http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag The magazine of Licensing Worldwide. Delivers concise coverage of issues relevant to the licensing industry with information to help you make informed choices, smarter business decisions and maintain your cutting edge. 2008-07-27T08:23:11Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/LATE+BREAKING+NEWS/Cookie-Jar-to-Acquire-American-Greetings-Propertie/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/531398?ref=25 Cookie Jar Entertainment has not only settled its litigation with American Greetings over its proposed merger with DIC Entertainment, but the children's entertainment company will acquire AG's evergreen properties Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears and Sushi Pack for $195 million. 2008-07-23T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/531398null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Weekly+E-news/Executive-moves/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530972?ref=25 Executive moves 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530972null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Taffy-Entertainment-Grows-Eastern-European-Profile/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530898?ref=25 The MoonScoop Group’s Taffy Entertainment has signed broadcast deals across its portfolio for Eastern Europe. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530898null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Mencap-Recruits-Ben-10-to-Help-Children-Spell/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530903?ref=25 Cartoon Network has teamed up with the UK’s learning disability charity, Mencap, to teach children to spell as part of the charity’s annual spelling competition, Spellathon. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530903null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/iDark-Knighti-Rocks-the-Box-Office/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/531019?ref=25 The latest Batman installment The Dark Knight has taken the top spot as best opening weekend for a movie garnering $155.3 million at the box office. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/531019null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/iWantedi-Spawns-Video-Game/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530965?ref=25 Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is partnering with Grin to develop a video game based on the recent movie release “Wanted” starring Angelina Jolie. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530965null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/New-Campaign-Promotes-WallbullE-Game/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530966?ref=25 THQ, a video game and interactive game producer, and WonderGroup are creating a launch campaign for the Wall•E video game coinciding with the release of Disney/Pixar's Wall•E movie. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530966null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/BRB-Signs-DVD-Deals/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530897?ref=25 Spain’s BRB Internacional has signed DVD deals for Angus&Cheryl with Urania for the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic; for Iron Kid and Gladiator Academy with Vision Film for Poland; for Teo and David, the Gnome, with Europa Records for Hungary; and the TV movies based on Dogtanian and The Gnomes with Rosmedia, also for Poland. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530897null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Fluid-Brands-Says-Hello-Kitty/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530895?ref=25 Fluid Brands, set up by licensing veteran Andrew Lane and former Manchester United licensing supreme Tom Howgate, has been signed by Sanrio as UK licensing agent for Hello Kitty across all categories. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530895null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Studio100-Media-Takes-Big-and-Small-to-Telepool/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530911?ref=25 Studio100 Media, a subsidiary of Studio100 (Belgium), has signed a deal for new puppetry series Big and Small with Munich-based licensing and distribution company Telepool. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530911null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Apple-Opens-in-Beijing/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/531037?ref=25 This past weekend, Apple opened its first store in Beijing, China, the retailer’s 219 location worldwide. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/531037null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Miffy-Ceramics-Move-Under-the-Rainbow-Umbrella/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530901?ref=25 Rainbow Designs is the new name behind the collection of Miffy nursery ceramics created and formerly distributed by Artistic License. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530901null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Dive-Olly-Dive-Breaks-Into-Swimwear/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530899?ref=25 EM.Entertainment has signed Beco-Beermann as swimwear and swim accessories licensee for Taffy Entertainment’s Dive Olly Dive! – known as Tauch Timmy Tauch! in Germany –for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530899null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Whole-Foods-ImagiPlay-Team-Up-For-Line-of-Eco-toys/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530888?ref=25 ImagiPlay, a manufacturer of eco-friendly, non-toxic educational toys, will have 13 items from its line selling at Whole Food Markets nationwide. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530888null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Jennyfer-Gets-Smiley/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530909?ref=25 Smiley Licensing has signed a deal with 350-store European value young fashion chain Jennyfer, to launch the Smileyworld brand using images and icons from the Smiley style guide on T-shirts, sweatshirts and underwear. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530909null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Cartoon-Network-National-Basketball-Association-Pa/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530925?ref=25 The National Basketball Association and Cartoon Network are partnering on a joint consumer products and promotional campaign based on the television series, Ben 10: Alien Force. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530925null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/UK-Licensing-Awards-Reveal-Finalists/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/531025?ref=25 The UK Licensing Awards 2008 have named category finalists. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/531025null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Mattel-Wins-in-Bratz-Case/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530883?ref=25 Mattel has won its copyright infringement case against MGA finding that designer Carter Bryant created the concept for Bratz dolls while under contract with Mattel. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530883null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/HampM-Posts-Solid-MayJune-Sales/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530892?ref=25 Like-for-like sales at international fashion retailer H&M fell by 2 percent in June, compared to June 2007, while overall sales increased by 8 percent for the month against market forecasts of a 5.2 percent gain. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530892null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Van-Heusen-to-Launch-Sportswear-Program-and-Retail/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530917?ref=25 Van Heusen partners with Panama-based Ben Betesh International S.A. and Mexico-based Euro CVH. Under the licensing agreement, Euro CVH will manufacture and market a full range of Van Heusen sportswear and accessories and must open seven Van Heusen retail stores in Mexico by 2012. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530917null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Disney-to-Roll-Out-Karaoke-Game/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530922?ref=25 Disney Interactive Studios is launching the Disney Sing It karaoke game in October 2008 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and 3, Wii and Windows-based PCs. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530922null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Warner-Bros-Swarovski-Kick-Up-Ruby-Slippers/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530928?ref=25 In celebration of the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz in 2009, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with Crystallized - Swarovski Elements, have asked top shoe designers to reinterpret Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers for modern times. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530928null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Ebay-Wins-Case-Brought-by-Tiffany/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530894?ref=25 Ebay has fended off the US legal challenge from Tiffany in which the jeweller claimed the auction Web site should be liable for the sale of counterfeit goods. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530894null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Keeping-Dora-in-the-Picture/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530905?ref=25 Nickelodeon UK has awarded a licence to electronic designer and developer In Phase International for Dora The Explorer-branded digital photo frames. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530905null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Sherman-named-to-CEO-Post-at-Hudsons-Bay/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530913?ref=25 Jeffrey Sherman has been named chief executive of Hudson's Bay Co., which was acquired last Wednesday by Lord & Taylor owner NRDC Equity Partners. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530913null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Reebok-Rolling-Out-Vince-Young-Cleat/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530912?ref=25 Reebok is launching the VY Electrify football cleat and trainer, named for Titans quarterback Vince Young. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530912null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Character/Chorion-Launches-Brand-Character-Partnership-Divis/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530896?ref=25 Chorion has launched new division Chorion Brand Partners, which will specialise in building consumer and corporate brands through marketing and promotional partnerships with blue-chip organisations. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530896null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Digimon-Adventure-2-and-Pretty-Cure-Available-Onli/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530968?ref=25 Toei Animation will debut their two most popular animated series, Digimon Adventure 02 and Pretty Cure online this July. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530968null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Will-amp-Dewitt-Titles-Launch-DVDs-and-Cross-promo/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530970?ref=25 NCircle Entertainment announced that two new Will & Dewitt titles, “Frog-tastic Family Fun!” and “My BFF (Best Frog Friend),” will be released on DVD for the first time to retail outlets throughout the United States starting Aug. 26 as part of the company’s home entertainment distribution deal with Cookie Jar Entertainment. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530970null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Heidi-Sturgess-Launches-at-BLE-2008/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/531039?ref=25 English designer Heidi Sturgess is launching her first range of artwork at The Brand Licensing Show. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/531039null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Character/MampMrsquos-Campaign-Targets-Hispanic-Community/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530885?ref=25 M&M’s is extending Inner M, the ad campaign it launched in 2007, into the Hispanic community with the help of celebrities Wilmer Valderrama, formerly of “That '70s Show," and Spanish language TV talk show host Cristina Saralegui. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530885null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Universal-Launches-Family-Music-Collection/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530967?ref=25 The Universal Music Family collection, featuring singers from Stevie Wonder to Marvin Gaye, Ella Fitzgerald to the Jackson will hit stores Aug. 19. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530967null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/American-Idol-Develops-Next-Installment-of-Game/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530971?ref=25 Konami Digital Entertainment, and FremantleMedia Enterprises are developing Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 for Xbox 360, Wii, and Playstation3. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530971null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/E3-Uploads-New-Deals-Products/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530884?ref=25 E3 may have been dramatically reduced in scale (and noise) this year, but that didn’t stop the big game console makers and software developers from announcing a slew of new partnerships and products. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530884null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/UK-Sales-Fall-after-May-Blip/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530889?ref=25 UK retail sales fell in June, after the heat-driven upward blip in May, according to the British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530889null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Mothercare-Pulls-Off-Growth-in-Difficult-Market/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530890?ref=25 International baby and mother retailer Mothercare bucked the trend and slightly increased first quarter growth in like-for-like sales by 1 percent for the 15 weeks to July 11. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530890null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Marilyn-Monroe-Images-Expand-to-Blues-Clothing/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530914?ref=25 Shaw Family Archives and Bradford Licensing Associates are expanding their global licensing program of Marilyn Monroe images to Blues Clothing. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530914null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Westin-Partners-with-Floral-Designer-Jane-Packer/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530919?ref=25 Westin Hotels & Resorts worldwide will debut original arrangements designed by Jane Packer, a partnership that represents a first of its kind in the industry. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530919null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Weekly+E-news/Weekly-E-news-Issue-274-July-22-2008/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530882?ref=25 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530882null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/InGroup-Inks-Exclusive-Agreement-With-Canadarsquos/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530932?ref=25 Fashion agency InGroup Licensing has been named exclusive licensing agent for Kersh, the Canadian fashion label focused on the young contemporary women’s market. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530932null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Adrenalina-Signs-Deal-for-Fragrance-Footwear/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530886?ref=25 Adrenalina, a retail entertainment destination designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, has signed exclusive licensing agreements to sell Adrenalina-branded children’s footwear and fragrances. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/530886null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Chefs-Become-Hot-Game-Properties/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/531038?ref=25 Nintendo and Atari have partnered with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to launch "What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver," a combination cooking game and interactive cookbook, starring the English chef, more commonly known as The Naked Chef. 2008-07-22T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/302008/531038null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Naruto-Energy-Drink-Hits-Shelves/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529526?ref=25 Naruto’s energy drink, Jutsu Power Energy Drink, has been shipped to regional and national retailers including Hot Topic, Hastings Entertainment, Trans World Entertainment and Spencer Gifts, according to Boston America Corp. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529526null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/ldquoLittle-Princessrdquo-Travels-to-Japan-and-Kor/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529531?ref=25 The Illuminated Film Company, working with TV-Loonland, has signed a deal for broadcasting, DVD and licensing rights to “Little Princess” in Japan with Japanese distributor Chuo Eiga Boeki (Central Film Trading), working in conjunction with H&M Incorporated. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529531null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/4Kidsrsquo-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-Hit-25/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529517?ref=25 4Kids Entertainment is planning a licensing program of retro products aimed at young adults to mark Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ 25th anniversary. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529517null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Brands/Expanded-Licensing-Potential-for-Biltmore/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529524?ref=25 The Valen Group, a licensing agency specializing in food and beverages, has developed a strategic plan for licensing Biltmore into retail food and beverage product categories congruent with the Biltmore brand and heritage. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529524null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Deal-Expands-Geneon-Titles-North-American-Distribu/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529525?ref=25 FUNimation Entertainment and Geneon Entertainment, a producer of Japanese animation, are teaming up to distribute select DVD titles in North America. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529525null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Weekly+E-news/Weekly-E-news-Issue-273-July-15-2008/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529505?ref=25 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529505null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Character/AGP-rolls-out-MAGIC-initiatives/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529520?ref=25 At MAGIC Marketplace 2008, American Greetings Properties’ featured roster will include Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, as well as the crime-fighting Sushi Pack™ and the gross-out classic toy series Madballs. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529520null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Wireless/AT-New-Media-and-Granada-Ventures-Name-First-Inter/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529534?ref=25 Interactive games and content licensing agency AT New Media and Granada Ventures have started signing deals with games publishers and developers across Granada’s portfolio. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529534null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Kodak-and-Universal-Pictures-Partner-to-Promote-Th/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529508?ref=25 Eastman Kodak Company and Universal Pictures promoted the latest installment of “The Mummy” franchise at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway on July 12. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529508null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Sports/Sports-Direct-Sales-and-Profits-Tumble/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529516?ref=25 U.K. sports retailer and brand owner Sports Direct International saw sales fall by 6.5 percent to £1.26 billion and profits slump to £150 million from £214 million for the year to April 27, 2008. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529516null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Nickelodeon-Splats-into-Poland/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529518?ref=25 MTV Networks International (MTVNI), owned by Viacom, has launched in Poland with its Nickelodeon Polish language channel dedicated to kids aged 2-12 years old on Vectra, UPC, Aster, and Multimedia among others. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529518null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Casper-Expands-Apparel-Licenses/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529522?ref=25 Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Casper is expanding its apparel licensing program, which will roll out to retail in time for Halloween. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529522null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Weekly+E-news/Executive-Moves/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529535?ref=25 Executive Moves 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529535null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Sales-Fall-in-Carrefourrsquos-Home-Market/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529515?ref=25 Like-for-like sales in Carrefour’s large format hypermarkets in its home market of France fell by 2.4 percent, or 5.5 percent excluding fuel sales, in the second quarter as a result of a drop in non-food sales, a fall in branded food volumes and an increase in own-brand sales. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529515null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Publishing/National-Geographic-Partners-with-kidthing/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529527?ref=25 National Geographic is expanding its brand through learning games, read-along stories, creativity products, videos and more through kidthing. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529527null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/BBC-Worldwide-Childrenrsquos-Division-Takes-a-Hit/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529510?ref=25 BBC Worldwide has called in consultants to strategically review its children’s business after posting a loss of over £7 million in financial year 2007/08. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529510null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Character/More-Licensees-Sign-Up-for-Linguaphonersquos-Pingu/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529530?ref=25 Language training business, The Linguaphone Group, has signed a raft of new licensees for character-based pre-school English language course, Pingu’s English. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529530null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Toei-Animation-Launches-Web-Site-for-One-Piece/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529529?ref=25 Toei Animation Europe, a subsidiary of the Japanese business Toei Animation, has launched a Web site for animated property One Piece. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529529null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Art/Martha-Stewart-Craft-Lines-Hit-Wal-Mart/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529506?ref=25 Martha Stewart has expanded her Create and Celebrate lines into Wal-Mart stores in Canada and the United States. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529506null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Fifi-Blossoms-as-Target-Entertainment-Signs-New-Li/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529519?ref=25 Target Entertainment Group has secured three new licensing deals for pre-school property “Fifi and the Flowertots.” 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529519null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/CBS-Shows-Spin-Off-into-Lottery-Tickets/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529507?ref=25 CBS Consumer Products and MDI Entertainment are producing branded scratch-off lottery tickets for “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “The Amazing Race” and “Survivor.” 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529507null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Sports/Tags-Curtail-Counterfeit-FIFA-Products/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529523?ref=25 De La Rue Holographics is again supplying a secure anti-counterfeit solution to protect FIFA’s official licensed merchandise, including products for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529523null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Primark-Sales-Suffer-in-Inclement-UK-Spring/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529513?ref=25 Sales at U.K. value fashion retailer Primark, part of Associated British Foods, were held back in the spring and early summer as a result of changing weather, the company reported last week. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529513null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/AEG-Live-Gets-Together-with-ThemeStar/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529532?ref=25 Live entertainment producer and presenter AEG Live and ThemeStar have entered a joint venture to develop and secure intellectual property rights to produce and present arena spectacles and family entertainment worldwide. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529532null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Character-World-Wins-Wall-E-License/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529533?ref=25 Disney Pixar has signed the U.K.’s Character World to produce bedroom ranges for summer blockbuster, Wall-E. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529533null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Mighty-Fine-Rolls-Out-New-Initiatives-for-MAGIC/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529509?ref=25 Mighty Fine has a host of initiative ready for the MAGIC show in Las Vegas including: 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529509null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/MampS-Adds-Brands-to-Food-Offer/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529511?ref=25 M&S is rolling out its branded strategy as it adds 140 food and drink brands to 19 food stores in a trail that started last week. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529511null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Brands/Rust-Oleum-Expands-Portfolio-of-Licenses/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/529528?ref=25 The Valen Group has negotiated three new brand extension agreements for their client, Rust-Oleum. 2008-07-15T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/292008/529528null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Sports/New-Media-Signs-Timbersports-Deal/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528477?ref=25 AT New Media has signed a deal to represent the lumberjack sports competition series, the Stihl Timbersports series. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528477null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Taffy-Entertainment-Grows-Presence-in-Latin-Americ/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528487?ref=25 Taffy Entertainment’s animated shows “Code Lyoko,” “The Fantastic Four,” “Dive Olly Dive!” and “Creepie” have acquired additional broadcasters in Latin America. Canadian-based Hola Entertainment helped complete the deals. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528487null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/ldquoThe-Officerdquo-Plays-in-Scranton/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528463?ref=25 NBC’s “The Office” actress, writer and co-executive producer Mindy Kaling will visit Scranton, Penn., July 19 to launch “The Office” DVD Board Game and “The Office” Trivia Game by Pressman Toy and licensed by NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528463null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/ldquoBig-and-Smallrdquo-Gets-CBeebies-Premiere/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528470?ref=25 Kindle Entertainment’s pre-school show “Big and Small” debuts on CBeebies late this autumn. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528470null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Imperial-Toy-Creates-Outdoor-Fun-with-Barney-Bubbl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528482?ref=25 Imperial Toy, LLC, a worldwide manufacturer of licensed and proprietary novelty and bubble toys, has acquired the rights to Barney bubble and sandbox toys beginning in spring 2009. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528482null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Gund-Teams-With-Enesco/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528484?ref=25 Enesco, LLC, a producer of gift, garden and home décor items, has acquired the worldwide assets of the premier plush brand, Gund. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528484null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/New-Goosebumps-Titles-for-Halloween/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528486?ref=25 Fox Home Entertainment is releasing three new Goosebumps DVD collections on Sept. 16 in time for Halloween. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528486null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Trade+Shows/LazyTown-Creator-Magnus-Scheving-to-Deliver-BLE-Ke/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528469?ref=25 LazyTown creator and star Magnus Scheving will deliver the first Licensing Academy keynote at Brand Licensing Europe, organized by License! Global owner Advanstar, which takes place Oct. 1 and 2 at Olympia’s Grand Hall in London. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528469null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Starwood-Teams-With-Davie-Brown/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528483?ref=25 Davie Brown Entertainment, an entertainment marketing consultancy, has partnered with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide to lead all entertainment initiatives within film, television and industry influencer outreach for the Westin Hotels & Resorts. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528483null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Sports/Wicked-Cow-Signs-NBA-Star-Julius-Erving/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528480?ref=25 Wicked Cow Entertainment, a New York-based creative brand management and business development firm, has inked a licensing deal with 11-time ABA/NBA star Julius Erving. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528480null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Editor%27s+Note/Editorrsquos-Note/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528460?ref=25 Editor’s Note 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528460null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Rap-Stars-to-Launch-Clothing-Line-at-Wal-Mart/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528462?ref=25 Rapper Master P and son, fellow hip-hopper Romeo, are touting a line of clothing being promoted as designer-quality fashions at budget prices that will be available for this back-to-school season. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528462null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Marks-amp-Spencer-Shocks-with-Trading-Update/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528465?ref=25 Marks & Spencer shocked the markets with a first quarter statement, reporting comparable sales for the 13 weeks to June 28 down by over 5 percent, as the controversy over Sir Stuart Rose’s joint role as chairman and chief executive continued. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528465null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Fashion/Disney-Couture-Launches-in-Europe/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528474?ref=25 Disney Consumer Products used Europe’s young fashion trade show Bread & Butter in Barcelona last week to launch its European Disney Couture collection to retailers. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528474null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/Steve-amp-Barrys-Bankruptcy-Watch/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528683?ref=25 The bankruptcy filing and possible liquidation of Steve & Barry's, first reported in mid-June, appears imminent, according to various media reports. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528683null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Game-Plays-on-in-First-Half/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528467?ref=25 European PC and video game retailer Game Group has broken the mold by reporting comparable sales up 24.8 percent for the 22 weeks to June 28, including Gamestation from May 1. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528467null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Kohlrsquos-Eric-Carle-Team-Up-for-Childrenrsquos-C/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528478?ref=25 Kohl’s is offering an exclusive collection of the popular Eric Carle children’s bear book series through licensor Chorion in its stores this summer as part of the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528478null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Halo-Board-Game-to-Hit-Retail/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528485?ref=25 Genius Products’ and B1 Games’ are launching the first board game based on Halo, the hit video game series from Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528485null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Trade+Shows/MIPCOM-Junior-Hosts-ldquoThe-Licensing-Challengerd/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528468?ref=25 In partnership with License! Global, MIPCOM Junior will be hosting “The Licensing Challenge,” a pitching session designed to showcase the TV property with the highest licensing potential. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528468null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Network-Teams-Up-with-Pokeacutemon-UK-for-DVDs/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528473?ref=25 Independent distributor and publisher Network has teamed up with Pokémon U.K. to release Pokémon DVDs in the United Kingdom. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528473null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Nuremberg-Toy-Fair-Heads-for-Hong-Kong/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528472?ref=25 German organizer of the Nuremberg Toy Fair, Spielwarenmesse, is launching an international trade fair pavilion for toy manufacturers under the name World of Toys. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528472null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Woolworth-Names-Top-Toys-for-Christmas/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528466?ref=25 The return of the 1980s classic Rubiks Cube, toys from the latest Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies, a Leapfrog pen reader and Upsy Daisy from In The Night Garden are top toy picks from Woolworth for Christmas. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528466null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Panini-Says-Thumbs-Up-to-Bulldogrsquos-TWF-Licensi/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528476?ref=25 Bulldog Licensing has signed Panini to create collectable stickers and sticker albums based on the Thumb Wrestling Federation: TWF characters for the United Kingdom. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528476null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/EM-and-Your-Family-End-Deal/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528471?ref=25 German EM.Entertainment and Your Family Entertainment are ending their distribution co-operation deal, signed in March 2004, by mutual agreement on Sept. 30. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528471null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Entertainment/Sesame-Workshop-CEO-Receives-Social-Entrepreneur-o/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528481?ref=25 Gary E. Knell, president and CEO of Sesame Workshop, received Ernst & Young’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Young Metro New York Entrepreneur of The Year 2008 Awards gala event in New York on June 26. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528481null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Weekly+E-news/Weekly-E-news-Issue-272-July-9-2008/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528459?ref=25 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528459null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Weekly+E-news/Executive-Moves/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528488?ref=25 Executive Moves 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528488null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Retail/French-Luxury-Goods-Firm-Wins-Bid-on-eBay/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528464?ref=25 French luxury product manufacturer LVMH, whose brands include Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Kenzo, Mark Jacobs and Donna Karan, has won a €40 million case in the French courts against eBay for failing to prevent the sales of fake perfumes on the auction site. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528464null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/Chorion-Names-Major-Licensing-Line-Up-for-Noddy/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528475?ref=25 Chorion has named three new major licensing deals for "Noddy," which celebrates 60 years in 2009, starting at the beginning of next year. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528475null HTML http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/Toys+%26+Games/EA-and-Hasbro-Bring-Scrabble-to-Web/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/528479?ref=25 Electronic Arts and Hasbro are launching Scrabble on Facebook later this month in the United States and Canada. 2008-07-09T04:00:00Z http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/282008/528479null HTML