Including Rubik’s Cube forming a new partnership with lifestyle brand Red Bull.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Rubik’s Cube has joined forces with lifestyle brand Red Bull to give wings to the global Speedcubing phenomenon. With over 1,000 Speedcubing events organised around the world, the two brands will focus on creating bigger and better events with more reach. Competitions will take place in 20 countries across five continents. Matt Winton, marketing director of Rubik’s master licensee The Smiley Company, commented: “Red Bull have gained a market leading reputation for leveraging the extreme sports and music markets and it’s a great sign for Rubik’s to see Red Bull now enter into intelligence.”
The new Moominvalley from Gutsy Animations and Moomin Characters will launch exclusively on Sky late next year. The hotly tipped animation will air on Sky One, TV streaming service NOW TV, the Sky Kids app and on demand on Sky.
Caroline Mickler has confirmed that magician Jamie Raven will be taking part in the Harrods Halloween Extravaganza this weekend. Taking place on October 28 and 29, Jamie will be making a number of appearances in the Harrods Toy Kingdom. He will be performing magic tricks from the recently launched Jamie Raven Magic Sets, launched in partnership with Paul Lamond.
Mixed martial arts organisation UFC has secured a new multi-year global licensing deal with OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of mouthguards. The partnership – which begins in 2018 – was negotiated by IMG.
Barbie and Mattel have created a new interactive microsite for children and a new mini-movie to celebrate the launch of the new Barbie DreamHorse.
Epic Rights has secured a partnership with Japan’s Pan Inc to develop artists’ fashion brands, TV commercials, sponsorship and endorsement, themed restaurants, cafés and other themed experiences in the territory. Epic Rights works with a broad range of music stars including KISS, Madonna, Celine Dion, AC/DC, Aerosmith and the estates of David Bowie and John Lennon among others.
MD Licensing – which manages the licensing for emoji in Italy – has signed up Casa Modena, with iron-on transfers now included in packs of Teneroni mini hamburgers.
Zodiak Kids has secured further sales for Totally Spies in Europe, the Middle East and the US. New broadcast partners include Sony Pictures Television Networks, POP, Lagardere, MBC and Filmrise among others.
Giochi Preziosi and children’s entertainment company Planeta Junior presented the new CGI action and comedy series Gormiti at a special event in Milano this week. The event showcased exclusive clips of the new TV series and the new toy collection to key players in the Italian entertainment and licensing industry.
King Features has launched pre-paid cards featuring Betty Boop and Popeye with Spirit of Cadeau. The new gift cards can be loaded with increments of €20-€250 and are exclusively available from Fnac retail outlets and online. The deal was brokered by Biplano, King Features’ licensing agent in France.
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