The Copyrights Group at Licensing International NY 2007

The Copyrights Group will showcase highlights from their character, art and lifestyle portfolio at Licensing International 2007. Plans for Paddington Bear’s 50th anniversary will be a primary focus, as will the introduction of Copyrights’ first ethical brand extension, Peter Rabbit Naturally Better. Licensing opportunities for the North American market and beyond across all of Copyrights’ brands and properties will be a priority, with particular reference to the stylish and contemporary ranges developed for the Marie Claire fashion brand, and the continued global success of edgy humour brand, Violent Veg. The evergreen and much loved art property, Flower Fairies, will also have a strong presence on the Copyrights Group stand No 3233.

Paddington Bear’s 50th anniversary in 2008 will be one of the priorities for Copyrights at Licensing International 2007. Since he first set foot on Paddington Station and met Mr and Mrs Brown, Paddington Bear has become undeniably one of the world's classic bears, appealing to all ages. Written by Michael Bond, the Paddington books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, in 30 languages, across 70 titles. More than 265 licensees, making thousands of different products across the UK, Europe, USA, South-East Asia, Japan, Australia and South Africa, all benefit from the universal recognition of the much loved Paddington Bear. His 50th birthday will not only delight original fans of the book, merchandise and TV series but will also bring the bear from darkest Peru to the attention of a new generation and consumer audience.

Peter Rabbit™ Naturally Better is a new World of Beatrix Potter™ initiative, backed by a Corporate Social Responsibility Charter. The Copyrights Group Ltd and publishers, Frederick Warne & Co Ltd are working with Sustainability, one of the leading consultancies advising clients on the risks and opportunities associated with corporate responsibility and sustainable development, Sedex, the Suppliers Ethical Data Exchange – a system that enables companies to maintain and share data on labour practices in the supply chain - and licensees to develop products and services that offer consumers and retailers a ‘better’ alternative. Themes covered include ethical, environmental, health and packaging issues, with the aim of developing products which are: Better for the environment; Better for mothers and children; and Better for the people who make them. Full details about this initiative – the first of its kind in the licensing industry, will be presented at Licensing International on the Copyrights stand.

Following last year’s successful showcase, Copyrights will once again focus on the stylish ranges inspired by the popular fashion brand, Marie Claire. Playcorp continues to have a leading role in the licensing programme both in Australia and across other territories. In keeping with the brand’s fashion heritage, the extensive range of home décor and soft furnishings is updated each season with new colours and designs, the latest of which will be previewed in New York at Licensing International.

The edgy and rarely politically correct world of Violent Veg™ continues to attract licensees across diverse licensing categories on a global basis. Most recent signings include a new range of greeting cards that launched in the US with Nobleworks Inc. A deal with Oplayo for global distribution rights for mobile animation downloads has also been agreed. A selection of the latest products generated by the Violent Veg programme will be shown on Copyrights stand and further licensing opportunities will be highlighted.

Fairies have never been more popular and Cicely Mary Barker’s enchanting creations are regarded by many as the definitive fairies. The beautifully illustrated Flower Fairies books have become classics of children's literature and even today continue to fascinate and excite a new generation of fans. Fairyopolis spent 53 weeks on the NY Times bestsellers’ list and has inspired a wide range of new licenses with a number of opportunities still available.

The Copyrights Group will also be showing their full portfolio of classic characters, lifestyle brands, fine art, tween and nostalgia properties at Licensing International 2007.

Visit The Copyrights Group at Stand No 3233, Licensing International 2007, Jacob K Javits Centre, New York, 19-21 June.

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Notes for Editors:

The Copyrights Group Ltd was established in 1984 and has its headquarters in the UK with offices in Japan and Australia, and works with independent sales agents in the US and Continental Europe. The Copyrights Group is one of the world’s leading independent licensing companies with a portfolio of classic characters, fine art and lifestyle brands including Peter Rabbit, Paddington Bear, The Snowman, Jacqueline Wilson, Flower Fairies, Rough Guides and Marie Claire

Contact Information

Press Enquiries:

For further information, visuals or to set up interviews please contact

Hannah Aspey at Energy PR.

Tel: +44 (0)1993 823011

Email: hannah@energypr.co.uk

The Copyrights Group:

Keith Pashley, European Marketing Manager

Karen Addison, Licensing Director

Kathleen Caper, International Licensing Manager

Tel: +44 (0)1295 672 050

Fax: +44 (0)1295 672 060