Licensing News – what’s hot in licensed products

Polar bear Paddles sees merchandising and broadcasting growth

As animation and media company FuturumKids’ new CGI show Paddles attracts a growing audience of four-toseven-year-olds, the company is looking forward to a busy Christmas for its range of Paddles merchandise.

Paddles fans can look forward to 10 SKUs including plush and apparel. Manufactured in Shanghai and distributed via fulfilment houses in Northampton, London, and Dublin, these will be available to Paddles fans through the FuturumKids ecommerce portal well in time for Christmas.

Paddles, which appears in prime-time slots on Cartoonito UK and RTE, has already enjoyed a positive response from viewers in the UK and Ireland, and also enjoys a huge following on social media.

The show features Polar bear Paddles, who was accidentally delivered by the stork to a frozen River Shannon in Ireland and brought up by a pack of Irish wolfhounds.

Further broadcast expansion is expected to be announced over the coming months.

Sakar seals deal with SEGA for Sonic line

Sakar International and SEGA of America have announced a partnership to expand Sakar’s line of licensed wheeled toys and accessories with Sonic the Hedgehog, as part of the video game character’s 30th anniversary. This Autumn, Sonic fans can speed into action and adventure with hoverboards, scooters (manual and electric), four-wheel rideons and skateboards (manual and electric) all inspired by the beloved hedgehog. In addition, Sonic-themed helmets and other protective gear will be available. Sakar will also create a variety of Sonicinspired video game accessories and youth electronics including speakers, and headsets.

Turtle Pack teams up with TMNT

Award-winning swimming accessories manufacturer Turtle Pack has joined forces with Nickelodeon, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a new swimming aid.

The TMNT-themed Swim Float will give young swimmers the chance to dress up as Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Leonardo. Swimming teacher-turned inventor Michael Harkins created the original Turtle Pack Swimming Aid - a turtleshell shaped float which keeps the child’s arms free to learn proper swimming technique - while he was still at university.

Consisting of a neoprene vest and a set of three stacked foam shells that decrease in size, the aid is worn in the pool with shells removed as the child grows more confident in the water.

This arms-free approach teaches children the correct swimming strokes, while the backpack-like setup ensures they maintain the correct horizontal body position. The shells can also be used as pool floats or toys. Turtle Pack founder Michael Harkins with a child modelling the TMNT Turtle Pack

Trunki licences TeeBee toybox

Ride-on suitcase brand Trunki has acquired the global licence to TeeBee - a toybox and play tray that will be rolling off the production line at its manufacturing facility in Plymouth from November.

TeeBee is a toybox that turns into a lap tray, enabling kids to take toys and snacks with them when they are on the go. Open the lid, and spin round the smart tray to transform it into a practical lap play surface. Teebee’s patented shape fits comfortably between the thighs when seated and is easy to carry with the detachable grab handle that can also fasten to backpacks and luggage.

The Trunki TeeBee toybox and play tray will be available in four different colours and has a 2-litre capacity, plus a removable brick tray, removable smart tray, face stickers for personalisation, an activity booklet, and colouring pencils.