San Diego Comic Convention appoints IMG as first-ever licensing agency

San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC), organisers of the annual Comic-Con event, the iconic brand known for celebrating all things comics and related aspects of popular arts and culture, has announced that it has appointed global licensing leader IMG as its first ever exclusive licensing representative. Through this affiliation, IMG will work in partnership with SDCC to extend the reach of the non-profit’s mission of promoting comics and related popular art forms and engaging with their respective fan communities.

Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at IMG, says: “Over 50 years ago, the Comic-Con founders simply wanted to draw attention and recognition to the comics and other art forms they loved. In doing so, they discovered a shared interest in this and related Sci-Fi, fantasy, and genre content wider than they could have possibly imagined. Today, that comic culture is mainstream entertainment culture thanks in large part to Comic-Con’s championing of this art form and its brilliant creators, and Comic-Con is the leading curator brand and guide in this space, allowing it to secure consumer attention and deliver consumer value in more ways.”

While originally focused primarily on comic books, film, and science fiction, Comic-Con has since come to encompass and celebrate related art and fantasy content, as well as anime, interactive multimedia, costuming and so much more in all its formats, with an ever-increasing menu of forums, screenings, exhibits, and workshops at the San Diego Convention Center. More than 135,000 people attend its annual convention, along with countless thousands who trek to San Diego each summer to take part in the many outside activations and activities.

IMG will be working with SDCC to identify partners who can develop products, retail destinations and experiences for the millions of fans not able to partake in the annual Comic-Con convention experience.

David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer for SDCC, says: “We began talking to IMG around six months ago and in the course of those discussions, it hit home to us that we could use our expertise to serve the ever-growing fan community in more ways, places and times than ever before. In 2021, we embarked on the new Comic-Con Museum and now, with IMG’s expertise working with specialist partners to deliver authentic brand experiences, we can pursue an exciting new phase for the Comic-Con brand.” 

Ricardo Yoselevitz, Senior Vice President of Licensing, IMG, adds: “Through its annual conventions, it’s clear that Comic-Con has become a powerful consumer brand without even trying. We are honoured to now be working with them to identify products and destinations that create new ways and avenues to engage this passionate community, while further reinforcing Comic-Con’s position as the leading curator of this form of popular art and culture.”

Comic-Con returns this year to the San Diego Convention Center July 21 – 24.

Unlimited Footwear Group and Gap announce licensing agreement

Unlimited Footwear Group (UFG) has announced a strategic licensing partnership with Gap Inc. to design, produce, and distribute Gap branded footwear throughout the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Scandinavia, in a deal brokered by IMG.

The upcoming footwear collections will reflect Gap’s values of producing elevated, well-made and responsibly produced products through iconic casual styles that are clean, confident and accessible. The first Gap footwear collection by UFG for men, women and kids is scheduled to launch in spring/summer 2023.

“We are thrilled to add Gap to our licensing portfolio and we look forward to working closely with the Gap team on many footwear collections to come. We are committed to leveraging our 30-plus years of experience in the footwear industry to continue to grow the Gap brand awareness and international reach,” says Bart van Helvoirt, CEO Unlimited Footwear Group.

“Partnering with licensees such as Unlimited Footwear Group gives us the opportunity to amplify our strong, globally relevant brand and extend its reach to customers around the world,” says Adrienne Gernand, Managing Director of International, Global Licensing and Wholesale at Gap Inc. “Through these licensing partnerships, we are able to grow our non-apparel categories and establish Gap as a lifestyle brand that delivers style for all stages in our customers’ lives.”

In partnership with Gap, UFG’s The Heritage Footwear Company division in Utrecht, part of Unlimited Footwear Group, will manage the Gap Footwear collections. The Heritage Footwear Company plans to launch two collections a year at a mid-price level and will distribute through its international sales network of both multi-brand fashion and sports retail and through wholesale and various online platforms.

UFG’s dedicated Gap team will operate from Utrecht, the Netherlands, through UFG´s The Heritage Footwear Company division.

 

Rovio teams with SONIC Drive-In for Angry Birds promotion

Rovio Entertainment has teamed up again with SONIC Drive-In, the quick-service restaurant chain owned by Inspire Brands, to bring Angry Birds toys to its Wacky Pack kids meals, in a deal brokered by IMG.

The partnership is part of a consumer products programme celebrating the popular entertainment franchise’s first long-format series, Angry Birds: Summer Madness.

From March 28 to May 1, 2022, Sonic guests can collect eight different Angry Birds toys in their Wacky Pack kid’s meals. Available across the more than 3,500 SONIC Drive-In locations in the US, the toys all have unique features such as whistling, wobbling and face-changing effects.

We are so excited to be partnering up once again with SONIC Drive-In, this time in celebration of Angry Birds: Summer Madness. The new range of collectable premiums brings all the fun and humour of our latest series to life in a new way,” says Katri Chacona, Director of Brand Licensing at Rovio Entertainment.

Angry Birds: Summer Madness sees sparks and feathers fly when a teenage Red, Chuck, Bomb and Stella spend a wild summer together with other Angry Birds at Camp Splinterwood.

 

Tetris readies for 40th anniversary with merchandising agent network update

The Tetris Company has announced changes to its global network of merchandise licensing agents for the world-famous Tetris brand, including new agent signings and renewals. These changes come as the company heads towards the iconic video game brand’s 40th anniversary in 2024.

“We’re always looking to bring new partners on board who will help grow the Tetris brand with fresh products and experiences that are innovative, fun and meaningful for our global fan base,” says Megan Buettner, head of consumer products at Tetris. “With the 40th anniversary of Tetris on the horizon, we look forward to working with all our new and existing network of licensing agents to make it the most memorable celebration yet.”

Updates to the Tetris brand’s merchandise licensing agent network include:

  • The Tetris Company has extended its agency agreement with Lisle Licensing for UK, Ireland and Channel Islands, managed by Francesca Lisle.
  • Brand Fresh Management, led by Janice Ross, will continue to manage licensing agreements for the United States and Canada.
  • IMG will continue to manage APAC (Asia-Pacific region), under the guidance of Miki Yamamoto, in addition to Brazil with support from Glenn Migliaccio.
  • CPLG, led by John Taylor, will now represent the Tetris brand in France, Italy and India. In addition, CPLG’s representation will continue in Iberia, CEE (Central Eastern Europe), CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States, including Russia), Benelux, Greece, Turkey, MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and the Nordics (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway).
  • The Tetris Company has signed Studio 100 to the agency roster for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, under the guidance of Joachim Knödler.
  • KOPA Licensing, with the support of Carlos Carvajal, will expand coverage for the brand in Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

Current representation for the Tetris brand also includes WP Brands in New Zealand and Australia, managed by Lim Mi-Kyoung, and Born Licensing for global promotions and advertising under David Born.

Billions of Tetris games are played online every year, and over 590 million Tetris mobile games have been downloaded to date. The Tetris brand’s global licensee network includes major video game publishers, including Nintendo and Sega, as well as many partners in electronics, toys, apparel, lifestyle goods, entertainment and more. For the latest information about the Tetris brand and Tetris products, visit www.tetris.com.

Bugatti partners with Bytech for first electric scooter

Luxury sports car marque Bugatti has joined forces with Bytech to launch its first electric scooter, in a deal brokered by IMG. The new state-of-the-art model was revealed at the CES 2022 expo, attended by prominent technology companies from around the world.

Available in blue, black and silver, the electric scooter includes a 700w maximum motor power, nine-inch run-flat tires, three speeds with cruise control, and a 36v/10ah battery. The scooter is constructed with a magnesium alloy frame.

Eli Mizrahi, Business Development Executive at Bytech, says: “We are excited to partner with such an amazing brand that represents luxury, elegance and top quality in a growing industry yearning for enhanced design and improved performance. Focusing on rider safety, we have also incorporated the evolving needs of the consumer through innovative technologies.”

Randy Klein, Vice President of Licensing, IMG, adds: “This collaboration between Bugatti and Bytech further establishes Bugatti as an iconic 360° luxury and lifestyle brand. We are really excited to see the launch of this electric scooter and we have no doubt it will be very popular.”

Recognising safety as a first and foremost concern, the Bugatti electric scooter is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to ensure driver protection. For those purposes, the electric scooter features unique lighting functions. Its dual-turn signals are located on the ergonomic handle grips, as well as above the rear mudguard. Additionally, there are illuminated base lights on the sides of the deck, and a back “EB” monogram projection logo. It has a dual-braking system, a front left hand break lever and rear E-ABS electronic brake for added security and comfort.

The scooter is available in the US, Canada and Mexico.

France Rugby names New Era as its official headwear licensee

France Rugby has announced lifestyle and sports headwear company New Era as its official headwear licensee, in a multi-year deal brokered by IMG.

The first collection kicking off the partnership features France Rugby’s iconic blue, white and red logo across five pieces of merchandise. The new line includes the 9FORTY Adjustable, 9FIFTY Snapback and Trucker styles, as well as two beanie models – the Jake Beanie and the Engineered Cuff Beanie.

The 2022/23 collection is available now at Neweracap.eu and Boutique.ffr.fr.

Further styles will launch later in the year.

France Rugby names New Era as its official headwear licensee

France Rugby has announced lifestyle and sports headwear company New Era as its official headwear licensee, in a multi-year deal brokered by IMG.

The first collection kicking off the partnership features France Rugby’s iconic blue, white and red logo across five pieces of merchandise. The new line includes the 9FORTY Adjustable, 9FIFTY Snapback and Trucker styles, as well as two beanie models – the Jake Beanie and the Engineered Cuff Beanie.

The 2022/23 collection is available now at Neweracap.eu and Boutique.ffr.fr.

Further styles will launch later in the year.

Hunter teams with TV’s Killing Eve for capsule collection

Launching in February 2022, Hunter is introducing a new capsule collection in collaboration with BBC AMERICA’s and Sid Gentle Films’ BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning television series Killing Eve, in a partnership facilitated by IMG.

The limited-edition capsule is inspired by the spirit of the show and its iconic style moments, and features two new designs for the brand. The Hunting is a mid-calf style boot available in Black and Olive and The Chasing is a knee-high style, available in Black, Olive and Camel colourways.

According to Hunter, the new designs aim to marry style with functionality and have been crafted to embrace the outdoors and exploration of the unknown – “reinterpreting the tough, daring and bold themes of the show to create something that could be worn in its cinematic world”.

Protection, innovation and intricate details are at the heart of the capsule, with each design made from waterproof Stetson leather, light natural rubber and recycled ballistic nylon with a recycled vegan shearling lining. The shorter Hunting Boot has a leather foot with a nylon upper and features a removable ankle strap and pouch, perfectly sized for essential items. Both styles are finished with Hunter’s new chunky high-grip sole made from FSC-certified rubber.

The collection will launch exclusively with SSENSE and globally on Hunterboots.com in early February before being available with selected stores including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, and Liberty.

Paolo Porta, Chief Executive Officer, Hunter Boots, says: “We are incredibly excited to be collaborating with the cultural phenomenon that is Killing Eve, marrying our utilitarian heritage with the award-winning television series renowned for its empowered fashion moments. These innovative boots, incorporating recycled materials, strongly express the fusion of function and style, for which all Hunter iconic products are known.”

 

Vilebrequin appoints IMG for product and brand collaborations

Vilebrequin, the French luxury brand specialising in swimwear, has appointed IMG to extend its brand globally through product and brand licensing partnerships, in a multi-year global deal.

Vilebrequin, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, will work with IMG to creatively extend the brand into wider lifestyle categories consistent with the brand’s cultivation of a sun-kissed “joie de vivre” spirit. Categories targeted include sunglasses, headwear, footwear, jewellery, resort and beach furniture and sun-care, featuring the brand’s distinctive fabric patterns and St. Tropez-rooted European flair.

Roland Herlory, Vilebrequin CEO, commented: “We are pleased to partner with IMG to help us identify the best product and brand collaborations for Vilebrequin. We plan to extend our ‘art of living at the beach’ philosophy to new categories, which will expand the reach and grow our brand. In doing so, we will bring luxury holiday wear to the next level, while always staying true to our St. Tropez heritage, without making any compromises on quality, comfort and style.”

Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at IMG, added: “Vilebrequin has mastered the art of creating swimsuits that are not only instantly identifiable, but also evoke a free-spirited mindset inspired by the sun, sand and sea that nourishes the imagination. Its French Riviera heritage and bright colours are married to a lifestyle of freedom and relaxation that is equal parts glamorous and aspirational. This uniquely rich brand heritage will enable us to bring to life new products consistent with the brand’s DNA.”

Founded in 1971, Vilebrequin was created in Saint Tropez by Fred Prysquel, a photographer and sports automobile journalist and Yvette, a fashion designer. Currently, Vilebrequin’s swim collections are developed from 50% recycled or recyclable materials and are expected to expand to approximately 80% by 2023. Additionally, Vilebrequin’s packaging is sourced from sustainably managed forests, contain 40% recycled materials and are fully biodegradable.

For more information on licensing opportunities, visit www.imglicensing.com.

Poetic Brands signs deal with Walkers for adult apparel

Apparel specialist Poetic Brands has partnered with Walkers to launch a range of adult clothing in the UK and Ireland, through a deal brokered by Walkers’ licensing agency IMG.

The new collection will include sweatshirts, T-shirts, joggers, shorts and more, all taking inspiration from the iconic brand which originated in 1948 and quickly became the most popular crisp brand in the UK.

Utilising the instantly recognisable branding and graphics synonymous with Walkers, the collection is set to tap into the nation’s demand for heritage brands.

Elliott Matthews, Managing Director of Poetic Brands, commented: “Walkers is a dream property to work with as it holds a place in the hearts of many. We’re having fun with the iconic logo and branding for this collection and creating some on-trend pieces which are sure to be a hit.”

Sam Barker, Senior Licensing Director at IMG, added: “The Walkers brand is instantly recognisable and has a timeless appeal that is loved by consumers of all ages, which will be highlighted throughout this apparel collection with Poetic Brands.”