United Airlines has named Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch as its first Chief Trash Officer as he and the airline celebrate his love of rubbish. United Airlines’ new, consumer education campaign is designed to promote the expected benefit of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) more broadly. The new campaign – which features Oscar in more than 30 pieces of original video, digital, social and out-of-home content – follows the iconic character’s journey from job listing to c-suite office starring alongside real United employees. SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. SAF is being made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and, in the future, could be made from other feedstocks including household trash or forest waste. To date, United has invested in the future production of over three billion gallons of SAF – the most of any airline in the world. 

IMG has been announced as the exclusive publishing agent for the popular mobile game franchise Angry Birds, expanding its existing global licensing representation agreement with the brand’s parent company Rovio Entertainment. This is the first time the Angry Birds brand’s consumer products and location-based entertainment licensing and publishing rights will be consolidated under one global agency. IMG will look to expand the franchise’s current publishing programme, which includes regional deals with Penguin Children’s Puffin and Nordic publishing house Storytel, with new global and regional deals for books, comic books, audiobooks and activity books featuring the brand’s beloved characters.

 BIP, the global IP licensing marketplace, has announced the launch of its innovative web-based marketplace, with Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, and Metaverse gaming sensations Brookhaven, Jailbreak, and more have signed on to utilize BIP’s newly-formed global IP licensing marketplace. The BIP online ecosystem bridges the gap between licensors and licensees worldwide allowing for greater connectivity within the licensing industry with a deep focus on transparency. The BIP licensing hub features several tools aiding in the deal making process, including real-time tracking enabling all users to easily track deal memo progress, virtual chat room communication, and post-deal management services. Co-Founded by Ari Zebersky, BIP serves as an expansive centralized hub streamlining the licensing marketplace providing brands opportunities to field potential collaborations, expand territory, and provide a wider range of product categories.