Brand News

The licensee announced a global licensing arrangement with Nicole Miller for the development, marketing and distribution of fragrances under the Nicole Miller and nicole by Nicole Miller Brand names.

Launch of a prestige Nicole Miller scent for the fine specialty store market in the United States is planned for Holiday 2008, with a worldwide roll-out to follow. The initial term of the license is five years.

Nicole Miller, a New York-based designer, has a series of strategic arrangements, to design and market fashion, accessories, bags, shoes, eyewear, fashion jewelry, home products, furniture and the nicole by Nicole Miller collection.

The licensee also holds licenses for Paris Hilton fragrances, watches, cosmetics, sunglasses, handbags and other small leather accessories, in addition to fragrance brands of GUESS?, XOXO, Ocean Pacific (OP), Jessica Simpson, Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, babyGund, and Fred Hayman Beverly Hills.

Burger King Corp. announced a license agreement with a Phoenix-based snack food manufacturer to develop a line of branded BURGER KING snacks.

Two snack chip flavors will be introduced: Ketchup & Fries, one of America’s favorite taste combinations, and another yet-to-be-named savory, that captures the flame broiled flavor of the BURGER KING brand. The snacks will launch in vending machines, on airlines and in convenience, drug and grocery stores beginning November 2007.

The goal is to secure an additional brand presence in more than 100,000 outlets through these new distribution channels, far beyond the 11,200 restaurants.

The licensee will offer the chips in several sizes and price points: single serving sizes of 1.0 ounce and 1.75 ounces will be featured in vending machines and on airlines; 2.5- or 3.0- ounce sizes will be available in convenience stores and 5.5-ounce bags will be sold in grocery stores. A second roll-out of the products to price clubs and additional grocery outlets in spring 2008 will feature 20- and 25-ounce bags and variety packs.

Burger King Corp. will also test market a 100 calorie bag in its restaurants.

After the initial rollout of the chips in the United States, the partners plan to expand globally.

Inter Parfums, Inc. announced that its 72% owned subsidiary, Inter Parfums SA, acquired the worldwide rights to the Lanvin brand names and international trademarks listed under Class 3 from Jeanne Lanvin, S.A. The purchase price, 22 million Euro (approximately U.S. $29.7 million) was paid in cash at closing and as a result, Inter Parfums and Lanvin have terminated their existing licensing contract signed in June 2004.

Under the terms of the agreement, Inter Parfums will also pay to Lanvin a sales-based fee for technical and creative assistance in new product development to be rendered by Lanvin in connection with the use of the Lanvin trademark through June 30, 2019. Additionally, Lanvin has the right to repurchase the brands and trademarks in 2025.

Class 3 of the international classification of trademarks goods and services include: soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics and hair lotions.

The company expects significant worldwide Advertising and marketing campaigns to accompany the launch.

In one of the company’s widest opportunities for product distribution, the True Religion brand fragrances for women and men will launch worldwide in fall 2008 in True Religion branded stores, national department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Barneys New York, and more than 1,000 specialty stores, including Sephora and Ulta. Additionally, the company is planning an international roll-out to Europe, Japan, Korea, Canada, Mexico, Australia and South America, as well as duty-free stores in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Columbia Sportswear Company today announced a licensing agreement to design, manufacture and market a new line of Columbia Sportswear-branded sports optics products aimed at avid outdoor consumers.

The new product line is a first for Columbia Sportswear and will expand its collection of industry-leading outdoor gear. The collection features premium binoculars and spotting scopes for hikers, bird watchers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, as well as U.S.-engineered high-performance rifle scopes.

The agreement provides the licensee with access to a larger potential customer base, and continues Columbia Sportswear’s expansion into quality licensed products including sunglasses, wristwatches and bicycles that complement an active, recreational lifestyle.

All Columbia Sportswear sports optics products are waterproof, fog proof, accurate, durable and designed for excellent light transmission. The new products will be available first quarter 2008 and will debut with suggested retail prices ranging from US$ 159.95 to 324.95, providing several performance and value options for consumers.