Including TRAP breaking up a £470,000 global counterfeit apparel operation.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Trademark and Rights Holders Against Piracy (TRAP) has confirmed that a major operation illegally making and selling trademarked clothing via eBay and Amazon has been broken up. Apparel using imagery and logos of major names such as Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones and Nirvana generated global counterfeit sales of over £470,000 for the Yorkshire-based gang over a five-year period. The victory for TRAP followed a two-year investigation by brand protection company, Surelock Global Investigations & Security Consultants.
Bulldog Licensing has added a brace of new deals for the London Electric Vehicle Company, manufacturer of the famous Black Cab. Portfolio Group has signed for stationery and gifting, while Meller Designs will be launching cufflinks.
CPLG has been appointed as the master licensee for the Middle East and North Africa for FC Barcelona. In addition, the agency has expanded its team in the MENA region, welcoming new licensing manager Roberto Pallottini.
Poetic Brands has secured a deal with British Motor Heritage to produce a range of products based on its four iconic UK motoring brands – Rover, Austin, Austin-Healey and MG. The licensee will be using imagery from all four brands to create an eye catching range of apparel for adults.
The Koin Club is the latest licensee to join the fast growing Swizzels programme. The company will create a range of collectable Love Hearts medals, aptly named Love Hearts to Keep. The range – including medals in gift bags and gift cards – will launch in July. The deal was brokered by Blonde Sheep Licensing.
Digital cooking network, Chefclub has appointed Marie-Laure Marchand to the newly created role of senior vp global consumer products and business development. Marie-Laure joins the company from Xilam Animation where she was in charge of global consumer products.
Hamsta World has teamed with Hofman’s on a global partnership for healthy snacks. The branded treats can be found on the shelves of Dutch supermarket giant Jumbo and health specialist Vitaminstore.
E-commerce apparel brand Shinesty has secured a deal with Anheuser-Busch to produce a line of licensed Bud Light clothing. Launching this summer, the collection will include silk kimono robes, Pajameralls (overalls made with sweatpants fabric), short suits, Hawaiian jumpsuits, swimsuits, bikinis, swim trucks, board shorts, hats and socks.
The emoji company has launched a new fashion bag collaboration with Gorétt. The range is available in Mexico and includes backpacks, crossed body bags and wallets.
Fatafeat – the leading Arabic food network in the Middle east – has launched an exclusive cookware range for Ramadan and Eid, in collaboration with Lulu Hypermarkets. Available in stores across the region, the range includes cookware, kitchen tools and dinnerware in Arabic Rounds and Intricate Persians designs.
Fashion and licensed accessory company, Concept One Accessories has acquired Danielle Nicole, the handbag and accessory brand known for its kitschy collaborations. The brand will operate as a separate division of Concept One, with founder and designer Danielle DiFerdinando remaining at the helm.
APC Kids has appointed License Connection as the licensing agent for Kid-E-Cats in the Benelux region. Target categories will include publishing, apparel, games and puzzles, stationery, bags and homewares.
NBCUniversal International Studios and Mystery Escape Room are to open the first officially licensed escape room experience in the world based on Downton Abbey. The site is due to open in Salt Lake City this summer.
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