Artisan goes global

In an effort to expand its licensing and merchandising operations to a worldwide platform, Artisan Consumer Products has gained agency representation in Europe, Asia and South America. Copyright Promotions Licensing Group, through its offices in Benelux, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Scandinavia, Spain and the U.K., will act as European licensing agent for Artisan. In Japan, Artisan will be represented by Japan Exchange Association; in Korea by the Asiana Licensing Institute; and in France by Les Fees Existent. Global Licensing will cover Australia and New Zealand, and International Merchandising has signed on as South American agent.

RMS puts its stamp on Canada’s licensing market

Toronto-based licensing agency Royal Marketing Solutions recently signed as exclusive agent for entertainment property Popstars, a girl-band reality series set to premiere on Global in February. Richard Stamper, past licensing director for the Canadian Football League and the Canadian Olympic Association, kicked off his new business venture in spring 2000. RMS represents several manufacturers regarding property acquisition, and Stamper is actively looking to take on a variety of properties across sports, entertainment, art, corporate and lifestyle categories.

Horrible Histories and Clifford Link to U.K. market

Scholastic has appointed Link Licensing the U.K. agent for literary properties Horrible Histories and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Based on the book series by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories is a 26 x 30-minute animated TV series airing on CITV this year. The show, aimed at boys and girls ages seven to 11, follows the adventures of Stitch and Mo, two kids who learn history the hard way through a time portal.

Warner Bros. opens Argentina arm

Warner Bros. Consumer Products opens the doors to its second Latin American office this month, with former Kellogg’s Argentina exec Mary Hume helming as GM. WBCP was previously represented in Argentina by Merchandising Consultants.

Tokyo toyco Tomy takes up Disney license in Japan

Disney Consumer Products has granted a master toy license for all Disney properties, including classic characters and other Disney entertainment to Tokyo-based toyco Tomy. Beginning in April, Tomy will assume responsibility for marketing, producing and distributing Disney toys in Japan.