Bulldog brings world’s biggest LGBTQ+ media brand to licensing for the first time

Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing has been appointed by brand owner Stream Publishing Limited as licensing agent for the UK and Ireland for attitude, the definitive gay magazine.

Bulldog Licensing will be building on the strong awareness and positive associations of the brand and pursuing new and expanded opportunities in the adult market as attitude comes to licensed products for the very first time.

Key initial categories will including apparel, accessories, gifts, wall art, houseware and health and beauty. The magazine’s design assets also support numerous opportunities that embrace famous magazine covers and features as well, of course, as the iconic attitude logo.

Launched in March 1994, attitude is the best-selling gay magazine in the UK and Europe and the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ media brand. It combines a reputation for major exclusives news on serious issues affecting LGBTQ+ people all over the world with blockbuster celebrity interviews, hot men, the latest fitness tips, cutting-edge fashion and profiles of the best travel destinations.

The print title is sold in 31 countries worldwide, many in translation, while in digital form subscriptions are downloaded in more than 120 countries. It has a massive social media following, in the millions across multiple platforms, and has inspired the establishing of the Attitude Magazine Foundation, a registered charity which has raised and distributed more than £500,000 for LGBTQ+ causes since its founding in summer 2018.

Darren Styles, MD of Stream Publishing, says: “We have long believed that, as the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ media brand, attitude has a lot to offer in the realms of licensing and branding with the help of the right partner: in Bulldog we have undoubtedly found that partner. Its understanding, expertise and vast network of contacts across the industry, as well as its skill in managing diverse brands and target groups, will help us to build on the enormous success and strong awareness that attitude has attracted over more than 30 years.”

Bulldog MD Rob Corney says: ““attitude is a byword for excellence in writing, design and campaigning that stands out not just among gay magazines, but as an iconic brand in its own right. Popular, admired and culturally significant from day one, attitude offers numerous design assets and fantastic opportunities for licensing that demonstrably unique – for licensees to address a discerning audience across many categories.”

Summer launch for fourth and fastest generation of classic toy brand at retail and on TV

Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing has been appointed by ADK Emotions NY Inc. and T-Licensing Inc. as UK and Ireland licensing agent for BEYBLADE X – the fourth generation of the classic toy brand that has entranced kids and adults since it burst on the scene 25 years ago.

Starting as BEYBLADE in 1999, then launching as BEYBLADE: METAL FUSION in 2008 and BEYBLADE BURST in 2015, the iconic battling spinning tops and launchers have sold over 500 million toy units globally.

The toys have also inspired hit animated series: the show based on the most recent generation, BEYBLADE BURST, has been broadcast and streamed worldwide.

Now with the arrival of BEYBLADE X, launched this summer in the UK and Europe, BEYBLADE’s already stellar success is about to reach another level. The exciting new BEYBLADE X is the fastest BEYBLADE ever, boasting a customisable three-piece system, die cast metal battle layer, burst function and brand-new gear system.

After its launch in Japan in July 2023, BEYBLADE X became one of the best-selling toy brands of the year in that country and is rolling out across multiple territories throughout 2024, backed by a massive cross-media marketing presence, including a global strategy involving regional YouTube channels featuring animation, toy, influencer, and trending content. And of course, there are iconic all-ages BEYBLADE tournaments taking place all around the world and a brand-new multi-language Roblox online gaming collaboration.

Supporting this activity will be an all-new TV series delivered by an all-star team of manga and anime greats and, of course, a major licensing campaign, managed in the UK and Ireland by Bulldog. ADK Emotions NY Inc. and T-Licensing Inc. recently announced the launch of BEYBLADE X in several new global markets, with the UK premiere of the whole series dropping on BBC iPlayer on Monday 19^th August 2024.

The licensing potential of BEYBLADE X is clearly extraordinary, as the success of previous BEYBLADE generations makes clear. BEYBLADE BURST alone has inspired a wide range of SKUs, encompassing everything from bikes to bedding and from backpacks to books.

The BEYBLADE X licensing campaign, aimed at a core market of children to teens but with a strong nostalgia appeal to the adult market, is certainly extensive, encompassing multiple categories that range from kids’ and adults’ apparel to backpacks, lunchboxes, stationery, party goods, food, confectionery, publishing, collectibles, digital gaming, apps and much more, supported by promotions involving restaurants, stores and many other partners.

A representative from ADK Emotions NY Inc says: “The design brilliance of BEYBLADE X and the BEYBLADE brand values of competition, strategy, community and friendship have once again produced a memorable generation of toys that are set to be a worldwide hit. The licensing campaign will further extend brand reach to the vast BEYBLADE fanbase and we’re delighted to be working with Bulldog, one of the leading agencies in Europe, to bring BEYBLADE X to multiple licensing categories across the UK and Ireland.”

Bulldog MD Rob Corney says: “BEYBLADE X combines the powerful appeal of an established brand with the excitement of a new generation in a way that will galvanise demand both for the core product and for licensed product inspired by the brand. The arrival of BEYBLADE X in Europe is an extraordinarily exciting event and one we fully intend to support with a comprehensive and multi-category licensing strategy that does full justice to this incredible brand.”

Multi-category deal for classic show launches with apparel and phone cases
as new season is announced

Bulldog Licensing, the leading licensing agency which represents much-loved, classic crime-fighting franchise Totally Spies! in the UK on behalf of brand owner Banijay Kids & Family, part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, has announced a new deal for the iconic brand with Skinnydip, a renowned supplier of fun and quirky accessories, clothing and lifestyle product.

Recently launched on the Skinnydip site is the first product in the Totally Spies! x Skinnydip London collab, a series of phone cases featuring colourful, action-packed illustrations starring Sam, Clover and Alex, three teenage girls from Beverly Hills, who live a double life as undercover agents fighting crime while trying, not always successfully, to live normal lives as students.

Much more is on the way; this agreement extends to tech accessories, apparel, accessories, beauty and bathing, gifting and travel and homeware.

Produced by Banijay Kids & Family label Zodiak Kids & Family France, Totally Spies! originally ran from 2001 for six seasons, hooking a generation of fans with its iconic aesthetic and powerful female leads.Totally Spies! has sold to 220 territories and is available in 60 languages, with an impressive 1.63 million subscribers, 2.1 billion views and 362 million hours streamed on YouTube alone. The show also has 1.4 million Facebook followers worldwide.

A seventh season was announced in 2022 and has launched in France on Gulli (M6) and will air around the world on Discovery Kids LatAm, and Warner Bros. Discovery across EMEA and the US. Last month Gulli and Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA confirmed season 8, plus Amazon has unveiled development on a young adult live-action adaptation of Totally Spies! with Amazon MGM Studios, Banijay Kids & Family, and Jessica Elbaum  and Will Ferrell’s Gloria Sanchez Productions.

The licensing campaign for the brand launched late last year and licensing industry interest is already strong. The initial focus for Bulldog is on a strong adult nostalgia market keen to revisit an entertainment classic. Some of the early categories targeted will be apparel (daywear and nightwear), fashion accessories, tech products, health & beauty and stationery.

Skinnydip launched its first phone case design in 2011. Since then, it has evolved to become a go-to destination for female Gen-Z clothing and accessories. Today it serves up unique, witty and stand-out products to an ever-growing community of customers, influencers and celebrities around the globe through Skinnydiplondon.com, its two standalone stores and over 200 stockists worldwide The company has also collaborated with a wide range of household-name entertainment brands.

Bulldog’s Licensing Director Vicky Miller says: “It’s no surprise Totally Spies! is attracting such a positive licensing industry response. The show enjoys enduring appeal among adults who fell in love with the original action, gadgets and missions, alongside young audiences who also enjoy the show’s wit, invention, and positive messages about friendship and teamwork. It’s ideal for many categories, which is why we’re thrilled to be working with Skinnydip, a company with a strong offering that appeals to multiple age groups.”

Lewis Blitz, Managing Director at Skinnydip, says: “Totally Spies! ticks so many boxes for our customer base in terms of humour, excitement, style and of course female empowerment, all combined with powerful and arresting imagery. Sam, Clover and Alex are a welcome addition to our accessories, clothing and lifestyle ranges.”

Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing at Banijay Kids & Family adds: “With the season 7 launch, confirmation of an 8^th series and the development of a live-action version, there is significant momentum for Totally Spies!. Skinnydip, with its fun and fresh approach to accessories and lifestyle products, is a great partner for the brand, and the perfect fit for our sizeable millennial and Gen Z fans,”

Bulldog Licensing, appointed to manage UK licensing for Mr Bean, announces first deal

Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which has been appointed by brand owner Banijay Kids & Family as UK and Ireland licensing agent for Mr Bean, has announced a major new licensee signing for the iconic comedy character.

Whitehouse Leisure International and its sister company Posh Paws International, will be producing Mr Bean plush for both the retail and amusement/leisure sectors, as well as designing and producing a range of Mr Bean novelty key chains and mugs.

Both ranges will be inspired by a character that has been wildly popular for nearly 35 years in live action and animated formats, both on TV and in films.

Available from spring 2025, across online, toy & gift stores, amusement, leisure and entertainment destinations, the Mr Bean plush and novelty items will be aimed at all ages, reflecting the appeal of the character to all generations.

Whitehouse Leisure is the leading manufacturer and distributor of amusement and redemption products across UK, Europe and the Middle East, renowned for its impressive product catalogue of licensed and trending own-brand products for the amusement and leisure sector. Posh Paws is a leading manufacturer and distributor of licensed and own-brand plush toys and gifts across the UK, with a wide distribution base ranging from local toy and gift shops to high street and online retailers.

Co-created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, Atkinson describes the character as “a child in a grown man’s body”, Mr Bean tries to solve apparently minor problems presented by everyday tasks and often causes major, and hilarious, disruption in the process.

The visual and often non-verbal comedy that drives the character has ensured there have been no language barriers to a success that has brought Mr Bean high awareness and enormous popularity in close to 200 countries and a staggering online presence that has attracted more than 19 billion lifetime views on YouTube and made it the biggest Facebook page in the world for a film and television character.

Bulldog Licensing will be building on Mr Bean’s existing licensing presence and pursuing new and expanded opportunities in kids’ and adults’ markets, focusing on both the iconic original series and the highly popular animated series.

Imagery from both live and animated formats will inform a licensing campaign which will target multiple categories including (to name only a few) homeware, stationery, t-shirts, toys, collectables, bags and greeting cards.

Since 1990 the show has gone from 14 live action episodes to a globally renowned brand with over 30 years of continuous distribution. The Mr Bean live action show launched in 1990 to great acclaim, winning a number of international awards. By 1995 it had inspired the first of two movies. The animated series launched in 2002. Today the brand needs little introduction, boasting fans of all ages.

The latest animated series (produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family), series 4, launches in 2025, executive produced and voiced by Rowan Atkinson and will air on ITVX and Warner Brothers Discovery in the UK.

Lauren Shipman, Group Brand & Marketing Director, says: “We are excited to work with an internationally known, instantly recognisable character with cross-generational appeal. The humour and imagery that is associated with Mr Bean is also ideal for toys, gifts and novelties that we are certain will be popular with both our retail and leisure customers”.

Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Mr Bean is a global phenomenon which is instantly recognisable just about everywhere and with a new animated series on the way, the brand continues to go from strength to strength. Bringing in the expertise of Bulldog, we have an ambitious licensing programme that is perfectly timed for our existing fanbase and a whole new generation of fans – and we’re thrilled to welcome these deals with two leaders in their fields”.

Bulldog MD Rob Corney adds: “Mr Bean has been enormously popular from his very first appearance in 1990 to the present day and this high level of awareness will drive an expanded licensing campaign that will be very popular with consumers of all ages. Whitehouse Leisure and Posh Paws International have been quick to build on the brand’s massive appeal and many other potential licensees are already showing a strong interest in this unique brand. We’re thrilled to be working with these leading names in toys and gifts and looking forward to bringing this classic character to many new categories”.

Heathside Trading and OddBalls join growing licensing programme for beloved brand

Leading licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which represents Sesame Street in the UK on behalf of the global impact non-profit Sesame Workshop, has announced two new deals for the much-loved brand as Sesame Street continues to grow its presence on screen, on digital platforms and at UK retail.

Heathside Trading and OddBalls are the latest partners to join the fast-growing Sesame Street licensing campaign.

Heathside Trading, which specialises in branded toys and games, collectibles, drinkware and gifts, will be producing a wide range of Sesame Street gifts and novelties, including mini figures, 2D keychains, 3D bag clips, drinking bottles, bobblehead figures and die cast figures.

Aimed at children and parents, and multi-generational Sesame Street fans, the line will be launching at gift shops, toy shops and online, in a deal brokered on behalf of Heathside by Kirsty Guthrie of KJG Limited.

OddBalls, a major name in underwear design, sportswear, clothing and accessories, will be producing Sesame Street underwear and pyjamas for both children and adult fans.  The new range will be launching through multiple online outlets, including Amazon and myoddballs.com.

Both of these new lines will employ designs inspired by Sesame Street’s colourful characters, along with the brand’s positive messages about laughter and learning engaging fans of all ages while delivering on its mission to help children grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

Sesame Street is a key focus for Bulldog in the UK. Working on behalf of Sesame Workshop, the agency has announced numerous deals for Sesame Street as it continues to grow its presence at UK retail. These two latest deals, join Just Play’s master toy programme and a rapidly growing pre-school licensed product range at all major retailers. Sesame Street also has strong nostalgia appeal,  inspiring successful ranges of apparel, badges, embroidered patches and more.

This strong retail and licensing performance comes at a time when Sesame Street programming is enjoying a hugely successful and growing broadcast and digital reach on Amazon Kids+, Tiny Pop, Channel 5’s Milkshake! pre-school programming block, and a YouTube channel attracting an incredible 94 million annual views in the UK and Ireland, as well as a strong social media presence.

Max Nelson from Heathside Trading, says: “It’s amazing to think that four  generations have grown up with Sesame Street’s wonderful characters and positive messaging and that it continues to delight new fans. We’re thrilled to be part of the Sesame Street licensing programme and have no doubt that our range of brand-inspired gifts and novelties  will find a ready and enthusiastic reception from fans of all ages.”

Matthew Gibson, head of partnerships & licensing, OddBalls, says: “Laughter, learning, beloved characters and  iconic imagery are what Sesame Street has been about for over 50 years and still is about today. It’s an evergreen brand that always appeals. We’re thrilled and privileged to be bringing our expertise on apparel design and manufacture to this collaboration with Sesame Street.”

Bulldog MD Rob Corney adds: “So many licensees respect and admire the Sesame Street brand – most of them grew up with it and it’s now a hit with their kids! It’s no surprise that it has attracted such leaders in their fields as Heathside Trading and OddBalls, both of which have excelled themselves in bringing this loved and admired property to appealing ranges of gifts and apparel.”

Concept One and Little K Clothing join enormously successful UK licensing campaign

Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which manages UK licensing for Care Bears™ on behalf of Cloudco Entertainment, the owner of the Care Bears franchise, has hailed the continuing licensing growth of the brand in the UK with new agreements in accessories and apparel.

Concept One Accessories, the premier resource for licensed fashion and entertainment accessories, is planning a line of Care Bears accessories including bags, purses, headwear, scarves, and gloves. Aimed at both children and adults, the line will be launching at retail this October.

Meanwhile, Little K Clothing, a maker of unique clothing in beautifully soft jersey fabrics, is producing a range of handmade Care Bears children’s apparel including dresses, leggings, jumpers, shorts, and tops. The range will be exclusively available from the Little K website later this year.

Both lines will employ designs inspired by the iconic Care Bears rainbow colours and characters, along with the brand’s uplifting messages of love, caring, and friendship, which resonate with fans worldwide.

Care Bears continues to show incredible growth more than forty years after the property first appeared on greetings cards and inspired a plush range. The brand has continued its upwards trajectory with further growth expected in 2024.

Concept One and Little K are joining a flourishing licensing programme for one of the world’s best-known and best-loved family brands, one that sees huge retail traction across multiple categories, ranging from plush through to apparel, accessories, and homewares, making Care Bears one of the must-have brands in the UK for both adults and kids.

As Care Bears’ UK agent, Bulldog Licensing has welcomed a wide range of partners. Recent launches include jigsaw puzzles from Gibsons Games, a range of collectible pin badges and keyrings from Louis Kennedy, which have so far raised over £250K for Young Lives vs Cancer, embroidered badges from Pawprint Trading, and candles from Flamingo Candles.

Charlotte Payne, Director of International Licensing from Cloudco Entertainment says: “The enduring appeal of Care Bears across generations is stronger than ever. These partnerships with Concept One and Little K underscore the brand’s ability to attract wonderful partners in key categories. Care Bears’ message of love, empathy, and caring for others remains timeless and resonates with consumers and licensees alike.”

Bulldog MD Rob Corney adds: “It’s going to be another busy year for the Care Bears brand as it continues to build on its success across many categories – with a lot more to come. It’s already one of the hottest brands in both pop culture for young adults and for the primary girls’ market and we’re delighted to welcome Concept One and Little K as licensing partners. These two companies both enjoy a strong reputation and that will further enhance the UK licensing campaign for this iconic brand.”