Royaltie$, April 2009 by aNb Media

MAGIC IS HIS DESTINY

Production

COMING TO NBC IN SUMMER 2009 Merlin is the exciting, ambitious and action-packed drama which sees the myths, monsters and magic of the legend brought to life with stunning CGI and captivating storytelling to enthral and enchant the whole family. Merlin has cast its spell over critics and audiences alike, making it the top drama series of the autumn season in the UK. A global phenomenon, the series has already sold to over 112 territories worldwide with significant home entertainment and licensing deals in place. Series 2 starts filming Spring 2009, promising even more magical adventures.

0207FLW Merlin Royalties ad Jan 09.indd 1

For further information, please contact: James Ngo Sr. Director, FremantleMedia Enterprises T: (818) 748 1145 E: james.ngo@fremantlemedia.com www.fremantlemedia.com

29/1/09 17:11:47

Volume 4, No. 4

April 2009

Features 18

CHRIS ADAMS

20 BY

Magazines Mine New Opportunities While Looking Ahead

Classic Characters in a Modern World

LAURIE HAHN

Departments

OBSERVATIONS & OPINIONS

PAGE

THE TICKER

PAGE

REAL DEAL

PAGE

ERICA LINDBERG GOURD

PAGE

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: TEDD LEVINE

PAGE

YOU’RE HIRED!

PAGE

ROYALTIE$ CHALLENGE

PAGE

CALENDAR

PAGE

THE

RADAR

ROYALTIE$ MARKETPLACE: THE BIGGEST LOSER MAVERICKS

IN THE

MARKET:

EVENTS

ENDCAP

ON THIS PAGE: (above) Ebony, Highlights for Kids, Better Homes and Gardens, and Men’s Health are expanding beyond the printed page into licensed products. (left, clockwise): Barbie, Curious George, and Tweety

ON THE COVER: The Country Living Specialty Food Collection from COVER BY DESIGN EDGE

Heritage Family Specialty Foods gives the Hearst title a tasty twist.

PUBLISHED www.anb-media.com BY ANB MEDIA • Volume 3, Number 8

PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM

by Andy Krinner

TIME TO HIT REFRESH?

ike a safe harbor during the

storm, classic characters con-

tinue to be a mainstay in the un-

certain retail landscape. Retailers and

licensees can easily get behind the classics because of their track record over the

years and, in some cases, decades. Eliminating unnecessary risk is a key element to everyone’s business model right now, so being able to offer licensed products

that consumers feel an affinity toward is a great strategy. However, this should only be part of retailers’ strategy.

I have been traveling quite a bit lately

visiting with many licensing executives

and I can tell you that licensing is indeed

alive and well! It might surprise you that

some are actually doing well in this otherwise sad state of the economy. In order

to succeed you have to be willing to take

some chances. Classics serve as a wonderful base or core business, but there are still newer properties and brands being offered that have loyal fan bases

that could convert into traffic and, ultimately, sales. While you are hoping to

keep your core customers with the tried and true, why not invite a potentially

new demographic to shop in your store by refreshing and updating your licensed product array regularly? Diversity seems

to be a better plan than the all-ornothing approach of depending on one type of property.

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM

I’d like to make an aNb Media-related

announcement. We are currently taking reservations for our TimetoPlayMag.com

Q4 media event to be held October 1,

2009, in New York City. For our second

annual media day, we are significantly

expanding our space to accommodate the many companies that have asked to par-

ticipate. Last year, we attracted a wide

range of consumer and business print and broadcast media. New for this year will

be the anticipated participation of some

of America’s most prolific mommy bloggers. If you have not tapped into the power of the mommy bloggers’ marketing reach, you are way behind the times.

The most well known have quite a dedicated following and the ripple effect they can cause is far and wide.

At the event, each participant will have

a meeting table that can be used for product display and meeting with media representatives. There are no booths to set up and no labor or shipping costs—this is a fully turnkey event for participants.

Last year’s participants found this

ADVERTISING MANAGER AMY LAND AMY@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM MANAGING EDITOR CHRIS ADAMS CHRISA@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR LAURIE HAHN LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR PAUL NARULA PAUL@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTORS TEDD S. LEVINE; MATT NUCCIO, MATT@DESIGNEDGE.NET HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE TONY LEE SMART REGENT PRODUCTIONS LTD., 66–72 STANLEY STREET, ROOM 603, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, CENTRAL HONG KONG PHONE: 2815 0166 • FAX: 2815 6911 • SREGENT@NETVIGATOR.COM

PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DR., HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM

event an extremely efficient and cost-ef-

INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM

son. Space will be offered on a first-come,

229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, NY 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727

fective strategy for meeting media at the start of the all-important Q4 selling sea-

first-served basis and will be limited to 32 companies, so if Q4 exposure is important

to your properties, contact your aNb Media representative immediately.

ANB

MEDIA, INC.

ROYALTIE$ is published 12 times a year by aNb Media, Inc. Copyright 2009 aNb Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. ROYALTIE$ is a registered trademark of aNb Media, Inc. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of ROYALTIE$ management.

A RECAP

INDUSTRY HEADLINES

LICENSING SHOW UPDATES CONTINUE

Advanstar, in conjunction with The Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), has been working to keep the industry informed about this June’s Licensing Show, which is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, June 2–4. Rumors of which companies will be present (and in what capacity) have been swirling for months. However, at this time, it seems that all major companies will be present, although some may have smaller booths or an altered booth configuration compared with previous years. To view the floor plan and exhibitor list visit www.licensingexpo.com.

MARVEL FORMS INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Marvel Entertainment, Inc., recently announced the formation of an international advisory board comprised of business leaders from international growth markets. The advisory board will work with Marvel executives to explore opportunities for expanding the penetration of Marvel and its character brands in international markets. The advisory board is chaired by James F. Halpin, a Marvel director since 1995. Simon Philips, president, worldwide consumer products, will serve as the primary company liaison to the advisory board. The advisory board plans to convene in person twice a year for full meetings in addition to regular in-market meetings. In addition to Halpin, the advisory board is currently comprised of Peter Yip, executive vice-chairman and CEO of the CDC Corporation, and Bollywood film producer Manmohan Shetty, former chairman of Adlabs Films Limited. Yip and Shetty represent China and India, respectively, on the board. Marvel is in the process of filling two additional board positions. Each is expected to represent key areas of growth although specific countries were not announced.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS CREATES LICENSING DEPARTMENT

Guinness World Records announces the creation of a new licensing department that will be charged with developing new opportunities in consumer products and promotional licensing. The licensing teams will be based in the Guinness World Records headquarters in London as well as in New York City and Tokyo. Initial consumer product categories targeted for partnership will include publishing, toys and games, mobile content, DVDs, interactive, stationery and paper goods, and gift and novelty items. Guinness World Records also plans to further develop its trademark and logo licensing business for various sponsorship and promotional events and partnerships. The creation of this department will build on the licensing business that previously developed partnerships with TT Games for an interactive videogame on Wii and DS, content licensing with National Geographic Kids Magazine, publishing lines with Scholastic, and other product licenses with Egmont, American Greetings, and Franco Panini. Based in New York, Jennifer Gilmour will head the North American markets; in London, Beatriz Fernandez will head all markets outside

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

North America and Japan; in Tokyo, Erika Ogawa will head the Japanese market. Global initiatives will be managed by Frank Chambers, international sales director, in London.

HIT CREATES MOVIE DIVISION

HIT Entertainment announced the launch of HIT Movies, a new division dedicated to making family-oriented movies out of HIT’s library of children’s properties, as well as identifying and developing new stories and characters for future HIT family movies. To head HIT’s Los Angeles office and film division, HIT Entertainment president and CEO Jeff Dunn has tapped industry veteran Julia Pistor to run HIT Movies. Most recently, Pistor served as Nickelodeon’s executive vice-president of movies where she developed and produced a total of 16 movies that grossed more than $1.5 billion combined at the box office. The new film division will initially focus on developing family film franchises based on HIT’s properties, such as Thomas & Friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, and Angelina Ballerina. As part of the expansion, HIT Entertainment has signed with leading Beverly Hillsbased talent and literary agency United Talent Agency to help create new opportunities in film, television, and digital entertainment. UTA will also assist in establishing new brand extensions and corporate partnerships for HIT Entertainment properties, which have achieved success worldwide in toys, books, television, home entertainment, and live events. Additionally, UTA will work closely with HIT Movies’ Pistor to ramp up its feature film development slate.

GAZILLION SEALS MARVEL ONLINE GAMING DEAL

Gazillion Entertainment announced a partnership to develop massively multiplayer online (MMO) games based on Marvel Entertainment’s brands as part of Gazillion’s plan to bring high-quality MMO entertainment to wide audiences. The deal will allow Gazillion to develop and publish MMO games featuring Marvel’s universe of more than 5,000 superheroes, including elements from its films and animated series. The first game in development is a casual MMO for younger audiences based on Marvel’s Super Hero Squad property. Super Hero Squad features a super-stylized look for superheroes, including Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Thor, Fantastic Four, Captain America, and many others. In addition, Gazillion will be developing and publishing Marvel Universe, an MMO for PC and consoles. Further details on Marvel Universe’s MMO offering will be released in the upcoming months. With team members from Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft Game Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and many other leading companies, Gazillion has assembled talent from across the landscape of MMOs, console video games, animated feature films, and technology to address the mission of building breakthrough MMOs capable of resonating with wide audiences.

PRECIOUS MOMENTS TO MANAGE DOMESTIC LICENSING

Precious Moments, Inc., (PMI) announced recently that the company will manage all domestic licensing of the Precious Moments brand. Since 2000, United Media has acted as PMI’s domestic and international licensing agent. While PMI will handle domestic licensing internally, United Media will continue to manage licensing outside of the U.S. and Canada. Susan Meek, vice-president of licensing at PMI, will work with current and future licensees to continue to expand the Precious Moments market presence.

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

SANRIO AND JAKKS PACIFIC

Sanrio has signed Jakks Pacific as the official licensee for Sanrio’s Hello Kitty brand. Jakks will produce a full line of products featuring the Hello Kitty brand, including playsets, figures, plush toys, indoor and outdoor children’s furniture, seasonal products, interactive toys, and a number of other products. The initial lineup will include urban vinyl-style Hello Kitty figures, along with the Purse Playset with Small Figures. Jakks will also be working on crafts and activities for the brand. Hello Kitty Pen Craft is a line of customizable pens and Hello Kitty String World will allow kids to create their own jewelry and small figures. Jakks will also release products such as the Disco Desktop Speaker for music playback.

4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVISION PUBLISHING

Activision Publishing has entered into an agreement with 4Kids Entertainment to publish a video game based on the trading card game and animated television series Chaotic. The video game, called Chaotic, is scheduled for release this fall on the Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, and PS3. Players will journey through the world of Perim and interact with characters from the show and card game, while building their own army and unlocking new spells, attacks, and abilities.

CBS CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND VARIOUS LICENSEES

CBS Consumer Products has signed five new licensees to the Twilight Zone brand, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the series. The United States Postal Service is creating a 50th anniversary commemorative stamp, slated for release in August. Game maker Gamaka has licensed the rights to manufacture an interactive trivia DVD game and board game. Big Bang Pow! will produce action figures and bobble heads. Rittenhouse Archives will create trading cards featuring images from various episodes. Finally, Hallmark Cards will produce keepsake ornaments.

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS AND NANCY BAILEY & ASSOCIATES

Nancy Bailey & Associates has entered into a representation agreement with Energizer Holdings to develop a full program that involves products supporting Energizer’s brand equities of power, connectivity, and innovation. Energizer has been in business for more than 100 years. It has created a wide variety of familiar products for consumers, ranging from lithium batteries to watch/coin cells, as well as flashlights and lanterns.

PARAMOUNT LICENSING AND FIFTH SUN

Paramount Licensing has signed novelty T-shirt manufacturer Fifth Sun to produce a line of licensed T-shirts for the Up In Smoke brand. Based on the film Up In Smoke, written by and starring famous ’70s comedy team Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, the brand will feature imagery of Cheech, Chong, and the film’s logo, as well as other iconic images from the film. The products will be available this June at Spencer’s Gifts nationwide.

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

CHIQUITA AND OLD ORCHARD BRANDS

Through the work of Chiquita’s licensing agent, IMC Licensing, the company has teamed up with frozen juice manufacturer Old Orchard Brands to produce a line of Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies. Old Orchard will be supporting the smoothies with a wide distribution network across the U.S. The smoothies are available in 12-ounce plastic cans that contain three servings each once mixed with ice and water and have no artificial coloring or preservatives. Flavors include Strawberry Banana, Banana Colada, Peach Mango, and Mixed Berry. The smoothies will hit store shelves this month and will be supported by coupon inserts in a variety of newspapers, as well as sampling events and televised interviews with Miss Chiquita.

SAVE THE EARTH AND SYNERGY LICENSING

The Save the Earth foundation has signed an exclusive agreement with Synergy Licensing. Synergy will now represent the Save the Earth logo and trademarks across all product categories. Synergy will develop a licensing program for the brand that crosses multiple product categories. Current licensees for the Save the Earth brand include Pacific Dry Goods, Burnes Home Accents, and Sakar International.

JARDEN CORPORATION AND BRAND CENTRAL

The Jarden Corporation has selected Brand Central as its licensing agency of record to represent the Outdoor Solutions and Branded Consumables segments of the Jarden Corporation’s business in the company’s recently announced licensing initiatives. The Jarden Company will work with Brand Central to strategically extend the reach of its brands in camping, fishing, team sports, winter sports, and apparel, including brands such as Abu Garcia, Berkley, Campingaz, Colemen, Shakespeare, Rawlings, Stren, and more. The agreement will also cover Jarden’s safety and security brands, such as First Alert, Forster, Hoyle, Kerr, Lehigh, and Pine Mountain. Targeted categories for the Jarden licensing program include outdoor recreation, winter sports, team sports, and marine and fishing categories.

USA RACQUETBALL AND MARATHON PROJECTS

Marathon Projects has been appointed as the licensing agent for USA Racquetball, the national governing body for the sport of racquetball. Marathon will develop and oversee a licensing program with a focus on a complementary range of licensed entertainment and sports products, including video games, athletic footwear, athletic socks, protective prescription eyewear, athletic gloves, athletic gear bags, racquetball racquets, athletic apparel, nutritional bars, bottled water, and energy drinks.

COPCORP LICENSING AND VARIOUS LICENSEES

CopCorp Licensing has granted the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey license to three new licensees. Rasta Imposta has been granted the rights to produce and sell Ringling Bros. children’s and adult’s Halloween costumes, accessories, and novelty hats. Sherwood Brands has been given the license for Easter basket gift sets, standard gift sets, and confections such as candy novelties, marshmallows, cookies, and more. Micro-Trains Line Co. has been given the rights to create and market Ringling Bros. N- and Z-scale model trains.

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

New products, new deals, and new trends this month in the licensing industry.

HOME CARE INDUSTRIES, PROCTER & GAMBLE THROUGH NANCY BAILEY AND ASSOCIATES

Home Care Industries, Inc., announced a licensing partnership with The Procter & Gamble Company to market a new line of Febreze Premium Allergen Filtration Vacuum Cleaner Bags and Febreze Vacuum Cleaner Filters. This extensive line of vacuum bags and filters has been uniquely designed to deliver the Febreze equities of odor elimination and freshness through a proprietary odor-eliminating technology and a patented, easy-to-use freshness strip. The Febreze-branded vacuum bags and filters were developed specifically to fit most popular vacuum cleaner brands. This line of floor care accessories introduces a new level of innovation to a category that doesn’t ordinarily generate a lot of news. The line is expected to be available in stores nationwide this year for between $6–$30. Nancy Bailey and Associates brokered the deal between the two companies.

TODD PARR AND PLANET COLOR

Todd Parr and Suppertime Entertainment recently announced the creation of Planet Color. This new brand is designed to teach children messages of kindness, consideration, and politeness through playful associations with color. Additional announcements include the signing of licensees. Four Peas has been signed for a limited-edition line of children’s bags. The bags combine Parr’s bold, colorful artwork and Four Peas bags’ signature construction, style, and fit. Todd Parr’s unique designs will be featured on Four Peas toddler backpacks as well as school, lunch bags (shown), supply bags, and duffel bags, for a total of 10 limited-edition bags. The bags, as well as the entire Four Peas line, are constructed of PVC-free material. In addition, Todd Parr and Suppertime Entertainment have also recently announced the signing of Jen’s Ideas as an apparel licensee. Jen’s Ideas will manufacture T-shirts, fleece, hoodies, caps, knit dresses, knit skirts, and leggings. A longtime artist, Parr has written and illustrated more than 30 children’s books since 1999.

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

BRAND SENSE PARTNERS FOR ELECTRONIC ARTS AND MAISTO

Maisto International announced a new line of die-cast vehicles based on the newest installment in Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed franchise. The deal was brokered by Brand Sense Partners, the North American licensing agency of record for Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed franchise. More than 20 different vehicles and designs, all of which have been replicated to follow the design cues of vehicles in the video game, are expected to be available in 1:64, 1:24, and 1:18 scales. Additionally, each vehicle package will have a special code that, when used with a video game, will unlock special in-game vehicle designs. The codes will work with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PCs.

TOKYOPOP AND BIG TENT

TokyoPop and Big Tent Entertainment recently announced that Domo will be featured in English-language, full-color manga, which is scheduled for a worldwide debut this September. Domo’s manga will be supported by an aggressive viral marketing campaign, which kicked off with a fan art contest that was launched at New York Comic-Con.

CARTOON NETWORK AND DIGITAL BLUE

Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, announced that Digital Blue is set to release a new line of Bakugan electronic products for the core Bakugan audience, boys 6–11. The upcoming product line includes Bakugan pocket-size digital cameras (shown), alarm clock radios, walkie talkies, accessories, and more. A unique feature is that each item includes a point of interactivity with the popular Bakugan balls from Spin Master. The Bakugan electronics, from Digital Blue, will begin rolling out this spring at major nationwide retailers at price points ranging from $14.99–$39.99.

FUNDEX AND EL CHAVO

Originating in Mexico and now pervasive throughout the Spanish-speaking world, El Chavo is a beloved television program. Dating back to its initial launch in 1971, El Chavo fans span the generations. Based on the success of the modern-day animated version of El Chavo, Fundex introduces a line of El Chavo toys and games to the U.S. One of the items in the line is the El Chavo Plush Assortment. It allows kids to relive the action of the El Chavo animated series and create their very own El Chavo neighborhood adventures. El Chavo, La Popis, and Quico are all available and each character comes with an El Chavo DVD with neverbefore-seen footage. It is designed for ages 3 and up.

MARVEL TARGETS TEEN GIRLS

Marvel’s iconic superheroes are getting a makeover to target female fans. The new Marvel Juniors line will feature lifestyle apparel and accessories incorporating Marvel’s iconic superhero and romance art. Part of Marvel’s strategy is to extend the reach of its superhero franchises to new audiences, which in this case is young girls. Product will have wide retail availability enhancing Marvel’s presence in both traditional and non-traditional retail channels. Marvel Juniors is currently expanding across key categories, including fashion tops, sportswear and denim, outerwear, loungewear and intimates, swimwear, footwear, hats, bags, accessories, jewelry, personal care, and stationery. Current partners include: Junk Food (fashion tops, with distribution at The Gap, department, and specialty stores), Mighty Fine (fashion tops, with distribution at mid-tier, department, and specialty stores), Fortune Fashions (fashion tops, mass market distribution), Freeze (fashion tops, mass market and mid-tier ), Biodome (hats, bags, small leather goods), H.E.R. Accessories (jewelry), Jakks Pacific/Disguise (costumes), Lotta Luv (cosmetics, bags), and iScream/Mines Press (journals, notebooks, paper products).

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

NBC CONSUMER PRODUCTS’ by Paul Narula

osing has long held a stigma, espe- petition. Throughout the contest, contestants cially when it comes to competition, are faced with temptations and are pitted but it all depends on what you lose. In against one another in challenges that can reNBC’s The Biggest Loser, losing is the perfect ward anything from a phone call to their famformula for winning $250,000. Contestants ily to exercise equipment. compete to lose the most weight in a healthy Joy Tashjian Marketing Group (JTMG) is manner, with the help of the official licensing the show’s physical trainagent for the brand and is ers and a boot camp-like working with NBC Conregimen of exercise and disumer Products to create eting. The show has been a line of health and fiton the air for seven seasons ness-oriented products and NBC is in the process based on The Biggest of getting an eighth season Loser brand. JTMG inoff the ground. tends to position the Each season of The brand as a way to deBiggest Loser starts by velop a healthy lifestyle breaking the contestants program that will follow into teams. Each team is the show’s philosophy given its own personal and healthy teachings. trainer, who is responsible A number of licensees for teaching their team have already established a healthy habits and exerprogram for the brand. Host Allison Sweeney (left), with trainers Bob cise regimens, as well as Rodale Press is developHarper (center) and Jillian Michaels (right) showing them how to ing a line of books and lose weight and keep it off. The contestants Lionsgate will be releasing various DVDs. compete on a weekly basis, and a weigh-in at Taylor will be handling kitchen appliances. the end of each week pits the teams against Gaiam produces a line of exercise equipment one another. The team that has lost the most based on the equipment seen in the show. percentage of total weight is considered the Other products include protein drinks from winner and the losing team must pick a mem- Designer Whey and workout music CDs from ber to send home. When the teams have lost Power Music. With another season coming up enough members, they are dissolved and con- and more products on the way, The Biggest testants face one another in individual com- Loser is shaping up to be a licensing winner.

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

Fast Facts ° Contestants kicked off the show can attempt to maintain their healthy lifestyle at home to compete for an “At Home” monetary prize.

° Versions of The Biggest Loser have been produced around the world in countries such as India, the UK, Israel, Hungary, Brazil, and more.

° The show was originally hosted by stand-up comedian and actress Caroline Rhea. Actress Alison Sweeney became host in 2007.

° Seasons five and seven featured teams made up of couples competing to lose weight. Season six featured teams of families.

° The first episode of The Biggest Loser aired on NBC on October 19, 2004.

DESIGNER WHEY

New from Designer Whey is a line of protein drinks featuring The Biggest Loser brand. Designed to provide protein and nutrition for consumers on a weight loss program, the protein drinks and drink mixes come in a variety of flavors, including vanilla bean, blue raspberry, chocolate, and more.

GAIAM

Gaiam produces a line of fitness products that lets fans perform exercises similar to those on The Biggest Loser television show. The stability ball kit includes a stability ball and a resistant cord. Sculpt and burn kit includes a weighted Gaiam water ball and jump ropes. Gaiam will also produce exercise mats and body bands.

TAYLOR

RODALE

Rodale will be publishing a number of books based on The Biggest Loser brand. The series will cover a wide variety of health-related topics, from diet and exercise to calorie counting and family cooking. The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook and The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start have both already been published. Upcoming titles include a weight loss program, calorie counter, fitness program, and more.

Taylor will create a full line of digital weight scales and kitchen scales based on The Biggest Loser. The company will also make a wide variety of new appliances for the kitchen, such as a fruit and vegetable processor, chopper/blender systems, and a vegetable/food steamer, among other options.

LIONSGATE

New from Lionsgate is a series of exercise videos from the trainers on The Biggest Loser. These videos will teach viewers fitness techniques and routines based on those used on the show. Exercises covered in the videos will include power sculpting, cardio, boot campstyle exercises, and more.

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

ERICA LINDBERG GOURD LINDBERG LICENSING & PROMOTIONS by Laurie Hahn

hen Erica Lindberg Gourd graduated from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School, the question people asked most was, “What is it you want to do, Erica?” While Lindberg Gourd didn’t know specifically what job she wanted, she knew it had to involve colors, fabrics, and art, to which her friends would respond, “There aren’t any of those jobs out there.” Fortunately, Lindberg Gourd found one. She interviewed to be a secretary in the licensing division of Henson Associates (now The Jim Henson Company) and took in her surroundings during the interview—fabric, eyeballs, feathers, TV monitors. “I just knew whatever business this was, I wanted to learn it,” she says. Henson Associates gave her a junior licensing secretary position, typing up contracts for books, films, and other products. This was a time before word processing and “all the different contracts had to be perfect without any Liquid Paper on them,” Lindberg Gourd says. “I was someone who made a lot of typos, so I really typed the contracts over and over. What I got at a very early age was a thorough working knowledge of what the contracts were like.” After two years, Eden Toys hired her to develop a licensing program for Paddington Bear. Three years later, Henson Associates hired her back as director of marketing, working in the areas of television, video, and video games. After another two years, Lindberg Gourd left Henson Associates to become vice-

ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

president, domestic and international for MTV, from the sale of those products will go back VH1, and Nickelodeon, licensing Nickelodeon to support the park’s free programs. shows such as Double Dare and the corporate Lindberg Licensing recently struck up a logos for MTV and VH1. similar deal between its client Carnegie Hall When Lindberg Gourd became pregnant and Yamaha for Carnegie Hall-branded student with her first child, she decided not to return to recorders. Proceeds of the recorder sales will MTV after the birth. MTV had another sugges- help fund The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie tion for her—start her own business and take Hall, which will donate band and orchestra Nickelodeon as her first client. In February instruments to public schools in Harlem. 1989, she incorporated Lindberg Licensing & Lindberg Gourd says deals like these make Promotions. Her agency acquired the North licensing exciting. “There’s no rigidity to a American rights to Where’s Waldo, Marc licensing deal,” she says, “and I like representBrown’s Arthur, and Between the Lions, a PBS ing what my clients need most rather than just show that her agency still handles today. The following a pat formula. I get a thrill from that.” agency also does licensing for other PBS shows The growth of the licensing industry also including Martha Speaks, which the agency is thrills Lindberg Gourd. “It used to be when I starting to license into a variety of categories. went out on a pitch or when I was talking to In addition to children’s entertainment people I’d have to explain that I didn’t work properties, Lindberg Licensing was recently for the Department of Motor Vehicles,” she named the licensing agency for the Bryant says. “And now the business has grown to a Park Corporation’s Bryant Park Collection. place where many people understand the benLindberg Gourd says the plan for Bryant Park efit of co-branding. It’s a more competitive is to develop products that are sensitive to the marketplace due to the fact that so many environment and that also supmore people understand what it port the free aspects of New is.” But Lindberg Licensing York City’s Bryant Park, such doesn’t worry about the compeas its free wi-fi and free chess. tition. Its founder knows that Products might include a even though the company is reusable picnic basket and small, it offers its clients a big solar products that recharge a advantage. As Lindberg Gourd laptop. A website will offer puts it, “If you want senior-level consumers a virtual park expeattention on the lowest levels of The Bryant Park Corporation rience, as well as an online your property, then you need a named Lindberg Licensing as the licensing agency for its store. The royalties generated small company.” Bryant Park Collection.

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THE NAKED LICENSE: PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS by Tedd S. Levine, Esq., CPA

naked license is a trademark licensor’s grant of permission to use its mark without attendant provisions to protect the quality of the goods or services provided under the licensed mark. A trademark owner’s failure to exercise appropriate control and supervision over its licensees may result in an abandonment of trademark protection for the licensed mark. [Lanham Act, § 45, 15 U.S.C.A. § 1127. See also McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition § 18:79 (4th ed.)] The hallmark of a naked license is the licensor’s failure to exercise reasonable control over the use of the mark. As discussed below, the licensor must maintain adequate control over the nature and quality of goods and services sold under the mark by the licensee. [2 J. Thomas McCarthy, McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition § 18:42 (4th ed. 2008)] In fact, the Federal courts in New York have unequivocally declared it unlawful for a trademark owner to grant a license for the use of a mark without the retention of supervisory control. Such courts have determined that a license agreement without supervisory control over the product is invalid. Moreover, a trademark owner’s failure to exercise sufficient control and supervision over a licensee’s use of mark for a significant period of time may prevent (or stop) a trademark owner from challenging use of the mark and the business that the licensee has developed during the period of unsupervised use. Hence, when the owner of the trademark licenses his mark to others, he

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retains duty to exercise control and supervision over the licensee’s use of mark. As noted, a trademark licensor should avoid the pitfall of abandoning its rights by failing to control the quality of its licensed products. Regardless of whether the grant of rights is exclusive or nonexclusive it is imperative that the property owner retain supervisory control and approval rights over the (i) products, (ii) packaging, including cartons, inserts, and hangtags, and (iii) all advertising and promotional materials. To achieve this goal, the license agreement should provide for the licensor’s prior approval at key stages of the development process. The common milestones are noted below.

• CONCEPT STAGE—It is suggested that the licensee submit to the licensor for written approval drawings or written explanations of the proposed licensed products, packaging, and promotional plans. Any approval granted by the licensor under the concept stage should only entitle the licensee to create a prototype of the corresponding submission.

• PROTOTYPE STAGE—It is suggested that the licensee submit to the licensor for written approval at least two prototypes of the proposed submission. Any approval granted by the licensor under the prototype stage should only entitle the licensee to show such prototypes to the trade, e.g., customers to determine potential interest and manufacturers for purposes of costing.

• PRE-PRODUCTION STAGE—It is suggested that the licensee submit to the licensor for written approval at least two preproduction samples of the submission in a form ready to be manufactured. Finally, it is important for the licensor to manage post-production activities. To achieve this objective, a property owner needs to ensure it receives sufficient samples not only from the initial manufacturing run, but also from each new production batch. After the licensee has been provided the required approvals, the licensor should monitor that the submission does not depart from the item approved at the pre-production stage in any pertinent respect without first obtaining the licensor’s further consent. Additionally, it is imperative that the licensor have ready access to the warehouse and manufacturing facilities for purposes of inspection. Following these steps protects your mark, and certainly helps ensure you’ll never be caught naked. For more than 20 years, Tedd S. Levine has been a practicing attorney focusing on licensing law, corporate law, business transactions, and intellectual property. He also has more than 25 years experience as a certified public accountant. He has negotiated numerous agreements for such companies as Disney, Warner Bros., Mattel, MTV, Paramount, NASCAR, M&M/Mars, and the NFL. He can be reached at (516) 294–6852 or at lawofficesofteddslevine@gmail.com.

MAGAZINES MINE NEW OPPORTUNITIES WHILE LOOKING AHEAD by Chris Adams

n a climate where licensed products are having a difficult time “The top voted-for statement was that Highlights is educational,” finding shelf space and magazines are going through soul-search- says Sayetta. “We also gave consumers a chance to trash us as well; ing to figure out the best, and most profitable, ways to bring titles we put in negative attributes such as ‘boring’ and ‘old-fashioned’ and to the market, it would be intuitive to think that licensors of magazine those attributes scored almost zero.” properties would be walking around on eggshells. Of course, by going Knepfer is looking to take the Rodale titles primarily into fitnessagainst intuition, great gains can be made. This is the approach that and food-related avenues and has a number of deals cooking, billionaire Warren Buffet has made fortunes although none are currently ready to be announced. on—he has been quoted “Everyone is looking to add revenue these days, so licensing is saying, “It is our job to a nice supplement to our brands,” says Knepfer. “Even more help our clients be fearful important to revenue is making sure that whatwhen others are greedy, ever we do in the licensand look at opportunities ing world is an extenwhen others are fearful.” sion of the brands—furIn a climate where thering what the titles everyone from retailers to mean to our consumers.” licensors and licensees are fearful, two prominent magaBranching Out zine publishers have recently Each segment of licensing brought in licensing industry presents its own opportunities veterans to expand their titles’ and challenges. Licensing presence in consumer products. magazine brands indeed comes Rodale, which publishes titles with its own set of situations, such as Men’s Health, for better or worse, to be mindPrevention, and Women’s Health, ful of when expanding into has brought on Tamra Knepfer licensed products. (who has held positions at Rodale, publisher of Men’s Health, and Highlights have recently hired licensing industry veterans to launch full-scale licensing programs for their titles. “While you need the magaAmerican Greetings and Sesame zine to promote the consumer Workshop) to extend its brands, while the classic Highlights magazine has hired Robin Sayetta (who products, you have to be careful not to turn the magazine into a catahas held positions at Discovery and itsy bitsy Entertainment) to extend log,” says Nicole Desir, associate vice-president, brand management, at The Beanstalk Group, which represents Jet and Ebony for licensits “fun with a purpose” brand promise beyond the printed page. Sayetta first wrote the licensing strategy for Highlights last ing. “You also have to develop products that will not compete with year while acting as the company’s agent while running her own advertising dollars. You have to carefully look at the key categories venture, Ripe Ideas. She says that the Highlights brands offer a and industries where your advertising dollars come from and the “treasure trove of content” as well as long-standing equity. Part of places where licensed products would be able to live.” However, the elasticity that is offered from the lifestyle-brand the research for the commencement of the licensing program was approach that many magazines take offers a broad range of opportuto have consumers rank brand attributes.

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nities for licensing. “We have a very broad readership with each of our publications and there is correlation between the reader and the consumer,” says Elise Contarsy, vice-president of licensing at Meredith. “The key is to stand true to the spirit of the publication and take inspiration from the pages. A visual connection and a consistent look and feel is key to helping the consumer transition from a reader to a consumer of licensed products.”

Preparing for the Future

The economy and a transitioning media landscape are presenting challenges in the magazine licensing marketplace. While many magazine publishers are in a state of transition, trying to figure out what their brands’ mix between print and online should be and what frequency their publications should go to print, the economy is making advertising dollars hard to come by. They are looking wherever they can to draw revenue while further establishing their brands. “As magazines are trying to gain their footing, whether that means becoming an e-magazine or reducing the size or frequency of publication, licensing can only follow and support what happens to the core magazine,” says Beanstalk’s Desir. “While publishers are figuring that out, licensing can continue the story of the core brand and provide revenue.” Of course, as with publishing, retail too is in a state of flux. Retailers are tightening up already lean product assortments. And on the licensing end of things, licensors are trying to remain nimble until the economy picks up. “Retail is down, so sales are down in licensed products as well. We have come up with new models that provide more flexibility for commitments, and financials,” says Glenn Ellen Brown, vice-president of Hearst Brand Development. “We are driven to find solutions that work for both partners. Then, when things get better, we have committed partners that we’ve shown we work for.” With an attitude like that, magazine publishers need not be fearful of what is to come, so long as they do the necessary steps now for when the economy picks back up.

The Latest Word

Hearst Brand Development licensee Silver State introduces its Sunbrella line of fabrics that reflect the casual style reflective of the pages of Country Living. Also on the way from Hearst is a line of Seventeenlicensed eyewear.

Meredithʼs newest licensee, Five Star Bedding, a division of Serta, will introduce a line of Better Homes and Gardens bedding.

New apparel featuring various Source Interlink Media brands is on the way. Jordache Enterprises will continue its Lowrider menswear line, while Defiance USA will introduce Hot Rod apparel.

Playboy recently awarded Rubieʼs a license to produce Halloween costumes. In addition, Playboy continues to focus on categories that target mass retailers such as menʼs underwear, menʼs fragrance, and womenʼs lingerie. ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

CLASSIC CHARACTERS

IN A

MODERN WORLD

by Laurie Hahn ho can imagine life without Mickey Mouse, Big Bird, or Barbie? These characters shaped many of us as children and still do so to new generations worldwide. “The characters that you grew up with hit an emotional chord,” says Nicole Blake, senior vice-president, marketing and consumer products, Entertainment Rights North America, which represents Casper and Little Golden Books. “Because of the state of the world now, people are going back to that true nostalgia and the brands that really stand for home and for family values.” Bad economy or not, classic characters tend to thrive because of a multi-generational appeal. For Curious George, the concept of curiosity appeals to consumers of all ages. “Grandparents know it from when they were young and those are the books that they read to the parents and now the parents are reading them to a third generation of children,” says Cindy Chang, vice-president of global business development, Universal Studios Consumer Products. For Mickey Mouse, multiple generations are drawn to the character because “Walt Disney hit on a lot of values and appeal,” says Mark Coleman, vice-president/general manager of North America, Disney Consumer Products. “What the company has been able to do from his legacy is continue to make the character relevant and have this wonderful ability to span generations. We continue to drive content to make the character relevant.” While it’s true that a classic character can’t offer much to any generation if it isn’t relevant, there is a delicate balance between making a

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character more modern and respecting the character’s original DNA. “What we don’t do are things that we feel don’t deliver on our brand promise or don’t meet our expectations of where we want the brand to be,” says Maura Regan, vice-president and general manager, Sesame Workshop. While Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie will be starring in a new TV show—in claymation—the personalities of the characters remain. When it comes to the almost-60-year-old comic strip Peanuts, “we are incredibly rigid as it relates to character execution,” says Joshua Kislevitz, senior vice-president, domestic licensing, United Media. “But we are very flexible in terms of product design. So what you have there is a combination of brand integrity, while allowing our licensees and promotional partners broad flexibility in terms of contemporizing their designs.” Even though American Greetings Properties (AGP) recently updated the look of Strawberry Shortcake, the company knows its limits. “We’re not going to make Strawberry Shortcake into a college girl living in the real world,” says Tony Chien, director of marketing, AGP. For the update, AGP brought back some of the classic parts of the 1980s character, such as her original green-and-white stockings. Rosalind Nowicki, executive vice-president, marketing and licensing, 4Kids Entertainment, agrees that it would be hard for consumers to see a classic character on store shelves that didn’t offer the same quality as it had in the past. “If we took the Cabbage Patch Kids to some level and put them in an overly contemporary,

Spider-Man women’s T-shirt from Junk Food and a Cabbage Patch Kids Fairy from Jakks Pacific

non-Cabbage Patch format, I think the consumer might reject it because they do have that comfort zone with the characters,” she says. Book characters evoke similar memories. Consumers expect The Very Hungry Caterpillar products to have the same look as the 40-year-old book. “The artwork is unique,” says Joan Blanski, senior vice-president, global brand management, Chorion. That has been “what we’ve translated over into product. There’s a beauty and a feel to the products from the world of Eric Carle that I think is truly special.” However, for some classic characters a makeover is standard. Take Barbie, for instance. The doll has seen numerous looks in its 50 years, not to mention the more than 100 different professions Barbie has tried. And yet, through these changes, Barbie remains a constant presence in the lives of little girls. Hasbro’s G.I. JOE has also seen numerous iterations since the brand’s inception 45 years ago. “What you have to do is keep the themes relevant to today’s consumer versus the consumer in 1964,” says Bryony Bouyer, senior

vice-president of licensing, Hasbro. The new live-action movie from Paramount Pictures, G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra, will continue to update the G.I. JOE story. For modern characters such as The Simpsons, a movie was the first step in creating brand touch points that helped keep the show fresh for fans. 7-Eleven turned 12 key locations into Kwik-E-Marts, the convenience store from the show, for the movie. “Fox is very bullish about ensuring The Simpsons remains not only top of mind with the consumer, but also that it sustains its relevancy and taps into the changing zeitgeist over the years,” says Michael Peikoff, senior vice-president, U.S. licensing, Fox Licensing & Merchandising. This year Thomas the Tank Engine will transform through a direct-to-DVD CG movie Hero of the Rails, the first in which each engine has its own voice, as opposed to a narrator speaking for each character. “It’ll still have the classic storytelling heritage, positive values, and strong moral lessons, just delivered to the consumer in a much more realistic way and creating a deeper level of audience engagement,” says Rick Glankler, senior vice-president, global brand management, HIT Entertainment. Imagi Studios hopes to engage audiences when it releases Astro Boy in October. The character has been around off and on for 50 years and the new movie will give the storyline a more global appeal. “You know it’s Astro Boy, but he’s been refined for two reasons—to differentiate that which we’ve seen before, which is that ongoing classic positioning, and to establish him as a contempo-

rary icon as much as he is a classic icon,” says Russell Binder, president of Striker Entertainment, which handles Astro Boy’s licensing program with Most Management. Some characters don’t need revitalization because their stories and messages are still relevant today. Taking a cue from today’s focus on “going green,” Dr. Seuss Enterprises is putting together The Lorax Project, a collection of earth-friendly manufacturers that produce green products. The Lorax Project takes its name from the Dr. Seuss book The Lorax. “Here was a book written in the ’70s that was about waking up and realizing that we have to do better, we have to conserve the Earth’s resources, we have to learn not to pollute the air,” says Susan Brandt, executive vice-president, licensing and marketing for Dr. Seuss Enterprises. This eco-friendly message from the 1970s resonates with today’s “green” consumers. And yet, to really remain relevant these days, the monetary hardships of consumers must be taken into account. Many companies are trying to produce affordable product in mass-market without comprising the quality and the essence of these classic characters. What it all comes down to, though, is the character. “Great brands rise to the head of the class whether it be a positive economy or a negative economy,” says Paul Gitter, president of consumer products, North America for Marvel Entertainment, whose characters become more popular with each new movie. And that’s the beauty of successful classic characters. Consumers know them, want them, and continue turning to them time and again.

What a Classic Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Safeway, Inc., created a better-for-you line of food products for kids. Looney Tunes characters are featured on the new Eating Right Kids line of food and beverages, sold at Safeway. For HIT Entertainment’s new CG Thomas & Friends movie Hero of the Rails, Learning Curve will produce new Thomas Wooden Railway products. Universal Studios Consumer Products signed I Can Do That! Games to produce several Curious George games. Scholastic partnered with FAO Schwarz for a cause-marketing program for Clifford called Be Big. The national program raises awareness for how Clifford’s Big Ideas can make the world a better place.

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RODALE, INC.

TAMRA KNEPFER, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, LICENSING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Rodale, Inc., hired Tamra Knepfer as senior vice-president, licensing and business development. She is responsible for building the company’s licensing business and will work closely with all Rodale brands to identify partners to license Rodale properties for products and services. Previously, Knepfer was senior vice-president, consumer products at American Greetings Properties.

BANDAI AMERICA, INC. PAUL HAUSBACK, CFO

Bandai America, Inc., appointed Paul Hausback to CFO. He will manage all financial and fiscal management aspects of the company’s operations, including oversight of the company’s finances, operations, human resources, legal and business affairs, and information services groups. Previously, he worked at The Walt Disney Company in various executive roles in finance and business operations in its consumer products, interactive gaming, internet, mobile, and retail businesses.

AMERICAN GREETINGS PROPERTIES PROMOTIONS

American Greetings Properties (AGP) announced the promotions of four executives. Mackenzie Glass has been promoted to creative director of design. She is responsible for the creative development of style guides, packaging, trade shows, and design collateral for all of AGP’s new and existing character brands. Kelly Grupczynski has been named to creative director of illustration. She will be responsible for the creative assets used in character development, entertainment, digital media, and style guides. Tony Chien has been promoted to director of marketing. He will oversee and execute all consumer and trade marketing initiatives as well as business development for all brands under AGP. Lisa Wascovich has been promoted to director of digital media. She will oversee and execute all digital projects. She and her team are responsible for the creative and technical development of AGKidZone.com, AGP’s branded websites, online advertising and promotion, digital content development, and video games.

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COOKIE JAR ENTERTAINMENT

BRENDA BISNER, SENIOR MANAGER, DOMESTIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Brenda Bisner joined Cookie Jar Entertainment as senior manager, domestic consumer products. She will be responsible for developing licensing programs for Cookie Jar’s top consumer brands and entertainment properties including Strawberry Shortcake, Mommy & Me, and Richard Scarry. Prior to joining Cookie Jar, Bisner served as vice-president acquisitions, children’s programming for Porchlight Entertainment.

CALLAWAY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT JOHN W. LEE II, CEO

Callaway Arts & Entertainment announced the appointment of John W. Lee II as CEO. Teaming up with Nicholas Callaway, founder and president of Callaway, Lee will work to expand the company’s existing story- and art-based brand assets across all media in the United States and internationally. Lee plans to further develop the company’s brand, Sunny Patch, and forge new partnerships for the company. He has already been instrumental in creating a partnership between Callaway and independent toy company Melissa and Doug. Prior to joining Callaway, Lee was part of the team that created the Ready-to-Learn Partnership, which developed the literacy-based children’s program, WordWorld. In addition to his role with Callaway, Lee will remain a business and brand development advisor for WordWorld as well as retain his seat on the organization’s board. Before WordWorld, Lee served as founder and president of Learning Curve Brands. He is also the co-founder of Playing for Keeps, a national not-for-profit organization that promotes the importance of unstructured play.

NASCAR Drivers

Answers on page 24 Biffle Burton Busch Earnhardt

Gordon Harvick Johnson Kahne

Guess Who?

Kenseth Labonte Martin Mears

Petty Sadler Stewart Truex

Over her 40 years in the licensing industry, this licensing veteran has handled

licensing programs for major league sluggers, basketball court tricksters, a looney group of cartoons, and big-name superheroes. Now, she runs her own agency,

where she links burger brands, energy sodas, and more to licensees. Who is she?

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MAY

6–8

ToyCon 2009

toyassociation.org

Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa

Litchfield Park, AZ

19–21

All Candy Expo

allcandyexpo.com

McCormick Place

Chicago

17–19

JUNE

Surtex

surtex.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

2–4

e3expo.com

Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles

28–30

Summer Fancy Food Show New York

specialtyfood.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

comic-con.org

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego

thegourmetshow.com

Moscone Center

San Francisco

magiconline.com

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas

2–4

JULY

Licensing International Expo

23–26

Comic-Con

8–10

Gourmet Housewares Show

31–8/2

MAGIC Marketplace

A UG UST

14–20

New York Home Textiles Market Week

S EPTEMBER

13–16

30–10/1

ABC Kids Expo

Brand Licensing Europe

licensingexpo.com

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

nyhometextilesmarketweek.com

theabcshow.com

brandlicensingeurope.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

Las Vegas Convention Center The Grand Hall, Olympia

Solutions to Puzzles on Page 23

Las Vegas

New York City

Las Vegas London

Karen Spitz, president and founder of Licensing

Link, has been in the licensing business for more than 40 years. Prior to her work at Licensing Link, Spitz worked for Licensing Corporation for America (LCA).

At LCA, Spitz worked on licensing programs for

Major League Baseball and the Harlem Globetrotters. Spitz also spent many years as vice-president of

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, where she further

developed the licensing programs of Marvin the Martian, Bugs Bunny, Tasmanian Devil, Batman, and Superman.

Licensing Link is now headed into its 14th year. Under Spitz, the company

has developed licensing programs for Dubble Bubble, White Castle, Jolt Cola, and the classic Speed Racer cartoon property.

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by Christopher Byrne

P OSTED

BELOW IS A SAMPLING OF WHAT

A MERICAN

Top-Selling Infomercial Products, March 2009 Source: Infomercial.com 1. Lulla-Bear 2. Snuggie 3. QuantumReach 4. Wrap Snap & Go 5. Song Bird Flexfit 6. Cleavage Clip 7. Eye Vac Pro 8. PedEgg 9. ProActive Solutions 10. Multimaster RS

MOST-WATCHED INFOMERCIALS, MARCH 2009

Source: Infomercial.com 1. ProActive Solutions 2. AquaGlobes 3. PedEgg 4. SheerCover 5. Multimaster

BESTSELLING BOOKS ON MARCH 24, 2009

Source: Barnes & Noble 1. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey 2. Liberty and Tyranny by Mark R. Levin 3. Twilight Saga Collection by Stephenie Meyer 4. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi 5. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer 6. Maximum Ride by James Patterson 7. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer 8. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

CONSUMERS ARE INTERESTED IN THIS MONTH .

9. In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Laura Schlessinger (on pre-order, book will be released on April 7) 10. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

AND TO HELP WITH YOUR LICENSING SHOW PLANNING. . . TOP RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS 2009 (LICENSING SHOW IS JUNE 2–4) Source: Gayot.com 1. Alex, French—The Wynn Las Vegas (702) 770–3300 2. Aureole—Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino (702) 632–7401 3. Fleur de Lys—Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino (702) 632–9400 4. Joel Robuchon—MGM Grand Hotel & Casino (702) 891–7925 5. Le Cirque—Bellagio (702) 693–8100 6. Michael Mina Bellagio—Bellagio (702) 693–8199 7. Mix In Las Vegas—The Hotel at Mandalay Bay (702) 632–9500 8. Picasso—Bellagio (702) 693–7223 9. Restaurant Guy Savoy—Caesar’s Palace (702) 731–7286 10. Valentino—The Venetian (702) 414–3000

TOP CASINOS IN LAS VEGAS 2009

Source: 10best.com 1. Bellagio 2. Caesar’s Palace 3. Flamingo Las Vegas 4. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino 5. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino 6. Monte Carlo 7. New York, New York Hotel & Casino 8. Paris Las Vegas 9. Rio 10. The Venetian ROYALTIE$ APRIL 2009

Young Guys Are Attracted to Two Things. Girls Are One.

G4 is TV’s destination for gamers, gadget-lovers and geeks – with over 78 million total unique viewers in 2008. Attack of the Show and XPlay have double-digit percent growth among a loyal audience of young men... that is, when they’re not checking out girls.

Source: Nielsen Media. Network Reach based on NPower Reach & Frequency Report. Live Data. Program Growth based on StarTrak Report. Live Data, Coverage Ratings. 2008 based on 12/31/07 to 12/28/08, 2007 based on 1/1/07 to 12/30/07.

G4TV.com