Mattel masters Warner Bros. global franchises

Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products recently granted Mattel the master toy key to several of its franchises, including Looney Tunes, Baby Looney Tunes, Batman, Superman and Justice League. The worldwide deal (excluding Asia) also gives Mattel the rights to related theatrical releases and TV series produced over the course of the multi-year agreement. Mattel is already positioned to reap the benefits of the agreement, with a Looney Tunes film planned for November 2003 and a Baby Looney Tunes animated series slated to debut on Cartoon Network later this month.

CPLG spots Next Big Thing in little hamster property

Copyright Promotions Licensing Group is set to help Hamtaro hit the high streets of European retail after being appointed the exclusive licensing agent for the ShoPro property in Belgium, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and the U.K. While CPLG’s Euro licensing program will focus primarily on kids ages four to 10, the agency expects Hamtaro’s cuteness quotient to open tween market opportunities as well.

CPLG will also bring World Wrestling Entertainment to the U.K. licensing ring as part of a new rep deal it has signed with rights owner WWE. The agency’s initial plans include enhancing the brand’s retail presence, supporting the existing licensee base, and supplementing the program with new product.

Sesame’s new Canadian licensing Venture

Sesame Workshop has appointed Venture Licensing to represent Sesame Street (which was previously handled by EMG Licensing) and Dragon Tales in Canada. The shows air weekdays on CBC’s Get Set for Life block and can also be seen on a Canadian PBS feed. Headed by president Randi Bregman, Venture Licensing’s current client roster includes Crank2, DIC, The Jim Henson Company and Toy Castle Productions.

Roald Dahl characters go to Bliss House

Bliss House has been named the North American licensing agent for the literary properties developed by late children’s author Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, etc.) by worldwide licensing agent Suzanne Ross-Bain. Bliss House is currently in negotiations with a U.S. department store for a holiday 2003 promo encompassing plush dolls, greeting cards, board games and puzzles. Categories available for licensing at press time included greeting cards, calendars, dolls, food products and collectible gifts.