The Pokémon Company International has named Philadelphia-headquartered Wicked Cool Toys as master toy licensee for its global Pokémon brand outside of Asia, beginning in July 2018. Additionally, TPCI has become a strategic investor in Wicked Cool Toys, and will have a seat on the toy company’s board of directors.

Wicked Cool Toys will have rights to manufacture and market action figures, play sets, plush, role-play items and toys based on the property worldwide, excluding regions in Asia,where the brand is managed by TPCI’s parent organization, The Pokémon Company. Current master toy licensee TOMY will continue to act as a key licensing partner for the Pokémon brand and will produce select items, as well as products inspired by its video games.

Wicked Cool Toys will begin development of Pokémon products immediately, with initial items expected to hit retail in fall 2018.

The investment in Wicked Cool Toys, meanwhile, will allow for enhanced collaboration in the development of Pokémon toys with the growing company. It follows on the heels of The Pokémon Company signing a similar agreement with Niantic, the developer and publisher of popular AR mobile game Pokémon GO.

Founded in 2012, Wicked Cool Toys’ portfolio includes both proprietary and licensed brands like Cabbage Patch Kids, Teddy Ruxpin, MasterChef Junior, Wild Kratts, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shimmer and Shine.