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Article Excerpt
Mark Durham's MAD Studio
Artist Mark Durham makes his living infusing the personalities of cats, dogs, and crazy characters onto canvas "with a lot of color and a little of his signature wackiness thrown in." National magazines and television, including Southern Living magazine and Southern Living Presents, have featured Durham and his artwork. USA Weekend Magazine dubbed Durham "... the next Andy Warhol." His art has a style that is unique in the American experience of pop art. Mark Durham's MAD Studio has licensing agreements with Studio Vertu, Artful Aprons, and Brag Bags. Contact: Barb Upchurch, Director, Marketing, 704.527.3425; barb@blueberrymarketing.com; www.markdurhamstudio.com
Marvel Entertainment
Marvel showcases its integrated licensing campaigns to support major theatrical events scheduled for 2007, including Ghost Rider (Sony), Spider-Man 3 (Sony), and the Fantastic 4 sequel (Fox). Marvel also focuses on: a major merchandising initiative for the Fantastic Four animated series launching worldwide on Cartoon Network in fall 2006; further emphasis on its brand segmentation strategy, including multi-character licensing initiative Marvel Heroes, preschool-targeted Spider-Man & Friends, infant-geared Marvel Babies, and teen-targeted Marvel Juniors; continued support of its classic character licensing with The Amazing Spider-Man and targeted Marvel Comics retro program; and support for brand-new premiering-on-DVD, full-length animated movies. Contact: Tim Rothwell, President, Worldwide Consumer Products Media Group, 310.550.3113; timr@marvelwest.com; www.marvel.com
MASNJ
New exhibitor MASNJ presents 12 "Carousel" plate designs in which each month of the year is depicted as a carousel horse. Other plate collections include the 12 horoscope signs with corresponding birthstones. All plates are executed in the traditional lacquer technique with mother-of-pearl, paua, and 24k gold leaf inlays. MASNJ also presents a collection of floral compositions including "Posing Pansies" and "Bucketful of Sunshine." The "Love Puppies" characters tell a story about shih tzu puppies that explore their world with little ones. Contact: Maria Coutinho, 732.840.8184; masnj@verizon.net
Masterfoods USA
With brands such as M&M'S, Snickers, and Dove, Masterfoods USA continues to reach consumers beyond the candy aisle, and even beyond grocery and convenience stores. An ongoing partnership with licensee Bonne Bell led to confectionery-flavored lip gloss products featuring Starburst and Skittles. The latest version, M&M'S-flavored Lip Smackers, recently hit cosmetic shelves. The company's licensing extension with Bravo! Foods International will put branded milk drinks in stores until 2012. And an agreement with Teleflora, a leading floral services company, allows consumers to purchase exclusive, branded floral arrangements for key seasons through a network of 24,000 florists, as well as online. Contact: Michele Brown, VP, Licensing, 908.852.1000
Mattel Brands Consumer Products (MBCP)
This year, Mattel Brands Consumer Products (MBCP) showcases global brand extensions and best in class partnerships. MBCP also will announce a major entertainment alliance and news across licensed product categories from sporting goods to electronics and apparel. MBCP's portfolio of brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and newly integrated Fisher-Price is steeped in heritage while continuing to stay relevant to children of all ages in 2006 and beyond. For example, the Fisher-Price babygear line now has branched out to encompass car seats, strollers, play yards, and nursery furniture. Fisher-Price also teamed with the National Wildlife Federation to create the new Look & Learn line for View-Master. Contact: Lauren Dougherty, Director, Public Relations, MBCP, 310.252.4612; lauren.dougherty@mattel.com; www.mattel.com; Mark Weppner, Director, Fisher-Price, 716,687.5147; mark.weppner@fisher-price.com; www.fisher-price.com
MGA Entertainment
MGA Entertainment, maker of Bratz fashion dolls, continues to expand in major retailers with new toy lines and new licensing opportunities. With more than 400 licensees worldwide and still growing, Bratz is a top girls' lifestyle brand. Bratz Babyz, a leading licensing initiative for 2006, has a DVD movie release scheduled for fall. MGA also features two new licenses: Soda Pop Girls of Yummi-Land, based on the sweet-scented dolls and their pet friends, and MGA's Storytime Collection: Princess line. Contact: Sid Kaufman, EVP, Worldwide Licensing, 818.221.4306; skaufman@mgae.com; www.mgae.com; www.bratz.com
MGM Consumer Products
In addition to a major acquisition to be announced at Licensing Show, the focus for MGM Consumer Products is the 30th anniversary of Rocky (tied to the upcoming film release of Rocky Balboa), the 10th anniversary of Stargate SG-1, and the expansion of the Pink Panther brand. For Rocky, MGM has lined up licensing heavyweights Everlast and JAKKS Pacific, while the Pink Panther brand will extend into home entertainment with the development of Pink Panther & Pals cartoons and a direct-to-video release. Another major franchise focus includes bringing back films from MGM's 4,000-title library by spotlighting themed genres such as Soul Cinema and Midnight Movies. Contact: Travis Rutherford, EVP, 310.449.3295; trutherford@mgm.com; www.mgm.com
MHS Licensing
MHS Licensing introduces two new properties. With its proven success in the UK and Australia, the appeal of Kyla May's brand, "Smirk," lies in its visual simplicity juxtaposed with the complexities of today. Exploring the truths of adulthood through the honesty of May's inner child, "Smirk" brings humor to the celebration of life. Hispanic designer Luis Fitch's expertise in marketing to the U.S. Hispanic consumer makes him uniquely qualified to design product that appeals to this growing demographic. Through his work with major retailers and manufacturers, Luis has a proven track record of melding U.S. merchandising know-how with Hispanic sensibilities. The Girls property expands with a new extension called Las Chicas targeted to the Latino demographic. Contact: Marty Segelbaum, President, 952.544.1377; marty@mhslicensing.com; www.mhslicensing.com
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft and its related marks are some of the most recognized, trusted, and valuable brands in the world. Now companies can partner with Microsoft to license some of its trademarks and copyrights through its brand licensing program. Generally, Microsoft licenses to companies that have premium products related to technology, established distribution channels, and high customer satisfaction. Contact: Geoff Sullivan, Senior Licensing Executive, 425.706.3114; geoffsul@microsoft.com; www.microsoft.com
Mighty Fine
Ruby Gloom aims to build on the success of existing programs for fashion accessories, novelty gifts, stationery, and outerwear at the boutique level. Mighty Fine is evaluating potential partners for Ruby Gloom's domestic animated series launch. Bad Cat will build on the success of its existing roster of licenses, including MZ Berger for watches and clocks; Moderati for custom download ringtones; American Greetings for cards and wraps; MeadWestvaco for back-to-school stationery; and Trends International for calendars and posters. Looking to expand on its successful international business in Australia, New Zealand, and UK markets, Bad Cat seeks licensing agents and licensees for Asia, Japan, and Latin America. Contact: Justin Watson, Director, Marketing, 213.627.2498, x129; justin@mightyfineinc.com
Mike A. Designs
New York artist Mike A. brings his latest creation, "The Freaky Dinkys" (Tino, Lucky Foot, and Pigfish). These three unique characters find themselves far from home, yet realize that the place to which fate has brought them is where they belong. Set in an urban garden and narrated by a wise old tree, the story is inspired by Mike A.'s own background growing up in the Bronx. Contact: Mike A., Artist, 914.667.9409; mikea@freakydinkys.com; www.freakydinkys.com
Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co., LLP
Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co., LLP (MKA), Certified Public Accountants, specializes in servicing licensors/agents worldwide through its affiliation with Baker Tilly International, with offices in more than 120 countries and 45-plus offices in the U.S. Through royalty audits and revenue management, MKA assists licensors in receiving contractual royalties due, thereby enhancing their bottom line. MKA provides specialized royalty compliance services as a professional independent party while realizing the importance of maintaining licensee relationships. The team consists of Charles Schnaid, Michael Quackenbush, Brian Harris, and other professionals, all of whom have expertise in the area of royalty audits and consulting. Contact: Charles Schnaid, Partner in Charge of Licensing & Royalty Services, 818.769.2010; cschnaid@millerkaplan.com; www.millerkaplan.com
MLorenzArt Image Licensing
MLorenzArt Image Licensing represents emerging and established artists in different genres. It has fresh, new approaches for enhanced product impact through fine art and illustration. Presently with Bruce McGaw Graphics, Great American Puzzle Factory, and Elms Puzzles, the company is always expanding its image inventory through the limitless imagination of its artists. Contact: Maureen Lorenz, Owner, 516.354.5530; mlorenzart@aol.com; mlorenzart.com
MODA International Marketing, Inc.
Global licensing agency MODA (est. 1988) with offices in New York and Geneva had a year marked by growth. A specialist in brand and technology licensing, MODA added new clients, including: Coty, Inc., for select technologies; Tour de France for the U.S. and Brazil; and Champion Europe. New client brand extensions include: LYCRA self-tanning products by licensee Coty, Inc.; "Design in America" the National Trust carpets by Karastan (residential) and Mohawk Industries (commercial); Champion Athleticwear cardio fitness equipment by LAMAR Health Fitness and Sports; and The New York Times T-shirts by Altru Apparel and jigsaw puzzles by Ravensburger. Contact: Michelle Alfandari, President, 212.687.7640; info@modaintl.com; www.modaintl.com
Most Management
A premiere video game licensing agency, Most Management signed Eidos Interactive to its roster of clients. New initiatives include products based on the latest Lara Croft/Tomb Raider video game from Eidos with action figures, statues, and apparel to debut this fall. The Resident Evil 10th anniversary program kicks off this summer at Comic-Con with collectible products based on the classic horror franchise from Capcom. Capcom's Mega Man and Street Fighter franchises continue strong in '06 with 20-plus licensees on board. King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Samurai Shodown from SNK also add new licensees....
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