Exciting Licensing Expo Announcements

Licensing Expo is one of the important events of the year in the licensing industry. This year the annual trade show will take place from June 18 – 20 in Las Vegas.

Recently the organizers of the show announced actress Gwyneth Paltrow as the keynote speaker. Paltrow will also take part in a question and answer session with fitness expert Tracy Anderson who is Paltrow’s personal trainer and business partner. Paltrow will speak about her experience extending her personal brand through her lifestyle website Goop.com and her partnership in Tracy Anderson’s fitness empire.

Additionally, the topic and speakers for the keynote panel  were recently announced. The panel will include industry executives from Walmart, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, The Cherokee Group, Disney Consumer Products and LIMA. The focus of the panel will be: “A Licensing Roadmap: Where Are We Headed, and How Will We Get There?”

We’re looking forward to Licensing Expo and attending these exciting panels. For the full schedule visit: http://www.licensingexpo.com/

Top Licensing News From The 2013 International Home + Housewares Show

What To Expect at Toy Fair 2013

Toy Fair 2013, one of the largest and most important international toy trade shows, will take place from February 10 through February 13 at  the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Several Joester Loria Group clients will be presenting their latest brand licensing extensions in the toy category at the show. We’re excited to share this sneak preview of what you can expect from our clients at Toy Fair:

▪   The Bridge will be showcasing the latest Annoying Orange products including Talking Plush, Talking Plush Clip-Ons, Talking Keychains, Talking Collectibles, Mini Figures, Talking Playfaces and Talking Target Game (Dart Board) at booth 4B2 on the fourth floor.

▪   Play Visions also will present its latest Annoying Orange assortment of pens, motion stickers and tattoos at booth 477.

▪   Sakar will display Annoying Orange iPhone cases, headphones and iPad cases at booth 1731.

▪   Bendon Publishing will showcase Animal Planet color and activity books and flashcards at booth 5717.

▪   H.I.S. Juveniles will display Animal Planet car seats, stroller toys, neck pillows, travel blankets and bath toys at booth 5741.

▪   The Poof Slinky booth will feature MythBusters science activity kits that follow a “trial and error,” hands-on format, allowing kids to “bust” myths related to everything from aviation to air pressure at booth 1977.

▪   MythBusters The Game will be on display at the Wonder Forge booth 2761.

▪   Kids Preferred will be showing the full range of The World of Eric Carle infant developmental toys and plush at booth 2167.

▪   Mudpuppy will feature the full range of World of Eric Carle wooden magnetic sets and puzzles at booth 6305.

▪   University Games will highlight The World of Eric Carle puzzles and games at booth 1661.

▪   The World of Eric Carle Storytime Pal and Book Buddy will be shown by Zoobies at booth 1063.

Top Licensing News at The Consumer Electronics Show

Excited attendees flood into the Central Hall exhibits to see the latest and greatest in technology at the 2013 International CES. Image via CESWeb.org

Last week more than 3,250 exhibitors showed at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  The trade show spanned more than 1.92 million square feet, unveiled over 20,000 new products and had more than 150,000 attendees over four days.

The Joester Loria Group went to check out the action and here are some of the key developments we saw that involve brand licensing:

▪   Monster announced alliances with luggage brand Tumi,  Electronic Arts Games  and Ultimate Fighting Championship

▪   Polaroid made a major statement with new licenses in tablets, cell phones, flashlights and other categories

▪   Motion Systems launched a line of Eddie Bauer mobile accessories and cases

▪   Southern Telecom  introduced the Emerson action camera and will continue to grow Sharper Image into multiple categories from mobile, computer, security, and audio. Additionally they will work with  Polaroid for consumer electronics accessories

▪   Marley (the Bob Marley brand) will introduce a large line of audio speakers, bluetooth audio systems and bags/accessories

▪   Jasco is introducing a line of Tumi accessories called T-Tech by Tumi. The line will include a wireless mouse, keyboards, cell phone accessories, head phone and more

▪   iWave is working with Nicole Miller, Yak Pak and Ruthless on mobile accessories

▪   Griffin is entering into licensing by launching unique Sponge Bob mobile accessories

▪   Qualcomm launched Sesame Street apps with text recognition augmented reality as well as  a Star Trek into Darkness app. Through the use of audio scans, geo-location and image recognition technology, the Star Trek into Darkness app will enable users to actively engage with materials from the film

▪   Impecca launched its new line of Fruit Ninja-branded kids’ mobile accessories

▪   CTA  launched a line of Inflatable iPad accessories in collaboration with Nickelodeon

▪   Vistaquest  launched a line of HP digital cameras and Speedo waterproof MP3 players

▪   US Digital Media launched a line of US Army mobile accessories

▪   Premier Accessory Group  is partnering with AirHeads, Motor Trend, and Energizer for mobile accessories

▪   Maikii will produce USB figurines for Star Wars, Hello Kitty and The Smurfs

▪  Logic3  announced a line of high-end  Ferrari audio accessories

Time to Play Holiday Showcase Highlights Top Toys

Last Friday, The Joester Loria Group exhibited The World of Eric Carle at Time to Play’s annual Holiday Showcase, joining more than 40 top toy brands in presenting our latest offerings to members of the press and top bloggers. Additionally, the Time to Play team revealed their list of the “Most Wanted” toys for the upcoming holiday season and announced the nominees for the 2012 People’s Play Awards, which allows the public vote on their favorite toys.

The Joester Loria Group showcased The World of Eric Carle’s 2012 Holiday toy collection including infant developmental toys from Kids Preferred and puzzles and games from University Games, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar Match and Munch Game, recent recipient of 2 Dr. Toy Awards. The World of Eric Carle’s new products generated great social media buzz with more than 33 tweets and 160,000 impressions the day of the showcase alone!

A number of exhibitors tapped into the growing demand for software and hardware developed to educate and entertain children, featuring kid-targeted tablets. #KinderTown, a terrific resource for parents seeking quality apps was also there to demonstrate their app store. The World of Eric Carle has 2 children’s apps currently available and highly rated by KinderTown, Counting With The Very Hungry Caterpillar and My Very First App, with more to come.

For more information about the event, visit TimeToPlayMag.com.

The World of Eric Carle at Tokyo International Gift Show

Last week the Tokyo International Gift Show, the largest international trade show in Japan, celebrated its 74th year with exhibits spanning personal gifts, consumer goods and decorative accessories. Cosmo Merchandising, The Joester Loria Group’s Japanese sub-agent for The World of Eric Carle showcased the brand and it’s international product collection from over 30 local licensees ranging from apparel, plush, porcelain dinnerware and gifts to stationery, bags and more.

The Tokyo International Gift Show is held semi-annually, each Spring and Autumn at Japan’s state-of-the-art Tokyo International Exhibition Center, known as Tokyo Big Sight. It features 2,400 exhibitors including 400 companies from 20 countries.

Here are some photos from Cosmo Merchandising’s booth:

Animal Planet Debuts New Goliath Rod Series and River Monsters Junior Fishing Line

Fans of Animal Planet’s River Monsters capture the adventure of the networks’ top-rated series with a new collection of River Monsters rods, lures and tools. The new River Monsters fishing adventure gear will be revealed at the ICAST show in Orlando, Florida later this week, and is an expansion to the branded fishing gear that launched last year.

The show follows globe-trotting host Jeremy Wade as he investigates freshwater mysteries and underwater myths, while catching and releasing some of the most bizarre and dangerous underwater creatures on earth. The newly designed products include heavy duty multi-functional tools as well as hand selected lure kits made for extreme fishing.

The line features the special River Monsters GOLIATH rod series, with technology that allows for ultra-flexibilitymaking it possible to handle those monster fish.

River Monsters Junior, a line designed for the youngest fishing anglers, will also debut at ICAST. This line features a spincast rod, a custom camouflage mini-gear bag and a junior net to catch bugs and minnows. This line is geared toward kids ages four to eight.

We look forward to sharing more news about this property soon.

Licensing Expo 2012

Last week was one of the licensing industry’s most important annual events, Licensing Expo 2012. The show was held in Las Vegas, Nevada where professionals ranging from licensors to retailers met to show the latest trends, products, properties and exciting developments.

The Joester Loria Group hosted the first ever licensing summit for The World of Eric Carle, where retailers, publishers, agents and licensees from 4 continents were in attendance. Initiatives for continued global growth include new style guides, retail alliances, and the introduction of museum quality collectibles based on the art of Eric Carle. Plans for the 45th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in 2014 are also underway.

For Annoying Orange, JLG hosted a screening of the first two 11 minute episodes of the new TV series, which airs on Cartoon Network. The screening came as news arrived that the premier episode had won its time slot on Monday, at 8.30 pm and delivered outstanding ratings and an audience of 2.6 viewers. The success of the series has solidified the enormous buzz around the property.

Poppy Cat, currently a top rated pre-school series on Sprout, was also buoyed by good news. The series was selected to air on the NBC kids block on Saturday mornings beginning July 2012. In the UK, Poppy Cat product hits major retailers this holiday season.

Kellogg’s unveiled its revamped licensing program under the management of newly appointed Joester Loria Group at the show. Fueled by great assets including iconic characters, unparalleled brand power, vintage archives, anniversaries such as Pop Tarts 50th in 2014 and flavor profiles for potential food extensions, Kellogg offers exceptional licensing and brand extending opportunities.

The Joester Loria group previewed Dew Tour action sports gear including skateboards for the first time at Licensing Show. Dew Tour, the world’s largest action sports event, will introduce branded sporting goods by Ballard for action sports enthusiasts in 2012 with apparel to follow in 2013.

Pepsi brands licensing for Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sobe, Mountain Dew, and Aquafina continues to grow with new categories, licensees and retail initiatives.

Additionally, the Joester Loria Group highlighted exciting new Discovery Commerce initiatives. For River Monsters, a robust collection of fishing rods & reels and apparel; For Discovery Expedition, luggage by Delsey and a range outdoor gear and for Animal Planet, a growing line of pet product. Animal Planet pet treats and wet grooming round up the fastest growing brand in pet products.

JLG also unveiled exciting licensing plans for Oxford University, the world’s most prestigious educational institution, and presentedthe extraordinary creative assets developed from Oxford’s vast archives.

We enjoyed meeting so many of you at Licensing Expo, and look forward to more trade shows and networking events in the near future.

Here are a few photos from the World Of Eric Carle section of our booth:

Countdown to Licensing Expo

There are only eleven more days until the licensing industry’s biggest annual gathering, Licensing Expo; more than 400 exhibitors, 5000 brands, 600 licensing agents and 90 countries will be represented at the event this year.

Everyone at The Joester Loria Group is looking forward to a very productive show. We will be showcasing our diverse clients and some new opportunities including:

·New clients Kelloggs, The World of Eric Carle, and Oxford University
·The keynote address from Kathy Ireland, supermodel turned licensing industry mogul. The Joester Loria Group is consultant to Moretz Marketing for a number of categories being developed for Kathy Ireland Worldwide under Moretz’s agreement for kiWW.
·The impact of television broadcast reach for Annoying Orange, launching on Cartoon Network in June, and Poppy Cat, part of NBC Saturday Morning Kids Block beginning July.
·The LIMA Awards Ceremony and Opening Night Party.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

For complete details visit the Licensing Expo website.

For more information about The Joester Loria Group’s nominated licensing programs visit: http://joesterloriagroup.com/blog/annual-lima-international-licensing-excellence-awards-nominees-announced/

The Joester Loria Group Brokers Two New Licensing Deals That Expand the Animal Planet Pet Program

The Joester Loria Group brokered license agreements in 2 key pet categories for Animal Planet. Premium Pet Health is the Animal Planet licensee for a line of 100% natural treats and Fantasia Accessories, for a new line of wet grooming product.

Animal Planet pet product provides pet owners the safe, quality product they seek, from a brand they know and trust. Premium Pet Health’s Animal Planet assortment will launch with crunchy and chewy all natural biscuits and jerky, which will be available at a wide range of outlets including pet stores and pet specialty retailers. Fantasia Accessories is developing dog shampoo, conditioner, deodorizing body mist and other wet grooming products that will be sold at pet specialty accounts, mid-tier, department stores, grocery, mass, club and independent specialty stores.

Animal Planet has been connecting animals and consumers for more than 15 years and now has a complete line of products designed to help ensure they live long, healthy and happy lives. Like all other Animal Planet pet product, the sale of these products will support R.O.A.R (Reach Out. Act. Respond), Animal Planet’s national campaign that donates to leading animal welfare and habitat organizations.

Fantasia Accessories and California Costumes unveiled their lines at the 2012 Global Pet Expo. Here are a few photos: