FIREFLY LICENSE TROUBADOUR

Firefly Brand Management has announced its exclusive representation of the legendary Los Angeles Troubadour club for all categories within the USA. The partnership will focus on developing soft lines and seeking new collaborations and partnerships to expand the iconic brand’s presence.

Since its opening in 1957, the Troubadour has helped launch the careers of countless celebrated artists including Elton John, James Taylor, and Tom Waits. It continues to be a premier destination for both established and emerging acts worldwide, offering an intimate and historically rich setting for serious music fans. “The Troubadour is more than just a music venue; it’s a cultural institution with a rich legacy that resonates deeply with music lovers across generations,” said Cynthia Modders, CEO of Firefly Brand Management. “We are incredibly excited to embark on this partnership to extend the Troubadour experience into new product categories and collaborations, allowing fans to connect with this legendary brand in innovative ways.”

BBC Studios Brands and Licensing is pleased to announce the promotion of Suzy Raia to Executive Vice President, Global Consumer Products, a move that reflects the company’s continued investment in its global brands and commercial growth strategy.

In her role, Suzy will lead the global consumer products business, overseeing brand partnerships, retail development, and product innovation across BBC Studios’ award-winning portfolio, including Bluey, Doctor Who and BBC Earth. She will continue to report directly to Nicki Sheard, CEO of Brands and Licensing, and remain based in New York.

Suzy’s promotion follows a period of significant transformation for BBC Studios’ Brands and Licensing division, which was restructured in 2024 to unify global operations and accelerate brand expansion across key markets.

BBC Studios Brands and Licensing helps BBC Studios identify new opportunities for growth for its diverse portfolio spanning consumer products, live entertainment, gaming, publishing, and digital across a global IP slate including Bluey, Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear and BBC Earth.

Suzy brings over 25 years of experience in consumer products and brand management, having spent almost two decades at Nickelodeon working on hit brands including SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Paw Patrol and more.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON EXPANDS INTO THE MIDDLE EAST

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, is proud to announce its entry into the Middle East market through a strategic collaboration with BBM Licensing, its regional licensing partner, and Jewel Branding & Licensing, its exclusive global licensing agency.

This expansion marks a milestone in the MFA’s mission to share its world-class collections with global audiences. By leveraging BBM Licensing’s market expertise in the Middle East, alongside the international reach of Jewel Branding, the MFA will bring its timeless works of art to life across new product categories and experiences.

“This partnership presents endless possibilities for innovation around masterpieces from the MFA’s rich holdings,” said Debra LaKind, Senior Director, Intellectual Property & Business Development at the MFA. “We’re excited about the opportunities to create inspiring, contemporary narratives about our works of art and connecting to new audiences in the Middle East—a region with longstanding appreciation for arts and culture.”

The licensing program will focus on developing thoughtfully designed consumer products, retail experiences, and lifestyle collaborations that celebrate the Museum’s artistic legacy in new and exciting ways. Product categories will include home décor, apparel, stationery, collectibles, and more—each inspired by the MFA’s renowned holdings.

Bulldog To License Beddybyes

Independent licensing company Bulldog Licensing has been appointed to manage licensing and merchandising in the UK and Ireland for the new preschool TV animated series BeddyByes. The deal was made on behalf of Thunderbird Brands and Thunderbird Distribution, the show’s global media distributor and consumer products brand manager.

BeddyByes is a series that supports positive sleep routines to help the very young get ready for sleep. Designed to soothe and calm children during the crucial pre-naptime and bedtime periods, it is one of the few shows in recent years that directly addresses the challenges of getting little ones to settle down.

BeddyByes is leveraged by research from child development specialist Dr Jacqueline Harding, who worked with the show’s team to ground the series in sleep science.

BeddyByes was commissioned by BBC Children’s and education and first aired on CBeebies in June 2025, with an earlier launch on BBC iPlayer at the end of May. Ireland’s RTE (the show’s co-producer) and public broadcasters DR of Denmark, YLE Finland and SVT Sweden have already signed up to broadcast the series. BeddyByes has secured a prime slot during the CBeebies Bedtime Block. BBC iPlayer showings are expected to be accessed at naptimes during the day as well as early evening to support daytime sleep routines.

THE DOG AND FRIENDS IS 25!

Character brand The Dog and Friends, famous for its iconic fisheye portraits of dogs, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025.

First launched in Japan in 2000, the brand quickly became a global phenomenon, with calendars, stationery, plush toys, and licensed products distributed in over 50 countries. Its instantly recognizable imagery - dogs with oversized noses and soulful eyes - resonated deeply with pet lovers and collectors, sparking a lifestyle boom that defined the early 2000s.

To mark this milestone, the brand has revived its international activities with a focus on a new generation of fans.

In July, the first The Dog campaign in China in 20 years drew widespread attention, with pop-up events, digital promotions, and strong social media engagement signaling renewed consumer enthusiasm. The response underscored the brand’s enduring emotional appeal and the growth potential within Asia’s thriving petlover market.

Anniversary plans include collaborations with leading retailers, the launch of a commemorative product line, and discussions with licensing partners in Europe and North America.

With 25 years of heritage and a proven track record of global resonance,The Dog and Friends is poised to connect with audiences who love pets, nostalgia, and timeless design— entering a new cycle of worldwide expansion.