License Magazine - August 2007 - (Page 20) bizbriefs SHORT NEWS Apparel Cartoon Network Enterprises signed its first direct-to-retail licensing agreement with U.S. retailer Steve & Barry’s to more aggressively launch and market its Adult Swim apparel lines. As part of the deal, the retailer will sell T-shirts for men, women, and youth inspired by “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and “Space Ghost Coast to Coast” for holiday 2007. Paramount Expands with Mideast Deal Paramount Pictures will raise its profile in international markets with a branded theme park in the United Arab Emirates as part of a deal between Paramount Licensing Inc. and Ruwaad Holdings. The planned development would be part of a $2.5 billion destination with boutique hotels and resorts, large themed retail areas, and adjoining lifestyle properties. The Paramount Picturesbranded theme park would be the entertainment hub of the family destination, featuring rides, shows, and attractions and be the first in the world to have a unique blend of Hollywood, Bollywood, and Arabian motion picture entertainment content to address the family entertainment needs of existing and future global tourism trends. Under the licensing deal, International Destination Brands Ltd., an affiliate of Ruwaad Holdings, will be responsible for funding development and securing a feasible site for the project. Paramount Licensing will not invest funds, but instead provide access to Paramount Pictures’ intellectual property library and its intellectual capital through the oversight of planning and design aspects. Additionally, the pair is exploring other development opportunities in select countries within the Middle East and elsewhere. — Dawn Wilensky Art Franky & Minx added two new licensees in a deal brokered by CopCorp Licensing. Accessory Network has been granted the rights to make stationery and novelty items while Hosiery Network has landed the rights to manufacture hosiery, slippers, slipper socks, and flip flops. UK design agency Bang on the Door, with more than 600 characters through its Groovy Chicks, Fairy Girl, and Football Crazy brands, has taken on McLaggan Smith Mugs as a new licensee.The new range will feature characters including Teacher, Superhero, and Friends and is aimed at children and adults. Back to the Cabbage Patch Cabbage Patch Kids hits the quarter-century mark next year with a major anniversary celebration planned by 4Kids Entertainment, property owner Original Appalachian Artworks Inc., and master toy licensee Play Along. The party gets started this month when the Cabbage Patch Kids star in a new GEICO television spot. Toys ‘R’ Us builds out the program with a boutique featuring Play Along’s new Cabbage Patch Kids Lil’ Sprouts 5-inch dolls next month, while QVC features a collectors’ program offering limitededition, 25th anniversary Celebration dolls from Play Along for holiday 2007. The initiative continues next spring with Cabbage Patch cakes and other merchandise from Celebration Brands under the Carvel Ice Cream brand. Toys from Play Along will also carry Carvel coupons. The anniversary celebration culminates in late 2008 with a series of videos and books from Brandissimo. — DW Brands Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising is building a consumer products program around its FOX Sports logo.The program will target, but will not be limited to, apparel and accessories, toys/collectibles/games, tailgate/housewares, consumer electronics, automotive aftermarket, nutrition and sports beverages, sporting goods, and exercise equipment. Entertainment VIZ Media LLC secured the TV, home video and non-video game merchandising rights for the Americas, Europe, and Oceania to Blue Dragon from a consortium including TV TOKYO Corp. and Shueisha Inc.The game will be released in North America and Europe this month. 20 www.licensemag.com August 2007 http://www.licensemag.com
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