iQ License

NEW YORK, October 22, 2015 – Interior designer and television personality Genevieve Gorder is teaming with Pear Tree Greetings for a new range of holiday cards and customizable stationery in a new deal facilitated by brand extension agency Beanstalk.

The range will launch with a new holiday card collection that will feature patterns, foiling and botanicals across 15 designs inspired by Gorder’s work in home décor.

“Consumers relate to Genevieve because she is not only down to earth but her beautiful, yet whimsical designs are immediately relevant to how people live today,” says Allison Ames, president, Beanstalk. “Bringing Genevieve’s wonderful creativity to a great partner like Pear Tree Greetings is a perfect blend of contemporary, but classic design coupled with quality holiday greeting cards.”

Gorder has been seen on design shows on HGTV and TLC, as well as via her namesake lifestyle brand.

NEW YORK, October 19, 2015 – Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products has signed multiple deals for its series “The Simpsons,” which premiered its 27th season last month.

The new deals broaden the brand’s category, cementing its transition into evergreen status in the EMEA.

“The cross-generational appeal of ‘The Simpsons’ and breadth of content gives us the ability to segment creative to target different audience sectors, says Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, senior vice president, EMEA, Fox Consumer Products. “This strategy enables us to add great depth, originality and innovation to licensed ranges that will engage all demographics and attract a range of top-class partners across EMEA.”

Beginning next year and into 2017, FCP will extend “The Simpsons” to the baby category, with softlines set to debut.

Other new deals include with Jumbo Games for games and puzzles and Pyramid International for a stationery range for back-to-school.

Under the fashion category, several new partnerships have been established including the launch of the capsule collection with Neff around the world; a Hype clothing line that hit market last fall; a boy’s apparel line that debuted at Sainsbury’s this year; a fashion range for girls that debuted at George at Asda, Primark and Zara; and second collection of accessories from Skinnydip.

NEW YORK, October 13, 2015 – Universal Partnerships & Licensing is highlighting the hit films Minions and Jurassic World, as well as the upcoming The Secret Life of Pets this year at Brand Licensing Europe in London.

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives pets lead after humans leave for work or school each day, will hit theaters in summer 2016. Spin Master has been tapped as the global master toy partner for the brand and will develop a wide variety of toys, including traditional plush and figurines as well as interactive and motorized offerings.

UP&L is also focusing on two of its recent blockbuster film franchises,Minions, which has grossed more than $950 million and counting at the global box office, and Jurassic World, the third highest grossing film of all time with $1.5 billion at the global box office.

UP&L plans to refresh both programs with all-new creative and ongoing marketing campaigns from licensees including Thinkway Toys, Hasbro, Mega Bloks and EA for Minions and Hasbro, LEGO and Ludia for Jurassic World, leading intoDespicable Me 3 in 2017 and the Jurassic World sequel in 2018.

NEW YORK, October 13, 2015 – Apparel licensee TSPTR has launched a new range of high-end clothing featuring the classic King Features character Popeye.

The deal was brokered by the brand's U.K. agent, Allsorts Licensing.

The new TSPTR Popeye collection includes t-shirts, sweats, jackets and caps is on sale now at independent retailers.

“If there was ever an American Icon that represented the TSPTR brand values (truth, symmetry, pleasure, taste, recognition) it is Popeye The Sailorman–the good guy underdog with a mean uppercut and a penchant for canned spinach and skinny women,” says Daniel Savory, managing director, TSPTR.

“We welcome TSPTR to the licensing program as they are well designed, good-quality clothes with excellent distribution," says John McInnerny, Allsorts licensing. "Popeye and TSPTR will be good shipmates.”

NEW YORK, October 7, 2015 – Joyrich has partnered with IMG in a global deal to license the apparel label in new product segments and franchise it to new territories.

Established by fashion designer Tom Hirota in 2007, the brand blends American culture and Japanese street fashion. The brand has also partnered with a range of global brands including Disney, Playboy and Coca-Cola. Joyrich has flagship stores in the U.S., Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and is also sold in a fashion boutiques around the world.

“We have come a long way since our first store in Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, and our brand is now growing at such a pace that we need help to satisfy the demand we are seeing from different markets, as well as from our loyal consumers," says Hirota. "IMG is perfectly placed to help us respond to that and take us to the next level.”

“Tom lives and breathes creativity. I’ve been so impressed by what he has achieved and the power and originality of the Joyrich brand concept," says Bruno Maglione, executive vice president, WME/IMG and president of licensing, IMG. "We are very pleased to accompany him in the next brand chapter of Joyrich.”

NEW YORK, October 6, 2015 – The Tetris Company has appointed Lisle International Licensing as its merchandise licensing agent in the U.K., Channel Islands and Ireland.

Lisle International will focus on new product merchandising opportunities for the iconic video game in home goods, lifestyle items, collectibles, clothing and more.

Lisle will also be showcasing the brand at Brand Licensing Europe next week in London.

“'Tetris' is more than just a video game–it’s a lifestyle enjoyed by fans, both young and old, around the globe," says Maya Rogers, chief executive officer Blue Planet Software, sole agent for the "Tetris" brand. "It is critical that we work with the right licensing partners who can help us expand the brand with fun and unique high-quality products that will resonate with our ever-growing audience. The U.K. is a top market for 'Tetris,' and we’re pleased to be working with Lisle International, which has a reputation for building solid and effective brand partnerships for its customers.”

“In the U.K., where there is high awareness and positive affinity for 'Tetris,' there is huge potential for the brand," says Gayle Tarrant, director, Lisle International. "We are excited to be a partner in developing a strong licensing program that will further extend the experience for 'Tetris' fans.”

NEW YORK, October 5, 2015 – Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and Hasbro launched Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Sunday, a new system of connected toys and wearables that fuses technology and digital storytelling.

Now on shelf across the U.S. and Canada for the first time, the new toy/game hybrid is the culmination of extensive research into the world of play, highlighting a new opportunity to combine digital technology and physical play. Playmation is purposely not tethered to an Internet connection so players can run around and explore each adventure from anywhere they want.

“Playmation blends technology, storytelling and imagination in a way that’s made for today’s digitally savvy kids," says Nitin Chawla, vice president, strategy and business development, DCPI. "Our research shows families are looking for a new way to play that’s active, creative and technology-infused–and Playmation is just that.”

The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers starter pack includes five connected toys–one piece of Avenger Gear (Repulsor), two Power Activators and two Smart Figures, a superhero (Captain America) and a super villain (Iron Skull), as well as 25 missions.

To get started kids strap on the Repulsor gear and listen closely to JARVIS for tutorials and missions, inspired by Iron Man technology.

Additional connected toys available in the Playmation line include smart figures–Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk, M.O.D.O.K., Ultron Bot and Hulkbuster, which help players unlock new storylines and abilities when placed on the Power Activator and connected with Avenger Gear; and The Prowler Bot, a robotic villain who can find and hunt your Avenger Gear with 360-degree movement, while taking on dozens of enemy personas and abilities to make game play more challenging.

“With the launch of Playmation, we are not only creating a new play experience for today’s kids but celebrating a new chapter in our long-term partnership with Disney,” says Jerry Perez, senior vice president, global brand marketing, Hasbro. “Playmation has been a true collaboration, from global consumer research to product design and development, and we look forward to sharing this amazing new system of play with kids and families around the world.”

Fans can also download "AvengersNet" app to register their Avenger Gear, track their progress, explore additional locations and characters, check out and test Avenger Gear upgrades, gain access to new missions and more. "AvengersNet" is now available in the Apple App Store, with an Android version currently in development.

The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers starter pack and other connected toys are now available at reatilers across the U.S. and Canada including Amazon, Best Buy, Game Stop, Target, Toys 'R Us and Walmart, as well as select Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com.

Additionally, PowerA has developed a selection of Playmation recharging solutions and accessories that are also now available including a Playmation Home Base to store gear in between battles, the Playmation Avengers Lab Gear Bag or taking gear on-the-go and the Playmation Repulsor Recharge Pack.

NEW YORK, October 2, 2015 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has now launched its official online store PlayStation Gear, in 22 countries around the world.   The e-commerce platform debuted in the U.K. in June with a wide range of SCEE-licensed merchandise featuring both the core PlayStation brand and top PlayStation gaming franchises.

Now, PlayStation Gear stores are live across Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

“The decision to host our own dedicated online store on the PlayStation website was the obvious next step as our portfolio of consumer products continues to grow year on year,” says Mark Howsen, commercial development director, SCEE. “We’re proud to say that we can now offer all our partners a high-traffic retail space that they can use as an effective tool to sell and market their products directly to a captive audience of gaming fans. It also gives licensees who may have smaller categories or more niche products, the opportunity to shine in an otherwise crowded market place.”

The PlayStation Gear store is hosted on the official PlayStation website, and has been designed as an integrated part of the PlayStation with content that has been localized for each country.

In addition to SCEE's owned brands, PlayStation Gear also stocks merchandise featuring third-party gaming brands that are available on the PlayStation platform such as the recently released "Arkham Knight Batman" game.

NEW YORK, September 30, 2015 – Cherokee Global Brands is expanding the European distribution of its Cherokee brand in a new licensing agreement with Saborn Licensing Company.

Saborn will sell a wide assortment of men's, women's and children's Cherokee clothing and accessories in department stores, specialty stores and hypermarkets in countries throughout Western and Central Europe including Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and select Scandinavian countries. Product is expected to launch in stores in fall 2016.

“The Cherokee brand enjoys strong consumer awareness and has a long and profitable history throughout Europe," says Wil Kerkhof, chief executive officer, Saborn. "We look forward to capitalizing on that awareness and equity to satisfy the considerable demand for Cherokee products in Western and Central Europe.”

“Saborn will fully leverage our 360-degree platform, enabling them to benefit from the vision, agility and scale that we bring to our flagship partners around the world,” says Henry Stupp, chief executive officer, Cherokee Global Brands.

NEW YORK, September 29, 2015 – After months of build up, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and the LEGO Group have released the new crossover video game "LEGO Dimensions.”

The entertainment experience allows players to merge physical LEGO brick building and interactive console gameplay across the universes of 14 top franchises including DC Comics, The Lord of the Rings, The LEGO Movie, Back to the Future, The Wizard of Oz, "Scooby-Doo!," LEGO Legends of Chima, "Doctor Who," Jurassic World, Ghostbusters, "The Simpsons," "Portal" and more.

“We are excited to introduce ‘LEGO Dimensions,’ a unique gaming experience that brings the versatility of LEGO play into the digital world. For the first time, beloved characters from LEGO building sets are introduced into a gaming experience where fans can mix and match characters and universes just like they do in the playroom,” says Niels Jørgensen, vice president, digital games, the LEGO Group. “We are thrilled to continue our close partnership with TT Games and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and to bring a new and different way of digital LEGO play to children and gaming fans alike.”

“LEGO Dimensions” is now available in North America and the EU for PlayStation4, PlayStation3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii U.

Gamers can customize their experience with expansion packs from the brands featured in the game, which provide new buildable characters, vehicles and gadgets with special in-game abilities.

Back to the Future, "The Simpsons" and "Portal" level packs, "Scooby-Doo!" and Jurassic World team packs and DC Comics, The LEGO Movie, LEGO Ninjago, The Lord of the Rings, LEGO Chima and The Wizard of Oz fun packs are available now as part of the wave one release of product. Additional expansion packs will be released in November, January, March and May.

Launching alongside the console game is a “LEGO Dimensions” companion app that provides players with a tool to track their “LEGO Dimensions” expansion pack collections, create wish lists, and also provides additional information about the game and related products. The “LEGO Dimensions” companion app is also available now for both iOS and Android devices.

“'LEGO Dimensions' expands our LEGO video game franchise with innovation, an amazing range of world-class entertainment properties and ever-growing gameplay designed for longevity,” says David Haddad, executive vice president and general manager, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “LEGO video games are some of the most popular in the world because fans love TT Games’ compelling gameplay mixed with humor. 'LEGO Dimensions' builds on this legacy with a new immersive, interactive experience that will evolve the toys-to-life category.”

NEW YORK, September 25, 2015 – The top ten most read stories of the week are: 

1. Warner Bros. appoints new licensing agent for Russia and CIS markets

2. Thunderbirds helps Posh Paws soar in bag sector

3. Character World launches Shopkins bedding and accessories

4. Simon Kay launches new licensing service focused on brand extension and franchising

5. Mattel and Tongal team for online Barbie, Hot Wheels and Thomas content

6. Moschino's Looney Tune collection heads to retail stores

7. BIG INTERVIEW: ITV's Trudi Hayward on the cross-generational appeal of Thunderbirds Are Go

8. BIG INTERVIEW: Kokomo Studio's John Harris on why Thunderbirds Are Go will take off in the kids' toiletries sector

9. BIG INTERVIEW: ITV's Steve Green on how Thunderbirds Are Go has positioned the studio as an international heavyweight

10. BIG INTERVIEW: Penguin UK's Susan Bolsover on 150 years of Beatrix Potter

NEW YORK, September 24, 2015 – Gap has debuted its fourth exclusive menswear collection designed by GQ's four Best New Menswear Designers in America for 2015.

Following three previous seasons' collaborations, this year's collection once again highlights the designs of four up-and-coming menswear designers, selected by and featured in GQ magazine. They are David Hart from Brooklyn, Stampd from Los Angeles, NSF from Los Angeles and The Hill-Side from Brooklyn.

"This year's designers all bring something totally new to Gap stores around the world," says Steven Sare, senior vice president, merchandising, Gap. "Each designer offers a unique take on what's 'new and now' for men. We're really excited to play a role in bringing this exclusive collection to our customers, who've come to anticipate and covet these limited edition pieces each year."

The combined collection includes tailored blazers and trousers, overcoats, leather jackets, graphic and classic tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, denim and field jackets, along with accessories such as shoes, hats, bags, socks and ties.

The four designers, along with the pieces from their limited edition Gap capsule collections, will be featured in a special advertising insert in the October 2015 issue of GQ magazine.

The line will launch Sept. 29 at select Gap stores in more than seven countries including the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan and throughout Europe, as well as online.

"There's a great story about the state of American fashion happening in this year's collaboration," says Jim Nelson, editor-in-chief, GQ. "One, that it's thriving. Two, where it's thriving. These incredibly talented designers are channeling the new energy coming from both coasts–whether its the LA vibe of the streetwear-meets-sportswear looks from Stampd, the perfectly distressed and lived-in staples from NSF, fanatically detail oriented accessories from Hill-Side, or the refined take on '50s cool that David Hart has perfected. I feel confident that together they represent not just what men want to wear these days, but what they truly want to live in."

NEW YORK, September 21, 2015 – In preparation for the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Topps U.K. will present a new card collection: Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The collection includes more than 200 cards features characters from the original trilogy including Princess Leia, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, as well as teaser imagery from the new Star Wars film.

The new cards are the first of five offerings from Topps in support of the upcoming film. The next will be a trading card game called Force Attax, which will launch in December.

NEW YORK, September 18, 2015 – Designer Wes Gordon presented his spring/summer 2016 collection at New York Fashion Week including a new range of sunglasses created in partnership with Austrian eyewear company Silhouette.

The special edition eyewear design will be available starting in January 2016 through select retailers and fashion stores worldwide.

NEW YORK, September 17, 2015 – WWE is expanding its presence in the toy aisle through a new deal with Jakks Pacific.

Jakks Pacific will create a range of play items designed to complement the line from the brand's master toy licensee Mattel.

The line will include dress-up and role-play products, radio-controlled vehicles, seasonal costumes featuring WWE Superstars and Divas and its television shows “Raw” and “SmackDown.” Jakks is also planning new WWE offerings under its 3D IT Character Creator brand and will create action figures for the APAC region. First products will arrive at retail in fall 2016.

“In addition to our long-standing master toy partnership with Mattel, we are excited to expand our toy portfolio with a company as innovative and creative as Jakks Pacific,” says Casey Collins, executive vice president, consumer products, WWE. “This new line of products will bring to life our favorite WWE Superstars and Divas in a new way that we are sure our fans and collectors of all ages will enjoy.”

NEW YORK, September 10, 2015 – Manchester United has appointed South Korean footwear brand Sbenu as the club’s official casual footwear partner in the country.

Sbenu will have the exclusive rights to produce and market Manchester United-branded casual footwear in South Korea.

“Sbenu is a popular brand in Korea, and we look forward to seeing the Manchester United crest on their products,” says Richard Arnold, group managing director, Manchester United. “Having recently opened its 100th store and soon to be opening its 100th franchise we are confident these products will be attractive to our 15 million South Korean fans.”

“Sbenu has quickly gained market reputation and became a household name in South Korea for its continued commitment to product and marketing innovation,” says Hyo-Jin Hwang, chief executive officer, Sbenu. “Through our partnership with Manchester United, the world’s biggest football club, we look forward to delivering innovative co-marketing initiatives to the fans to ensure Sbenu stays at the forefront of their mind as South Korea’s leading shoe brand.”

NEW YORK, September 8, 2015 – More than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. alone opened at midnight Friday to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens products.

The events were part of a global celebration, dubbed Force Friday that was kicked off by an 18-hour online toy "unboxing" event on YouTube Thursday.

Among the U.S. retailers featuring Star Wars: The Force Awakens products are Amazon, Kohl’s, Target, Toys 'R' Us, Walmart, Disney Store, Petco, J. Crew, Pottery Barn Kids, J.C. Penney, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble.

“We’ve been working closely with the filmmakers to bring the characters and storylines from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to life through an exciting array of products, and we’re thrilled to share them with fans around the world,” says Leslie Ferraro, co-chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, and president, Disney Consumer Products.

A second wave of products will be released closer to the film's Dec. 18 debut, as well as play set for Disney Infinity 3.0 based on the new film.

Hot Wheels also celebrated Force Friday in partnership with Uber, taking over the streets of New York City with a fleet of Stormtrooper cars. Uber customers got the chance to catch a free ride in a Dodge Charger styled after Hot Wheels’ new First Order Stormtrooper character car.

In addition to toys, products from an array of categories, including apparel, home décor, lifestyle accessories and books, are now on shelves worldwide.