Worldwide Licensing News . . .

Spin Master readies new Bakugan toy lines as TV series Geogan Rising lands third season return. Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, Spin Master, and TMS Entertainment have detailed the third season return of the hit action adventure series, Bakugan: Geogan Rising and an accompanying extended toy line. The new season will premiere on Sunday, January 24 on Corus Entertainment’s Teletoon in Canada, with...

Warner Bros. Harry Potter Franchise received The NPD Group’s Toy Industry Award for Top Gaining Toy Property of 2020 in the Games & Puzzles category. The awards were shared with the winners during NPD’s Global Toys Connect virtual event on January 27, 2021. The awards were given to the manufacturers and licensors of Europe’s top gaining toy properties by category, as well as the top gaining toy property of the year...

Planeta Junior extends licensing reach for The Smurfs across Spain, Portugal and Central and Eastern Europe Planeta Junior has secured an agreement with the global license holder IMPS to coordinate The Smurfs’ brand licensing programme across Spain, Portugal, and Central and Eastern Europe. The deal acts as an extension to Planeta Junior already established remit as The Smurfs’ agent across Iberia. 

Warheads Candy and Kangaru Announce License Deal. Kangaru LLC, maker of scented stationery and activities, has aligned with Impact Confections, Inc. to create a Warheads sour candy scented program. Development is now underway as Kangaru Brands expands its merchandise offerings for 2021-2022 leveraging the candy’s flavors and Wally character. Kangaru will offer innovative scented stationery and art materials ...

The Wiggles, celebrate 30 years of educating, enriching and entertaining children and families all over the globe. The year-long celebration for the 30th will unfold throughout 2021 and will include a new single, commemorative logo, new music releases, new and exclusive content on FTA, STV, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, special events, concert tours and collaborations across fashion and lifestyle brands.

Creative Licensing announces new game deals. Creative Licensing has expanded their roster of digital games, introducing some familiar action heroes from the 80s and 90s to a new generation of gamers and fans through downloadable content licenses. Games include: Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, World of Tanks, Fortnite, Dead by Daylight, and Evil Dead: The Game, Rambo First Blood, Rambo First Blood Part II, Rambo III), ...

Volley, MGM launch ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader’ game. Volley has partnered with MGM to bring a game inspired by the studio’s game show, “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader,” to voice-activated devices including Amazon Echo and Fire TV.  The all-new interactive game enables fans of the franchise to feel like they are competing on the “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” set as they put their knowledge to the test ...

New Metric Media inks licensing deals with Funko, High Roller Games for ‘Letterkenny’. The Canadian comedy hit Letterkenny is getting a consumer products push across North America. New Metric Media inked licensing deals with Funko, High Roller Games, and Ripple Junction for new products across a variety of categories. 

Hot Wheels Mars Perseverance Rover leads new Hot Wheels Space Theme. The latest mini-theme to join Mattel‘s 1:64-scale Hot Wheels mainline assortment is out of this world. For the first time in more than 20 years, HW Space is in the mix with five die-cast vehicles inspired by the spirit of exploration. The Hot Wheels team collaborated with NASA for the Hot Wheels Mars Perseverance Rover die-cast vehicle which...

Super7 launches Star Trek: The Next Generation Reaction Figure line. Super7 will expand its popular ReAction Figure line this spring with characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The first wave of articulated 3.75-inch figures will include Captain Picard, Worf, Data, Wesley Crusher, Guinan, and a Borg drone. A second wave including more characters is scheduled to follow in the fall. 

Moonbug appoints Redibra as its licensing agent in Brazil. Moonbug Entertainment Ltd., one of the largest digital media companies in the world, today announced it has made Redibra, a leading brand licensing and extension agency, the licensing agent for its properties in Brazil. Redibra will develop a targeted consumer products program for Moonbug’s popular IP including CoComelon and Blippi. 

Pop culture specialist Super7 lands colossal Toho deal for Godzilla ReAction figures. The pop culture design house and toy manufacturer, Super7 has landed a colossal new partnership with Toho International to bring the King of Monsters – Godzilla – into its world of ReAction figures and more. Super7’s 3.75-inch articulated Godzilla ReAction figure is scheduled to arrive this summer, along with a capsule collection, ...

YuMe details second series launch of YuMe Harry Potter Magical Capsules. The award-winning global toy brand, YuMe, has detailed the second series launch of its collectable Wizarding World, YuMe Harry Potter Magical Capsules. Developed in partnership with Warner Bros., the second series includes a glow-in-the-dark reveal and ten new Wizarding World characters. 

Companies . . .

Mattel, for the 2nd consecutive year, received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Mattel joins the ranks of more than 760 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. The results were released today by The...

Good Play Guide readies to international expansion with 2021 restructure The Good Play Guide is readying itself for international expansion across the US through a restructure of the business that includes new appointments across key business areas of the firm. Nicola Jenkins has joined the group as head of the Good App Guide, one of the most popular sections of the Good Play Guide

Canal Toys launches innovative new Anti-Bacterial Slime The new range lets kids sanitise their hands while enjoying the tactile AMSR experience of slime. Canal’s Anti-Bacterial Slime is unique and the first of its type to hit the market. The product is the result of a long period of R&D, testing and certification, starting before Covid-19 emerged. The company has been able to accelerate its launch plans, meaning...

Learning Resources and GoGo Squeez Partner for Snack and Toy Giveaway. The collaboration features GoGo Squeez Happy Tummiez snack pouches and a bundle of hands-on educational toys from Learning Resources, including the new Big Feelings Pineapple and the Snap-n-Learn Fruit Shapers. Social promotions featuring the pairings will debut next month.

Hasbro’s Transformers Roll Out with Jazwares’ Zōteki Collection. Jazwares teamed with Hasbro on a new wave of Zōteki collectible characters inspired by the warriors of Cybertron. The Transformers Zōteki Series 1 Assortment debuted at Target stores this month. Transformers Zōteki are statue-like, non-articulated figures that kids and collectors can collect and connect to form a scene inspired by the iconic G1 Transformers ...

The Latest Additions to Barbie’s Fashionistas Dolls Embrace Diversity and Inclusion. Barbie is getting even more inclusive with the latest additions to its Barbie Fashionistas line. The Fashionistas dolls this year include Ken in a wheelchair, Ken with rooted hair reflecting an afro, and Barbie with lighter skin with vitiligo. The brand is also rolling out new packaging that includes a reusable bag for kids to carry their dolls...

Donkey Hodie to Premiere on PBS Kids May 3. Donkey Hodie, a whimsical, new PBS Kids puppet series produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, will encourage preschoolers to aim high, embrace challenges and work hard to achieve their goals when it premieres on May 3, 2021. The colorful multi-platform show follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, granddaughter of the original Donkey ... 

Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten Sneak Peek Announced. Genius Brands International, Inc. announces a sneak peek event for season one of the Company’s new animated children’s series, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, Co-Executive Produced by and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which will officially premiere on: Kartoon Channel! in spring 2021.  

Showcase 2021: Gibsons readies planet-friendly puzzles, traditional games, and the play detox. Gibsons’ jigsaw puzzles are now planet-friendly which means all its new designs come in compact boxes without any shrink-wrap plastic. They are sealed with biodegradable stickers and the box has a gloss coating for extra protection. All its puzzles are made from the thickest board on the market which is 100 per cent recycled...

Oggy and the Cockroaches Franchise Expands Globally. Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation has secured a wave of international broadcast deals across its Oggy and the Cockroaches non-dialogue comedy franchise, which has celebrated international success for the last 20 years, and has now been expanded into three brands: the original classic series spanning seven seasons and 500....

Mercury Filmworks Announces Series from In-House Trio. With plans to nurture its own in-house talent to develop career paths and create new opportunities, Mercury Filmworks, Canada’s premier animation studio, announced that it has greenlit the development of a new 2-D animated children’s series, BloopyMerps, created by three long-term employees of the company.  

TRU KIDS BRANDS QUIETLY CLOSES NEW TOYS ‘R’ US IN HOUSTON GALLERIA. Another year, another sad tale of Geoffrey the Giraffe here in the U.S. Just 13 months after opening its doors, Tru Kids Brands’ new Toys “R” Us store at the Houston Galleria has gone out of business.

In 2019, Tru Kids teamed up with software-powered experiential retailer b8ta on plans to bring Toys “R” Us stores back to the U.S.

Hasbro Expands Partnership with WildBrain CPLG for Several eOne Brands. WildBrain CPLG has been appointed, through an expansion of its partnership with Hasbro Consumer Products, to represent eOne brands Peppa Pig, PJ Masks and Ricky Zoom in the Nordics and Central and Eastern Europe.

MATTEL CREATIONS PREPS MADSAKI X MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE DROP. Mattel continues to expand its Mattel Creations line with products at the intersection of art and toys, often with a pop culture twist. This time, Mattel teams up with Japanese artist, Madsaki for a collection of products inspired by the classic 1982 Masters of the Universe (MOTU) toy line.

Kellytoy, a subsidiary of Jazwares, LLC, announced more than 40 all-new snuggly, “chonky” friends will join the Squishmallows® line. From an exotic menagerie of deep sea creatures and yummy food fare for the most devoted foodie to new psychedelic tie-dye squad members reminiscent of the flower power ‘60s, these new ‘mallows will soon make their way into everyone’s hearts as they hit retailers beginning in ...

Nerf’s new blasters curve their shots a la Angelina Jolie in Wanted. There’s an adjustable barrel that lets you put some English on it. Nerf’s got a new trick up its sleeve: Hasbro’s latest foam-flinging sidearms can curve their shots, possibly letting you hit targets you can’t even see. (Think Angelina Jolie or James McAvoy in Wanted but with bouncy balls instead of bullets.)

LEGO teams with Universal Music Group to launch creative music franchise LEGO Vidiyo The LEGO Group has teamed up with Universal Music Group to unveil LEGO Vidiyo, an innovative music video maker experience that celebrates children’s creativity and passion for music. Through LEGO Vidiyo, kids can direct, produce, star in, and share their own music videos, using chart-topping tracks from Universal Music’s...

Moose to launch Octonauts line in partnership with Silvergate Media Moose Toys to produce range based on the popular pre-school franchise to support upcoming new animated series, Octonauts: Above & Beyond. First launched in 2010, Octonauts has a global broadcast platform spanning multiple territories and large fanbases in the UK, US and China. More recently, the show extended its reach by debuting in...

HASBRO REVEALS NEW BEYBLADE BURST TOYS TO ACCOMPANY SEASON 5 OF THE TV SERIES. As Beymasters get ready for season five of Beyblade Burst Surge, Hasbro reveals its new Beyblade Burst Speedstorm toy line. The collection will include official Beyblade Burst Speedstorm tops that are designed to get the ultimate speed boost from the Power Vortex — an energy zone at the center of the Speedstorm Beystadium. 

Nanoblock builds up U.S. distribution with Bluefin. Bluefin, North America’s leader in the distribution of toys from Japan has partnered with Kawada in importing and distributing Nanoblock, Kawada’s micro construction line of block toys. This is a new, exclusive partnership that will see the popular Japanese toy line distributed in the U.S. and Canada beginning on April 1. 

Make way for more than 40 new Squishmallows in February. Kellytoy, a subsidiary of Jazwares, is releasing more than 40 new Squishmallows next month. The first items on the ‘mallow menu include plush food items, like a cheeseburger and fries; deep-sea creatures, such as whales, crabs, octopuses, and penguins; and tie-dye dinosaurs. 

Rachel Lowe launches Beano board game to celebrate 70 years of Dennis the Menace. The iconic British comic brand, Beano is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Dennis the Menace’s first appearance with the launch of a new board game developed by the award-winning designer, Rachel Lowe. In a partnership secured by Rocket Licensing on behalf of Beano Studios, the new Beano game will bring Dennis...

Pegasus Spiele reveals 'Poo Poo Pets' for release into the U.S. hobby channel. Pegasus Spiele revealed Poo Poo Pets, a family dice game by Sophia Wagner, for release into the U.S. Hobby Channel in Q1.I n Poo Poo Pets, players have a number of tiles in front of them depicting specific dice results. Each player attempts to roll the dice combinations that their opponents have in front of them using six dice. 

Uncover Sweet and Strange crushes with Mondo's new Dating Game. Mondo Games announced Dream Crush, dating board game, for release in Q1. This board game is inspired by the classic dating games, predominantly released in the mid-60s through early-90s like Mystery Date from Milton Bradley and Girl Talk: Date Line by Golden.

Kids International Marketing to represent Pugs at Play. Pugs at Play is Striders FZ’s flagship brand, a comprehensive range of animated plush that has enjoyed huge success in the Middle East. The Pugs at Play range is currently made up of 23 different animated plush animals and was launched by UAE based toy company, Striders, in the UAE and other Middle Eastern markets in 2019. 

Press Releases . . .

POLAR ADVENTURE & HUNGRY BINS JOIN GAME FOCUS ON PRESCHOOL-LEVEL INTROS TO A GREEN LIFE. Youngest Eco-Citizens Discover Recycling and Disappearing Glacier Ice Through 15-Minute Rounds Of Memory And 3-D Roll & Move Challenges. Family game night has many benefits from strengthening relationships to being patient for your turn. Add to that list becoming a better eco-citizen with the launch of two new titles from Adventerra Games, the STEM.org-certified boardgame maker. Playing a round of Polar Adventure: Disappearing Ice ($24.99) and Hungry Bins: Learn to Recycle ($19.99) gets three- and four-year-olds to intuitively learn new behaviors that reduce their ecological footprints...

SPRING CLEANING WITH A TWIST: YOUNG BUG HUNTERS VACUUM, OBSERVE & RELEASE CRAWLY THINGS. Best Seller Bug Vacuum & Critter Barn Set Lets Kids Catch Little Creatures, See Nature Up Close Then Release Them, Away From House & Mom!  Ever notice how kids are the first to find an insect, sometimes indoors, thankfully mostly outdoors? In this season of spring cleaning, parents will be delighted to know there is a bug vacuum, part of the award-winning set from the Nature Bound™ line called Bug Hunter Set ($34.95). Kids can put on their khaki shorts and safari hat in search of nature’s smallest crawly creatures. Once gently scooped up, the bug rests in the set’s Critter Barn for tots to observe...

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News from Associations, Trade Shows, Awards and Festivals

(ASTRA, Hong Kong, LIMA, Spielwarenmesse, TA and More) . . .

Toy Association to reveal its Top Toy and Play Trends of 2021 next month. From toys that encourage family bonding to playthings that enrich learning about everything from STEAM subjects to cultural diversity, The Toy Association’s trends team is once again gearing up to unveil the hottest trends of the year during its annual Toy Trends Briefing presentation, taking place virtually on Feb. 16.

The Mumpower Vote On-Purpose Awards Have Been Announced. As Australians have weathered the storm that was 2020, brands continue to go above and beyond to act with purpose and commit to making a difference to the community. To celebrate these amazing efforts, Mumpower has just announced their first ever consumer choice awards which is set to crown Australia’s favourite purpose-driven brand.

A look at the Indian toy industry as the National Toy Fair (India) is set to begin next month. Will teddy bears and toy guns give way to desi play things as a new line of thinking takes over the world of toys? The industry is set for change as the first ever National Toy Fair begins next  month. Paramapadam, aadu puli aatam, solah seedi, ashta chemma, pallankuzhi....do these sound familiar? 

Essen Game Fair: The Show Must Go On "We have decided we want to hold a SPIEL convention," organizer Friedhelm Merz Verlag said of the annual Essen Game Fair, due to be held October 14-17, 2021. Some contingency plans are in place to be implemented if necessary, including safety rules to make the show safer, such as wider aisles and walkways.  

NPD Group announces winners of 2020 Global and European Toy Industry Performance Awards The Lego Group, Spin Master, Mattel, Hasbro, Playmobil and Warner Bros. are among those unveiled as winners of this year's awards.  The awards were given to the manufacturers or licence owners of Europe’s top gaining toy properties by category, as well as the top gaining toy property of the year, top global toy....

The Toy Trust details how it supported children's charities in 2020 Despite the extraordinary challenges of 2020, the charity still donated over £100,000 to help kids and their families. This special newsletter details how funds have been used to support charities working to improve the lives of disabled, critically ill or life-limited kids in the UK, as well as families in need of advice and assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed . . . If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our colleagues. Archives can be found HERE.

Kelvyn Gardner. a well known and much loved figure in the licensing community; his wife Michelle shared the sad news on LinkedIn yesterday.

Kelvyn passed away yesterday morning (26th January). Michelle wrote: “As I am typing this I just cannot tell you how we feel, we are at a loss… It was Kelvyns 66th birthday on the 22nd of January 2021 and was going to be our big wedding anniversary; 40 years. We had joked that he wouldn’t know one end of a ruby if it bit him, so I think I might have got some ruby coloured Warrington gear!” Kelvyn’s career in licensing dates back to 1979, when he worked marketing Disney products for an Italian publishing company. For the next twenty years Kelvyn marketed literally hundreds of licensed products all over the world. During the 1990s, Merlin Publishing, founded by Kelvyn and three colleagues in 1989, became the fastest growing private company in the United Kingdom. Kelvyn recently “relaunched” licensing consultancy Asgard Media. He was also managing director of Licensing International UK for many years and was an active member of the Light Fund charity, serving on the committee, and recently entertained the licensing industry with his Living with Licensing podcasts.

Kim Merrill, Chief Executive Officer Insignias Global, formerly of Uproar.

Steve Lightle.  Comic artist Steve Lightle has passed away due to cardiac arrest tied to COVID-19, his wife posted on his Facebook account.  He was 61. Lightle was best known for his time on Legion of Super-Heroes, on which he followed artist Keith Giffen in 1984, and for his brief run on the relaunch of Doom Patrol beginning in 1987. He was also a cover artist for both DC Comics and Marvel Comics over the years.

Dennis Watts  Toy World is sad to report that Dennis Watts passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, following a long battle with illness. After a career in engineering design,  Dennis entered the toy industry in 1974, taking over his father Fred Watts’ toy shop in Melton Mowbray. Dennis acquired another local toy shop  in 1978  and from the two shop names, he formed the Arbon and Watts business. During the 90s and 00s, the retail stores won the Midlands region Toy Shop of the Year award on five separate occasions. In the mid 90s, Dennis created Mail Order Express – the idea behind the new operation was to work with selected supplier partners to carry entire ranges. In 1999, Mailorderexpress.com was launched online, leading to a massive expansion in the early 00s, as the company rode the wave of the initial internet boom.

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