May 2010

Saban Capital Group Acquires Power Rangers from The Walt Disney Company

Saban Capital Group, Inc. has acquired the Power Rangers property from The Walt Disney Company, marking the franchise as the first property to be managed by newly established Saban Brands. Saban Brands was recently formed as a subsidiary of Saban Capital Group to manage and license entertainment properties and consumer brands throughout the world.

The acquisition represents the return of the global franchise to its original developer, Haim Saban, who introduced the first Power Rangers series in 1993. The deal includes worldwide rights to the brand, as well as the more than 700 episodes produced over 17 years.

Check out the Fuzion LandShark!

Shredding the sidewalks or catching a concrete wave has never been easier than with the Fuzion LandShark. Jenzy Wunder of TriplePoint PR was in our office this afternoon showing us the latest ride for kids. I think it’s really best for playing at the park or in the driveway, rather than getting around town, but it’s a lot of fun! Of course I tried it out too, but this video is of Jenzy giving it a test drive. It comes with a bright flag and stand so parents can make sure drivers know to watch out for kids.

Toy Industry Members and Others Stuff 5,000 Duffel Bags for Kids

Above: (l-r) Audra Strickland, 37^th District Assembly Woman, hands a bag to AnnMarie Siciliano, 5/07/2010. photo by John McCoy

More than 125 volunteers came together on Friday for the Second Annual Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and My Stuff Bags Foundation “Do Good Stuff-a-Thon,” held at the My Stuff Bags volunteer center in Westlake Village, Calif. The volunteers included staff from companies such as Disney, JAKKS Pacific, Educational Insights, and more; representatives of TIF and My Stuff Bags Foundation boards of directors; California State Senator Curren Price; and State Assembly Members Fiona Ma and Audra Strickland.

The 5,000 duffel bags (filled with toys, toiletries, handmade blankets, and other items) will be distributed to shelters and foster care agencies across the nation, including California’s Bienvenidos; Florida’s Kids Central, Inc.; New York’s Steuben County Department of Social Services, and Texas’ A World for Children.

Innovation First Files Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuit

Innovation First, Inc. has filed an intellectual property infringement lawsuit against Urban Trend, LLC and two of its principals, Robert G. Kushner and Michael Stoll, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants committed trade dress infringement, violations of the Lanham Act, and other wrongful conduct in offering knock-offs of the Hexbug Nano micro robotic toys designed and sold by Innovation First.

The knock-offs, says Innovation First, copy the look and feel of the products, mirroring, among other aspects, their design, color scheme, and naming conventions. The company also alleges that the defendants lifted both form and content from Innovation First’s sales materials for use in their advertising. Innovation First premiered the Hexbug Nano Micro Robotic Creature toy line in 2009.

Bicycle Cards Kicks Off Yearlong Program

Bicycle Playing Cards, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has kicked off a nationwide program promoting card playing. The yearlong program will invite families to rediscover card playing, emphasizing that cards are a great way for igniting relationships, reconnecting, and engaging in friendly competition.

As a part of the program, game show and TV host Chuck Woolery will invite families to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest “Hearts” tournament. The event, held at the Hilton Universal Hotel in Universal City, Calif., will benefit The Alliance for Children’s Rights in Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to providing free legal services for impoverished and abused children, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hollywood and Burbank.

JPMA Issues Statement on Drop Side Cribs

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association has released a statement regarding drop side cribs. JPMA states: “Together with manufacturers and related industry partners, JPMA took the reins to effectively eliminate drop side cribs and added a crib slat integrity test based on the European standard.”

JPMA also notes that “a revised crib standard was recently balloted whose provisions include addressing issues related to hardware failure, labeling and instructional issues, an improved mattress support test, and much more.”

To read the entire statement, click here.

Adorable Teddy Bear from Me To You!

Roger Murphy, CEO of Carte Blanche Greetings Ltd. in the UK, loved our coverage of their Me To You brand in our March/April issue so much, he sent me an adorable Tatty Teddy Bear! Isn’t it just the cutest, hippest little bear on the block? Tatty Teddy is headed to the U.S. in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled. Thanks, Bryan Joiner, for writing such a great story about the humble beginnings of Tatty Teddy and the evolution of Me To You!

–Jackie

Big Idea Signs New Licensing Deals with Hedstrom and More

Big Idea Entertainment is expanding its licensing program for its popular VeggieTales brand. Big Idea has recently signed deals with several new licensing partners across various categories, including play ball and toy products from Hedstrom, confectionery products from Frankford Candy & Chocolate, and Easter candy baskets and gift sets from Sherwood Brands.

Hedstrom will develop a wide range of children’s licensed play ball, bounce, and sport toy products for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The line of VeggieTales vinyl balls and bounce toys are slated to be released in time for summer.

Rubie’s Goes Gaga, Costumes on the Way

MagicMarket Picked as Bella Sara’s Italian Marketing Partner

Bella Sara has appointed a new Italian marketing partner, MagicMarket Twenty Five S.r.l. (MagicMarket). As the brand’s marketing partner, MagicMarket will work with Hidden City Entertainment to distribute, market, and sell Bella Sara collectible cards throughout Italy.

MagicMarket will begin the partnership by launching Bella Sara’s Moonfairies collectible card series, scheduled to release in June.