King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, announced expansion into the new territories Benelux, India and the Middle East, for its iconic comic characters, Popeye and Olive Oyl. Building upon its already successful global licensing program, brand owner, King Features, has signed new agents to support growth in the territories, including J&M Brands (Benelux), Wildbrain CPLG (Middle East), and Black White & Orange (India).

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, and 9 Story Brands, the worldwide licensing agent for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, are again expanding the ”Neighborhood” for the beloved hit animated series with 16 new and existing licensing partners. The upcoming product offerings will span multiple categories, from apparel to books, sporting goods to food and beverages, and more. In addition to signing exciting new deals, Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story have finalized contract renewals with master publishing partner Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing as well as current licensees Cottage Door Press (sound books), Happy Threads (apparel), Komar (pajamas), Playmonster (Colorforms), and University Games (games).

Celebrating 25 years of innovative play, leading toy and licensing powerhouse Jazwares brings a new level of fun to Licensing Expo Las Vegas 2022 with its wildly successful Squishmallows plush brand. The monumental growth of Squishmallows has fueled exciting new cross-category collaborations across beauty, games, apparel, home decor, and more, adding to the brand’s robust portfolio of best-in-class licensing partners.

JumpStart, the parent company of Neopets, is launching their first Neopets cookbook inspired by the Neopian world. Neopets has partnered with Publisher Andrews McMeel to extend the magic of the nostalgic online game to kitchens around the world. Set to launch in Spring of 2023, the first Neopets cookbook will be available for purchase wherever books are sold worldwide.

The award-winning, global digital studio, TheSoul Publishing announces partnership with Retail Monster, the leading global brand extension company, to develop licensing and retail programs around its flagship franchise, 5-Minute Crafts.

9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment are pleased to announce the accelerated growth of their licensing program for the hit animated property Karma’s World. The exciting roster of new deals was secured by 9 Story Brands, 9 Story’s dedicated consumer products and brand management division. Kids and families across North America will soon be able to experience Karma’s World on new product extensions, including watches, backpacks, footwear, drinkware and more.