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Squishmallows Logo 2023
Licensing News
Jazwares Expands Squishmallows Consumer Products Program and Grows as a Preeminent Global Lifestyle Brand

Jazwares, one of the world’s fastest-growing toy companies, is squishing in all the fun at this year’s Licensing Expo Las Vegas with its sensational lifestyle property, Squishmallows. As the #1 plush property in the U.S. and second best-selling toy brand overall, the phenomenal popularity of Squishmallows has propelled world-class licensee collaborations across fashion, gaming, and lifestyle categories, adding to its illustrious portfolio of more than 65+ best-in-class licensing partners.

Licensing Expo
Events Licensing News
Licensing Expo Reveals Ignite Brand Pitches Selected Brands

Licensing Expo, the premier event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, is hosting an all-new program, Ignite Brand Pitches at the Licensing Expo event, June 13-15, 2023, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Open to all signed Licensing Expo exhibitors with existing licensing portfolios, Ignite Brand Pitches provides five brand owners the opportunity to pitch new and upcoming brands in front of a live audience at Licensing Expo to provide them with a platform and generate buzz for their newest IP. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 13 from 3:30 – 4:15 pm at the License Global Theater, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. The full lineup of participating brands can be found below. 

Moonbug Radio
Entertainment News
Moonbug Entertainment and SiriusXM to launch Moonbug Radio

SiriusXM has announced the launch of Moonbug Radio, an exclusive new year-round channel in collaboration with Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media and the award-winning global entertainment company behind some of the most popular kids’ content in the world. Moonbug Radio is available starting now, and features hit music from your kids’ favorite shows such as CoComelon, Blippi and many more. The channel is available to subscribers in their cars (channel 307) and on the SXM App.

Bedtime Defenderz Scentco UTA
Licensing News
Scentco Inc Announces Partnership with United Talent Agency (UTA) to Grow ‘Bedtime Defenderz’

Scentco Inc, a renowned U.S. toy designer and distributor, has entered into a strategic partnership with United Talent Agency (UTA) to exclusively represent its hit new franchise, Bedtime Defenderz, for all programming and publication deals. Following the successful launch of the Bedtime Defenderz toy brand last year, Scentco is quickly expanding the property’s halo to include a 12-episode animation series on YouTube that will premiere in Fall 2023, as well as a children’s bedtime book series with audiobook versions. The company has also announced plans for adding licensing partners in bedding, bedtime apparel, home goods, stationery, and accessories to complement the brand’s core assets and make Bedtime Defenderz the must have brand for bedtime routines.

Gabby's Dollhouse Dreamworks
Entertainment News
Universal Products & Experiences Drives Global Expansion Celebrating Key Milestones for DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) is the driving force behind one of the fastest growing brands in the preschool space, celebrating global expansion and major milestones for DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse. Following its retail launch in 2021, UP&E is celebrating an impressive one million dollhouses sold of the award-winning Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse, brought to market by leading global children’s entertainment company Spin Master, master toy licensee for the franchise. Additionally, the playset was named the #1 overall item in the ITPS Supercategory in the U.S. for 2022 (Circana/ Retail Tracking YTD 2022). Gabby’s Dollhouse is resonating with fans worldwide, reporting year-over-year growth and ranking as the #5 Preschool Toys property globally and the #2 Preschool Toys license in the U.S. and Australia (Circana/ Retail Tracking Service YTD Apr’23).

rainbow-high-logo survey
News
Rainbow High Celebrates National Best Friend Day with New Survey Data

In celebration of National Best Friend Day, Rainbow High, the leading fashion doll brand from MGA Entertainment, Inc (MGA), announced the results from a recent survey that explored what qualities both parents and their kids look for when building friendships. These results help kick off the new season of the hit animated series Rainbow High Project Rainbow, available on YouTube Thursday, June 8, which explores the themes of creativity, friendship and being true to who you are. The survey of more than 1,000 moms, and their kid(s) ages four through 10, was conducted by market research agency Dynata on behalf of Rainbow High. The study revealed that the top two characteristics moms hope to see their kids embody are staying true to themselves with friends and self-confidence. Moms are specifically looking to dolls and kids’ content as key ways for young kids to learn these values.

Yoto App APM Player
News
Yoto Unveils Next Generation Yoto Player, Setting New Standards in Kids’ Audio

Yoto, the interactive audio platform for kids and creator of the critically acclaimed and award-winning Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, has announced the launch of Yoto Player (3rd Generation), once again revolutionizing the future of play while seamlessly integrating into families’ daily routines as their children grow. It’s the next generation player for the next generation of play.

TheSoul Publishing
Licensing News
Crayola Global Digital Influence Amplified in Continued Partnership with the TheSoul Publishing

TheSoul Publishing, an award-winning digital content creation studio, and Crayola, the global leader of creative expression products, are thrilled to announce the extension and expansion of their successful partnership. Building on their initial campaign that significantly boosted Crayola’s YouTube channel performance, the decision to expand their ties now includes not only YouTube management but also brings the creative collaboration to platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. The move is geared towards broadening Crayola’s digital reach and influence, ensuring more audiences can engage with the company’s creative content.

Minecraft Licensing Expo
Licensing News
Mojang Studio’s Hit Minecraft Brand Continues Global Growth with New Licensing Partners

From the launch of Minecraft 14 years ago, the Minecraft universe has continued to expand, evolving into a global entertainment powerhouse with new merchandise, media content, in-game events, retail launches and promotional partners. Ahead of Licensing Expo in June 2023 and Minecraft’s 15th Anniversary in 2024, multiple new licensing partners are joining the brand that strives to build a better world through the power of play.