Licensing Expo News Bytes

+ Nickelodeon Consumer Products unveiled a score of merchandising partners for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie (Aug. 8). Toys will launch at Target and Target.com next month. Playmates Toys is the global master toy licensee, and LEGO is global construction partner. Categories announced include toys & videogames (Playmates, LEGO, Activision Publishing), apparel/accessoring and costumes (ACI; Accutime; Bentex; Berkshire; Bioworld; Crocs; FGX International; Freeze; Handcraft; Hanover; H.E.R. Accessories; High Point; Isaac Morris; LF USA; MZ Berger; Nouveau; Pan Oceanic; PS Brands; Richard Leeds and Rubie’s Costume Co.), home decor (Accessory Innovations; Global Designs Concepts; Loungefly; Thermos and Zak Designs) and publishing/home entertainment (Insight Editions, Paramount Home Ent.).

+ Saban Brands and JAKKS Pacific have teamed up for a new multi-platform kids’ project called Emojiville. The brand will launch as a web series about five Emoji friends with spirited personalities who have colorful adventures in Emojiville. A TV series will follow. JAKKS Pacific will serve as Saban Brands’ strategic partner for Emojiville and will develop a consumer products and toy line as well as technology products for the property. Saban Brands will lead the content, distribution, marketing, promotion and other licensing for the brand.

+ Saban also announced new 2014-15 licensing partners for preschool property Julius Jr. In addition to previously announced master toy partner Fisher-Price and publishing partner Random House, the little monkey will be popping up on products from Accessory Innovations (backpacks, bags, headwear, cold weather items), Amscan (kids costumes for Party City), Freeze (sportswear, tees), High Point Design (hosiery, slipper socks), Idea Nuova Global (room decor, furniture), Jay Franco (beach, bedding, bath accessories), Komar Kids (kids’ sleepwear), Parigi Group (sportswear, tees) and Rubie’s Costume Company (toddler costumes).

+ And in the “Why not?” category, Cards.com will be celebrating Garfield the cat’s birthday June 19 (he’s 36) with a “Garfield-themed banking alternative.” The website has partnered with rights holder Paws Inc. to offer pre-paid debit cards featuring character art of Jim Davis’ beloved lasagna-scarfing housecat. Classic comic strip style 2D and Garfield Show CG inspired designs are available.