The 7.5-inch commemorative statuettes, produced by Forever Collectibles, feature logos of 30 MLB teams, as well as American League and National League logos. Four other statuettes feature All-Star Game designs. The line is available now at MLB Stadium shops, Walgreens and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as at MLB.com and Disneystore.com. In support of the range, 36 life-sized statues will be placed as landmarks throughout Southern California leading up to the 2010 All-Star Game.
Other MLB Mickey merchandise, including caps, T-shirts, sweatshirts, drinkware, pins, throws and beach towels, will be available in May.

“Baseball and Mickey Mouse really connect families and with the All-Star Game being in our backyard this year, it made perfect sense to combine the magic of Disney with America’s favorite pastime,” says Stephen Teglas, vice president and general manager of fashion and home for North America at Disney Consumer Products. “We look forward to delighting fans of both brands with our unique products and collectibles.”

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The three-year deal sees the production of layettes, blankets, bibs, body suits, tanks, socks, tights, leggings, slipper socks and booties. The line will launch this fall at retail. The deal was brokered by the Joester Loria Group on behalf of Baby Genius.

The latest signings are:
- Walden Surfboards for high-end surfboards (2010, U.S.)
- Lancaster Vintage for high-end and specialty apparel (2010, U.S.)
- Pollard Banknote for scratch-off lottery tickets (early 2010, U.S.)
- C-Life for men’s apparel (early 2010, U.S.)
- Isaac Morris for swimwear and outerwear (early 2010, U.S.)
- Blik for wall coverings and decals (early 2010, U.S.)
- Flapjack Toys for luggage tags and novelty journals (early 2010, U.S.)
- Aquarius for calendars and posters (early 2010, U.S.)
- Grupo Ruz for apparel accessories (early 2010, Mexico)

Atari’s retail partners include Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters, Old Navy, Spencer Gifts, Target, Kohl’s and Walmart.
“Brandgenuity is delighted with the continued success of Atari-licensed products and is thrilled to have new, industry-leading licensees on board to extend the brand,” says Jay Asher, partner at Brandgenuity. “The excitement over additional licensed Atari products shows that after nearly 40 years, Atari remains a pop culture icon in the constantly evolving gaming world.”

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Licensee Adjmi Cynosure Holdings will produce juniors’ sportswear, handbags, belts, scarves, hats, hair accessories and socks and hosiery for the collection. Footwear will roll out in October at the retailer.

“Selena Gomez is a positive role model for teens and her fans all over the world look to her for style inspirations,” says John Goodman, executive vice president of apparel and home fashion at Sears Holdings, Kmart’s parent company. “We are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to emulate her style with affordable apparel and footwear options.”

Gomez is the star of Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.” She is also cast in Twentieth Century Fox’s upcoming film Ramona and Beezus, which hits theaters on July 23. Gomez also recently released her first recording album, “Kiss & Tell,” from Hollywood Records.

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The new partners are VMC for a range of apparel accessories such as hats, gloves and scarves; Toybrokers for a craft product that lets Gogo’s fans make a rubbery pencil topper; Lightbody for celebration cakes; and Titan for a monthly magazine that is due to launch in September.

Gogo’s other licensees include Bacup for footwear, Sambro for stationery, Portico for greetings cards, Pyramid for posters, Roy Lowe and Sons for socks, Infocado for calendars, Zap for bedding, Halsall for wheeled toys, Poetic Gem for apparel, MV Sports and Leisure for plush, Alpa for back-to-school and giftware, Vogue for lunch boxes and bottles, Winning Moves for top trumps and Penguin and Random House for publishing.

The brand is the No. 1 selling toy collectible in the U.K., according to agent Bulldog Licensing.

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Wow! Stuff has been tapped to produce a line of adult gift items for the new season, which premieres this Saturday and features the eleventh doctor, played by Matt Smith. The range for fall 2010 will include clocks, watches, desktop accessories and salt and pepper shakers.

Current licensees will also launch new lines such as master toy partner Character Options (fall/winter 2010), as well as Christy’s for dress-up (summer), Bon Bon for seasonal confectionery, Royal Mint for commemorative medals, Pyramid for posters and Ravensburger for jigsaw puzzles.

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As licensee, Starlight will produce standalone DVD and Blu-ray players, portable DVD players, e-book readers, iPod docking stations and home theater systems under the Polaroid brand.

“We continue to break new ground in introducing simple, fun and real products to existing and new fans of the iconic Polaroid brand,” says Scott W. Hardy, president of PLR. “We’re impressed with Starlight’s innovative product mix and research and development team who share our vision to expand into more digital product categories that embody the spirit of Polaroid.”
Starlight Marketing Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starlight International Holdings.

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Rocket Hero has already secured more than 15 licensing deals, including Nike, Revell, Acme, Fathead, Jem Sportswear and Bioworld. An iPhone app is also in the works.

Aldrin is currently appearing as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

The Licensing International Expo will be held June 8 to 10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Aldrin will be at the Rocket Hero booth on the first day of the show.

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The lottery tickets will be available this fall and will also include other Mars’ brands such as Skittles, Starburst, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way and Twix.

“Branded lottery tickets are an exciting, new licensing opportunity for Mars,” says John Capizzi, general manager of licensing for Mars Retail Group. “Alchemy3 has a successful track record developing solutions to increase brand awareness and sales by matching popular lottery games with major consumer brands. This new partnership will offer consumers fun and innovative lottery games showcasing our iconic Mars confection brands.”

Alchemy3’s other licenses include The Grammy’s, CBS Consumer Products, Bass Pro Shops, Six Flags, Twentieth Century Fox and Royal Caribbean.

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Luxottica will produce the sunglasses under an accessories label, called MDG. The range, which will retail from $248 to $289, will be available in May at Dolce & Gabbana stores worldwide, as well as at the Sunglass Hut chain and select opticians.
“MDG shows the diversity and range of brands and opportunities under MG Icon umbrella,” says Neil Cole, chief executive officer and chairman of Iconix Brand Group. “We look forward to the growth potential of this collection which aligns designing duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s expertise with Madonna’s vision.”

This is the first co-branded partnership for Dolce & Gabbana.

Last week, MG Icon secured a direct-to-retail license deal with Macy’s for a Material Girl juniors’ collection.

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Isaac Larian, the toy maker’s chief executive officer, had contemplated an IPO a few years ago, but plans were nixed because of the toy maker’s court battle with Mattel over the Bratz dolls, according to Bloomberg.

In other MGA news this week, Giochi Preziosi has signed on to distribute the Moxie Girlz doll line in Italy, France, Greece and Turkey.
Also, Terri Maccarrone was appointed to lead the company’s specialty toy division, which will offer a wide assortment of toys and gifts from its Little Tikes, Moxie Girlz, Zapf, Rescue Pets and others.

In February, MGA announced plans for a 10th anniversary Bratz dolls edition to roll out in August. The new line comes while both MGA and Mattel await a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the 2008 decision by a federal jury to grant Mattel control of the doll line and $100 million in damages.

Earlier this year, MGA Entertainment launched two new fashion doll lines—Moxie Girlz and BFC, Ink. Both brands are supported by an expansive licensing program, including apparel, cosmetics, home décor and gift items.

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The line, which will be branded under the Ecko Unltd., Eckored and Marc Ecko Cut & Sew labels, will include sheets, duvets, shams, bedding accessories, bath accessories, bath towels and rugs. It will be sold at high-end department stores and specialty retailers.

“We are excited about the opportunity to produce what today’s young consumers desire most—products that are trend-defining, thought-provoking and engaging,” says Joan Karron, executive vice president of CHF Industries. “The collection will include details that are synonymous with the brand, including collegiate tailoring with bold graphics, striking embellishments and a serious youthful edge.”

Iconix Brand Group owns a 51 percent controlling interest in the Ecko intellectual property.

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The deal will see products featuring CN’s Adult Swim series “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Robot Chicken,” “Metalocalypse,” “The Venture Bros.,” “Freaknik,” “Squidbillies” and “The Drinky Crow Show.”

“This licensing deal with Cartoon Network represents a lot of ‘firsts’ for MusicSkins—our first network TV deal, our first animation artwork licensing and our first foray into a new market sector, the adult television-viewing audience,” says Jed Seifert, MusicSkins’ executive vice president. “Adult Swim already has a dedicated fan base in the 18 to 34 age bracket. We’ll be offering the first—and only—skins that feature the cool characters and scenes from all of their favorite programs.”

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A number of new international product deals have been signed by NVCP.

In the U.K., NVCP has added Lightbody Celebration Cakes for live-action series “iCarly.” Following an initial launch at ASDA, the cakes are now hitting major U.K. supermarkets. Themed lunchware from DNC is also arriving at ASDA, followed by other retailers this spring.

Other deals include Compagnie Européenne des Parfums for Dora the Explorer bath products, including shower gel and shampoo in France (now through end of 2011); and Tex-Ass for SpongeBob SquarePants boxer shorts in Austria, Germany and Switzerland (July).

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The cookware collection, retailing from $19.99 to $34.99, features a cast-iron comal and reversible skillet, an aluminum paella pan, an 8-quart stock pot and 3.4-quart and 5.5-quart calderos.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ingrid on a line of cookware that captures her youthful attitude and colorful personality,” says Greg Cairo, division president, Groupe SEB USA, parent company of T-fal. “The Simply Delicioso collection brings Ingrid’s Latin passion for food and entertaining to a broader audience eager to introduce new flavor to their kitchens.”

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The latest partners include:

• Cra-Z-Art for art kits, including paint-by-number, pencil-by-number, fuzzy posters, craft kits, paints, pencils and a full line of art supplies (specialty and mass retailers)
• The Mountain for T-shirts, tank tops and dresses (specialty, mid-tier, department stores and mass)
• Saturday Knight Limited for home décor panels, curtains and bath towels, rugs and accessories (mid-tier, department stores and mass)
• KNG America for accent light boxes, lamps, home décor items and lenticular back-lit wall art (large retailers and specialty stores)
• Joanna Sheen for international distribution of CDs for paper crafts, scrapbooking and card making, featuring Thomas Kinkade images (online, TV infomercials, specialty and craft stores)
• International Greetings for paper and stationery products for fundraising activities (fundraising channels)
• Icon Shoes for shoes, handbags and small leather goods (mid-tier and department stores)
• Sherwood Brands for seasonal gift sets, baskets and containers (specialty, mid-tier, department stores and mass)

The new products are expected to be available this summer for some of the licensees. Others will be in stores by holiday 2010, as well as some later launches in 2011.

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Product partners include:

• Victoria Classics for coverlets, comforters, bed spreads, duvets, sheets, shams, toss pillows, drapes and curtains, window panels, and sheers and valances
• Natura World for natural, antimicrobial and sustainable comforters, mattress toppers, mattress pads and pillows
• Ginsey Home Solutions for select bath accessories, including toilet seats and versatile mats for use in the bathroom and throughout the home

“By providing consumers with smart solutions backed by education and design inspiration, HGTV Home products will help deepen the loyal relationship HGTV has with its viewers,” says Ron Feinbaum, executive vice president of business development for Scripps Networks. “These strategic partnerships will help drive future growth for the HGTV brand in the home and garden space.”

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The line will include branded sheets, duvets, shams, bedding and bath accessories, bath towels and rugs. The items will be available this fall at high-end department stores and specialty home retailers.

“We are excited about the opportunity to offer Kate Spade New York’s distinctive appeal to a broad range of consumers shopping for their homes,” says Joan Karron, executive vice president of CHF Industries. “The collection will include details that are synonymous with the brand, including fresh color, charming prints, classic fabrics and signature trims.”

CHF Industries’ other licenses include Donna Karan Home Collection, DKNY, Roxy, Quiksilver, Dockers, Daisy Fuentes and Umbra.

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In the U.S., toy manufacturer Flapjacks will produce luggage tags, flip journals and vinyl figures. Paper Magic Group, an affiliate of CSS Industries, is poised to launch stickers, seasonal gift-wrap and Valentine’s themed products.

Ouchies has produced Mr Men and Little Miss bandages, available online and in stores across North America, with Giant Tree House introducing a range of sidewalk chalk sets, garden sets, garden tools, window sill gardens, garden ornaments and picnic sets.

HYP Hats is developing a line of hosiery, flip-flops, socks and slippers, with Crocs launching an exclusive line of Mr Men and Little Miss Jibbitz shoe charms for its distinctive shoe range.

In addition to its recent partnership with Scrollmotion to bring Mr Men and Little Miss books to Apple Stores as downloadable digital books with animated interactive content, Chorion has also secured a range of customized gel skins for electronics from Gelaskins. The brand will also now benefit from themed cookies from Color-A-Cookie, available at retailers 7-Eleven, Cost Plus and A&P Supermarkets.

Meanwhile in Latin American, Chorion has appointed United Labels to develop a customized range of flip-flops and watches for the Paris S.A department store chain in Chile. Chorion’s Latin American agent Exim Licensing Group has signed apparel licensees, including Styleprint in Peru for kids’ pajamas and the Paris S.A department store chain in Chile for apparel, plush, slippers and toothbrushes. Exim has also secured deals in Mexico with Esport Mundial for lollipop and gummy candies; Photopack to produce backpacks, rolling messenger bags, pencil cases and caps; and Industrias Confeti for T-shirts.

Finally, in a promotion with Pollo Campero Restaurants across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, each week two Mr Men and Little Miss figurines will be given away in the kids’ meal. A total of eight different collectible figurines will be featured in the promotion.

“Current deals in key categories made with high-quality licensees create an ideal base to deliver good results, develop the brand across Latin America and generate more exposure for Mr Men and Little Miss,” says Diego Barassi, senior vice president of regional marketing at Exim Licensing. “Our next step is to establish the brand by closing deals in additional categories, as well as try to develop new targets for the property.”

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No further details have been announced regarding the multi-year deal.

“Laila Ali is a powerful and marketable franchise,” says Jay Kester, executive vice president of marketing for Cherokee. “This is only the first step in our global consumer products strategy for the Laila Ali brand. We are currently in discussions for the development and distribution of additional merchandise categories, including nutrition, health and wellness, sporting goods and apparel to complement beauty and personal care.”

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The assortment will include 3-and-a-quarter-inch figures of The A-Team and villains, 12-inch B.A. Baracus and Hannibal Smith collector figures with voice chips and the classic A-Team van. The toys will hit retail this summer, coinciding with The A-Team’s release on June 11. The film stars Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper and others.

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The Paul Frank fashion line will hit retail soon in Central America, the Caribbean Islands, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru. With the addition of the new Venezuela-based Paul Frank retail shop, the company now has 35 locations worldwide, including New York and Hong Kong.

“A long-time distributor for Paul Frank, Grupo Canaima has a great understanding of our brand and is the perfect partner to introduce new products and retail stores into the Latin American region,” says Ryan Heuser, co-founder and president of Paul Frank Industries. “We are a unique signature design company that will resonate with fans all over the world. We are excited to continue the expansion of our Paul Frank stores into new markets and are thrilled to have a partner who will offer such a comprehensive range of our products.”

Paul Frank Industries is represented by the Gator Group.

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The latest signings include:

• Cie Studios for American Honda Motor online racing games
• Maisto International for American Honda Motor die-cast replicas and model kits
• HJC America for a variety of American Honda Motor safety helmets
• Evigna for American Honda Motor-branded corporate promotional program
• Storm City Entertainment for American Honda Motor interactive games (Nintendo DS and DSi, Wii, Playstation 3, PSP, PSN, Xbox Live Arcade and PC)
• Blaze Products for Duraflame chafing fuels and chafing fuel kits
• CarVin Pool for Jacuzzi pool equipment, including pumps, filters, below-ground pool lights, skimmers, drains, liners, fittings and white goods
• CPA Pool Products for Jacuzzi pool care accessories, including telescopic poles, vacuum hoses, backwash hoses, leaf rakes, wall brushes, chlorinators, thermometers, wireless thermometers, water test kits, maintenance kits, pressure gauges, outdoor timers, solar blanket rollers, stainless steel ladders, automatic pool cleaners, pool liners and electric heat pumps

Global Icons also represents Acura, Benningan’s, Captain Morgan, Cold Stone Creamery, Tonino Lamborghini, Sunbeam and others.

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The new agreements include:

• NAS International for Donnay-branded golf and tennis equipment and apparel, accessories and umbrellas (U.S., Canada, Japan and Korea)
• HD Brown for Dunlop-branded golf and tennis equipment and accessories, as well as Carlton-branded badminton equipment and accessories (Canada)
• Rila Brand Comercio/SBF Comercio for Dunlop-branded footwear and swimming and diving apparel, as well as non-exclusive rights to bicycles (Brazil)
• No Mas for Everlast- and Lonsdale-branded men’s activewear apparel, headwear and bags (U.S.)
• Promofest Cia for Everlast-branded underwear, headwear and socks (Ecuador)
• Distribuidora Action Sports for No Fear-branded apparel, headwear and footwear (Chile and Peru)
• Active Brands for No Fear-branded men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, headwear, socks, bags, wallets, key chains, mixed martial arts apparel, stationery, energy bars, eyewear and helmets for skating and cycling (Brazil)
• G.B.C. for Slazenger-branded footwear, including fashion shoes, canvas shoes, sandals and sport shoes (Chile)
• Morel for Slazenger-branded backpacks, duffle bags, messenger bags, totes, travel bags and luggage (Brazil)
• Worldwide Exports Management for Dunlop-branded tennis, golf, squash and badminton equipment (Latin America)

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