets, bringing the adventures and stories of Batman, DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains into fans’ homes around the world.’’

Warner Bros. Pictures’ The Batman opened in March and Spin Master’s The Batman toy line-up is available now.

Magformers launches its first licensed toys

Magformers UK has introduced its first-ever licensed products by bringing the Baby Shark global phenomenon to the magnetic construction toys category.

The company has launched the Baby Shark Friends Set and Baby Shark Family Set in its latest Stick-O range of magnetic toys for preschoolers. The two branded sets feature all-new Stick-O pieces, including large magnetic balls imprinted with cute shark faces and magnetic fins and tails, in the instantly recognisable Baby Shark yellow, blue and pink colours.

Magformers UK managing director David Kelly said: “Baby Shark is a YouTube sensation and an incredibly popular TV property through its relationship with Nickelodeon. Partnering with such a globally-recognised phenomenon as Baby Shark will make our toys even more appealing and engaging.”

Star Stable gallops into toy licensing with Just Play!

Swedish games company Star Stable Entertainment has signed a global toy line deal with Just Play for its gaming brand, Star Stable Online, via Finnish and Canada based licensing and animation studio Ferly. The first toy line will hit the market in 2023. The deal will see the partners develop a collectable range of dolls and horses based on some of the most beloved and iconic Star Stable characters from the game. It will also feature other items for the dedicated fandom and for horse and animal lovers.

Staying true to Star Stable’s commitment to putting its community first, there are also plans to gather input from its global fanbase during the product development process. Inspired by the storylines from the game, the merchandise gives players the chance to enjoy their favourite characters in both the physical and digital world. The news follows the successful mobile launch of Star Stable Online in February, which is now available globally for iOS users via the App Store.

Rocket Licensing has big dreams for new property

Rocket Licensing has announced that it will be representing children’s book property, Little People, Big Dreams and will build a consumer products programme for the inspirational brand.

Little People, Big Dreams is a series of illustrated biographies exploring the lives of outstanding people, for readers aged three to seven. The subjects of the books range from designers and artists to scientists and activists, all of whom have achieved incredible things, but began life as a child with a dream.

Told as a story, with a facts and photos section at the back, the children’s series, published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and created by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, has sold more than 7.5 million copies and been published in 35 languages.

The brand offers the perfect way to celebrate key milestones - Marie Curie on International Women’s Day; Frida Kahlo on World Book Day; a variety of sporting icons like Muhammad Ali for sporting events, Stephen Hawking for British Science Week; and Nelson Mandela during Black History Month.

Hitting the BLE catwalk

Brand Licensing Europe has revealed fresh details of its 2022 fashion theme, including daily catwalk fashion shows streamed throughout ExCeL London, a futuristic fashion keynote and tactile, inspirational product showcases.

Ten, 15-minute fashion shows will hit the central catwalk across the three event days, with each show themed around key licensing categories.

Categories include: collabs, food & beverage, footwear, kids, sports & athleisure, sustainability, and culture & the world.

Each show will be streamed live to TV screens on the show floor as well as in the central visitor boulevard of ExCeL and outside on the West Podium screen. BLE takes place from 20-22 September.