Airlines Thinking Ahead

US Airways Withdraws Its $10.2 Billion Offer for Delta

by Micheline Maynard and Michael J. De La Merced



With all the different possible ways to purchase tickets for different airlines, it is more and more difficult for airlines to keep a constant flow of profit. With airlines operating in bankrupcy and filing for Chapter 11, the ailine industry is trying hard to find different operational techniques to pull themselves out of debt.

Delta, the third largest airlines by passenger volume, is considering merging with other airlines companies through licensing to maintain their profitability. Though code-sharing has been a very popular airline alliance technique in the industry, licensing would allow the airlines to completely combine with carriers and business models. Since filing bankruptcy, Delta has formed a code-sharing alliance with Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines, but they have not been able to be financially successful enough; therefore, they are considering other alternatives. US Airways, the fourth largest airline, had a 10.2 billion offer for Delta to comine their companies, but it withdrew after failing to receive support from Delta's creditors. Though Delta failed to combine with US Airways for trust issues, they are keeping an eye on Northwest Airlines for a possible merge.

With many airline companies currently continueing business through Chapter 11, merging licensing will allow airlines to combine businesses through its business models as well as carriers and passenger volume. Through this technique, not only will airlines be more financially successful and more likely to get out of debt, it will also allow for more sympathy from the Department of Justice against consolidation.

"Someday, the long-predicted wave of consolidation in the airline industry could occur.

But for now it will remain just that — a prediction."


Patrycja Targonski

Levi Strauss Claims that Legions of Competitors Have Stolen Its Signature Denim Stitches

By MICHAEL BARBARO and JULIE CRESWELL
Published: January 29, 2007
“United States Patent and Trademark No. 1,139,254 is not much to look at: a pentagon surrounding a childlike drawing of a seagull in flight. But the design for a Levi’s pocket, first used 133 years ago, has become the biggest legal battleground in American fashion. Levi Strauss claims that legions of competitors have stolen its signature denim stitches, two intersecting arcs and a cloth label.” Levi’s has filed over 100 lawsuits since 2001. “That’s far more than General Motors, Walt Disney or Nike, according to an analysis by research firm Thomson West. The lawsuits, which Levi’s says it is compelled to file to safeguard the defining features on its jeans, are not about the money — one settled for just $5,000 in damages. Instead, the company says, they are about removing copycats from stores. Nearly all the cases have settled out of court, with Levi’s smaller rivals agreeing to stop making the offending pants and to destroy unsold pairs."
Levi Strauss has filed numerous lawsuits against a bunch of companies in an attempt to protect its signature back pocket denim stitches. Guess, Von Dutch, Jones Apparel, Diesel, and Evisu are only a few of the companies targeted out of the one hundred lawsuits that Levi’s has filed since 2001. Many companies are upset because they feel their logos and jeans are unique and different from Levi’s signature stitches and the only reason Levi’s has targeted them is due to the huge losses and financial problems with the Levi Company. I feel this will create a bad image for Levi’s jeans because they have even filed lawsuits against companies whose logos are obviously similar but unique, like the Evisu logo. I think this will lead consumers to believe that Levi’s is not a strong company that can compete with other jean companies, due to their failure to capitalize and adapt to the popular fashion trends of jeans over the last several years. These lawsuits have made Levi’s the victim of numerous jokes on news shows, such as the Colbert Report.

By ERIC NUSBAUM
Article#2- 1/31/07

I AM TRIBECA, DE NIRO CLAIMS

December 31, 2006 -- NOTORIOUSLY grumpy Robert De Niro is convinced he owns the rights to the name "Tribeca" and has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the owner of the independent community arts Web site Tribeca.net.
Site members, who include artists, writers, performers and clergy, were devastated when they heard of De Niro's action.
"He's acting like a real bully," says site owner Chuck Harris. He says he registered the domain name in 1995 and finally got the site off the ground last June.
De Niro, an early pioneer downtown, opened two restaurants with Drew Nieporent, Tribeca Grill in 1990 and Nobu in 1994. The star also founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002. He now claims that Tribeca.net is an infringement of the festival's copyright and wants Harris to turn over an "accounting of all revenues" earned by the site.

I was very shocked when I first read this story because I never associated Robert DeNiro as being somewhat of a bull as he was described in the story. I found it interesting that DeNiro claims he in fact coined the term “tribeca”. I also found it interesting that he founded the site in 1995, but it just recently has been getting recognition.I also was unaware that DeNiro also started the Tribeca film festival in 2002. I feel like the creators of tribeca.net is an infringing on the festivals copyright mainly because its recognition is associated with the word and festival tribeca, which De Niro devised.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12312006/gossip/pagesix/pagesix.htm

By: Danielle Douglas-Jones

Zink Prints Without Ink

By: Lance Ulanoff
PC Magazine
Jan 31,2007

New printing technology and paper combine to output digital images without ink.

PALM SPRINGS—Printers are cheap; one can be purchased for as little as $49. But how would printer manufacturers survive without selling ink, as well? ZINK, a start up, doesn't care.
Printers all need their regular fix of consumables that include photo paper, and, of course, ink—a key method of making money for Epson, HP, Lexmark, and Canon.

ZINK's new patented print technology (the company claims over 100 patents), introduced here at DEMO 07, doesn't need ink wells to create a photo. Instead, it uses special paper, which includes a layer of dye crystals sealed under a special polymer coating-embedded paper, and a portable printer. The printer doesn't have ink cartridges or ribbons, instead applying heat to the special paper, which then, according to ZINK (which stands for "Zero Ink"), "colorizes the crystals" and apparently brings them through to the surface of the paper. The end result is a color photo.

I think that the idea of the "Zink" printer would be very appealing to consumers. For one, printer ink can be very expensive, the printer alone may only be $100, but the replacement cartridges can be $50 each. Every time you need more ink it is like buying another printer. Therefore, I think customers will like the fact that they won't have to buy replacement cartridges. Another reason why consumers may buy this product is because it is better for the environment because of the none use of ink and less packaging. But, for the companies like HP, Cannon, and Lexmark will they be able to continue to make a profit for years to come? I don't think that this will be a product that will make as much of a profit as the printers that are on the market today. I think this because after the printers are sold how do the companies continue to make a profit off them as they today? The only real solution to this is to price the Zink printer very high compared to what printers are going for today. In all, I think this is a good technological idea that consumers will like, but I'm not sure how much profit the Zink printers will make in future.

Lauren Parolin

Levi’s Turns to Suing Its Rivals

By Michael Barbaro and Julie Creswell

Levi Strauss once known as the king of Denim has now taken a new crown. Upon filing more then 100 lawsuits for trademark infringements against its competitors since 2001, it has become the most litigious company in the apparel industry. According to Levi's the lawsuits are about protecting its defining features on its jeans, not about the money. One suit settled for a mere $5,000. Nearly all of the cases have settles out of court ending with the rival companies destroying unsold pairs of the offending pant and taking them off the market.
Competitors are lashing out saying the lawsuits are a result of a poor company which missed many key market opportunities in the denim industry. While premium denim sales were on the rise Levi's were still selling jeans to Kmart for $30. Not until last year did it release their own line of premium denim called Capital E.
I think Levi's has every right to protect their back pocket stitching. It is very important for a brand to develop their own logo tabs and stitching because it is how different jeans are distinguished. Levi's had sued Wrangler previously in the 1970's, when business was booming, which proves they want to preserve their intellectual property regardless of the company's economic status. If they ignored counterfeit products their brand would suffer. Although the differences in stitching are blatently obvious for the companies, it is definatly harder for their consumers to tell the differences. Customers might not recognizethe different brands and would in turn get frustrated with the Levi's. I completely agree with Levi's for suing even higher end brands for trademark infringements because it can ulitmately ruin their brand.

For the full length article click here !

By Alexandra Verni

Sean John Canada

Published: Monday, December 11, 2006
By Liza Casabona
WWD.com

Sean John Canada launched a consumer-oriented anticounterfeiting campaign in Canada called "Don't Buy a Lie" in early December. According to a statement from the brand's Canadian arm, the campaign will promote awareness about what items are real, what are fake and the impact of purchasing fakes. The "Don't Buy a Lie" campaign will authenticate garments and certify dealers through hangtags and counter cards educating consumers about how to tell if something is genuine.

I think this is a great idea! When you purchase Sean John clothes in Canada they will give you a hand tag or a card that shows the customer that what they are buying is real. This is so important because today knock-off clothing looks so similar to the real ones that you could be paying full price for something that isn't even real. Not only is this good because the customer knows the product is real but the company is showing an interest in making sure their customer is happy. This is a great strategy because they are showing they care about the customer by going through such great lengths to let them know it is the real thing. This extra effort lets customers know that this brand is worth their money which will ensure sucess for Sean John.

Kristy LoSacco

Girls Gone Wild To Launch Apparel Collection For Men And Women
January 25, 2007 2:25 p.m. EST
Shaveta Bansal - All Headline News Staff Writer

New York, NY (AHN) - Lifestyle video entertainment company, Girls Gone Wild, has announced its plans to launch contemporary apparel collection for men and women. The collection line, which includes sportswear, loungewear, intimate apparel and swimwear, will make its debut at international trade show MAGIC in February 2007.
According to the company, the swim collection has been designed by leading fashion designer Ashley Paige, famous for her handmade knit bikinis, and the loungewear and intimate apparel have been designed by BB Originals.
The design team will be headed by celebrity stylist, Jennifer Mallini and the sales efforts will be taken care of by Maury Winnick.
"The Girls Gone Wild's brand has become a celebrity and icon in its own right," says Joe Francis, founder of the company. "The clothing collection is our next step for continuing the growth of the brand and the affinity with our fans; there's a little Girls Gone Wild in every woman and our clothing line helps them to express that."
Retail price for tops will range in between $32 to $72; outerwear, $98 to $198; bottoms from $72 to $148.

I feel this is a great opportunity for girls gone wild. It sounds like it will be a very young, trendy and sexy line that a lot of girls will be interested to see. There targeting a wide range of women of all ages and yet still keeping the men in min. They are making a wide variety of clothing from intimates to sportswear and are basically covering all the bases. I feel this is a great way to jump start the company and inrease profit. Having different talent running the show gives it more of an edge. it's unexpected and that's why I think people will be interested in seeing it. I feel the tradeshow will help boost it's image and get the name reallty out there. It's debuting this February which is in a week. If the line is successful I feel the company will have a lot of licensing opportunites heading its way.

By: Michelle Petreski

Hanky Panky Unveils First Bra Line

By Karyn Monget
WWD

Hanky Panky has two things to celebrate for fall: its 30th anniversary in business and the launch of the first collection of bras bearing the Hanky Panky label. Known for sleek and comfortable nylon thongs of signature lace, as well as a range of classic and fashion daywear and sleepwear items, the Hanky Panky brand is a consistent bestseller at major department and specialty stores as well as boutiques, according to retailers.

The collection consists of four signature stretch lace styles that can be matched with boy-cut briefs or thongs, including the trademarked Most Comfortable Thong. Styles include a contoured underwire demi-cup, a contoured triangle number, a smooth contoured underwire style and a fashion underwire demi-cup with contrast stitching. Underwire bra sizes range from 32A to 36D. Soft-cup styles go to 36C. Solid colors include black, pink, chocolate, taupe, wedgewood blue and ruby for holiday selling. There also is a leopard-printed signature lace style trimmed with black lace and a center-front mini black satin ribbon bow.Several styles feature an "extra-support sling" at the base of the cup to lend additional support or place cookies to enhance push-up cleavage. Other special treatments include two strap sets at the back, one standard strap and one that is closer set, allowing each to be hooked together or be crisscrossed. First-year wholesale sales are projected at $5 million, said Brenda Berger, vice president of sales.

As a bra and fit specialist at Bloomingdale's, I know for a fact that this brand expansion will be very successful because Hank Panky products are so popular at the store. The Hanky Panky thongs are the number one panties at Bloomingdale's as well as Saks and Henri Bendel.
The brand is so popular that customers come in just for the thongs, therefore when the bras will be in the stores, the sales will skyrocket because women will finally be able to have matching bras to their Hanky Panky thongs.
It seems that the company has planned everything from a wide size range to convertible bras and varied colors and patterns.
Overall, this will definitely be a success and I will certainly be one of their first customers.

-By Marine Ravera-

Microsoft Vista's China Debut Raises Piracy Issue

BEIJING (Reuters)- Microsoft Corporation rolled out Windows Vista at retailers around the world on Tuesday, hoping to dazzle customers with new multimedia features, while in China the focus turned to its new anti-piracy properties.
Washington said last month that U.S. companies are still suffering "unacceptably high" losses in China due to counterfeiting and piracy.
Many products seem to be rapidly counterfeited in China, including purses and accessories, DVD's, music and so much more. The exciting news about the release of Microsoft's new software was short lived because of this major problem. I believe something drastic needs to be done in order to protect merchandize created in the U.S.
With pirated copies already available in Beijing, Microsoft has been doing a lot to reduce the impact of piracy on the product. Vice President Scott Di Valerio says that "there will be reduced functionality that will occur if you run non-genuine versions of the software".
The article reads on to say that, ironically, Apple Inc. asserts that Vista is a copycat version of its Mac OS X Tiger operating system that previously came out with similar features.
I think this article proves that innovation is becoming a challenge in today's world and something needs to be done to insure that these innovations are protected. I am excited for the release of Microsoft's new Vista software and I hope that the issue of piracy is taken very seriously in the future.

By Adrian Reamey

Calvin Klein Tees Off With Windsong-Assignment #2

Calvin Klein Tees Off With Windsong
Published: Friday, January 26, 2007
By Marc Karimzadeh
NEW YORK — Calvin Klein Inc. is stepping onto the fairway.CKI inked a licensing deal with Windsong Sport LLC, the division of the Windsong Allegiance Group, to launch the Calvin Klein Golf collection. Windsong will manufacture and distribute the line, which will be part of the company's better-priced white label assortment and include women's and men's golf apparel as well as accessories. Windsong Sport president Fran Matthews also will become president of the company's new Calvin Klein Golf division. http://www.wwd.com/search/article/112214?query=licensing

I feel that Calvin Klein's new golf line can definitely become successful because it is already a very well respected brand. Calvin Klein's jeans are extremely well known that this new collection should not have a problem getting publicized. After researching Windsong Allegiance Group, it was evident that they licensed and with a variety of private labels such as Alexander Julian Private Reserve, Alexander Julian American Modern, Alexander Julian Colours, Como Sport, Pivot Rules, Navy Cutter, Pennant, Windsong, Stanley Blacker and Hawaiian Tropic. Calvin Klein will help the publicity of Windong Allegiance. The Windsong Allegiance Group has expertise in the golf industry already so I think it was a good licensing agreement between both companies.
It was stated that that retail price for the women's Calvin Klein Golf line ranges from $80 to $100 for pants, $100 to $225 for sweaters and $75 to $80 for knits. These prices are not very expensive which will benefit the sales for the merchandise. This Calvin Klein line is expected to launch next holiday season and I think it will be a success.

Stephanie Faber

President Von Furstenberg Sets Agenda

by. Marc Karimzadeh with contributions by Rosemary Feitleberg
WWD.com

“Diane von Furstenberg's first adjustment at the Council of Fashion Designers of America might come as a surprise to members — she wants everyone to wear name tags at meetings…..Given her extensive Rolodex and recognition beyond Seventh Avenue, von Furstenberg has already been able to make her mark in Washington, where she has helped kick off an initiative to fight to protect original designs and antipiracy rules. On her first visit last October, she managed to have face time with the likes of Congressional members Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Nancy Pelosi, Olympia Snow, Maxine Waters and Diane Feinstein. "It is very important that design is recognized and copyright is recognized," she said.”

What Diane Von Furstenberg wants to do is something that all American designers would love, is to copyright their designs. Right after their designs are made public, whether it be on the red carpert or the runway they are kncoked-off nearly exactly and are in the stores before the designers can get into the stores. The companys that knock off the designs are so brazen enough to make an exact replica of the original and sell it at a much lesser price. This practice isn't fair and there should be some kind of law restricting it.

"NBA is on the Case"

"All -Star game could produce a lot of fakes"

"The National Basketball Association rarely misses an opportunity to market itself and next month's All-Star Game is no exception. The big event in Las Vegas will be an opportunity to sell merchandise as well as play basketball.
While the league was beginning its playoff schedule last April, league officials along with area politicians, entertainers, dignitaries -- and a casino mogul whose family happens to own a team in California -- gathered at the Fashion Show Mall to reveal the event's logo and launch the sale of memorabilia for a game 10 months off."
By Arnold M. Knightley

The NBA is having their All- Star game in Las Vegas. This gives them an opportunity to sell a lot of their merchandise. Although the All- Star game is coming up in Febuary, the merchandise has been on the market for several months now.

NBA had come together with Reebok in the past. Now Reebok has been replaced by Adidas . Adidas, who has partnered with the NBA to manufacture merchandise, has just begun it's 11 year partnership worth $ 400 million. Stores nationwide have authentic NBA merchandise. The location of these stores includes 30 cities that have teams in the NBA. Once the starters for the game have been announced on January 25th, more merchandise will be available.

NBA's sales figures have increased seven percent from the previous years. It is believed that the early distribution of their merchandise is part of the reason why sales figures have increased. Merchandise has been available since April of 2006. This is the earliest that the NBA has ever started selling merchandise for the All- Star game.

Although figures are up, the NBA has other concerns to deal with. Las Vegas is a great location to hold the game and sell merchandise. A big issue for them is that merchandise is being counterfeited. The NBA wants to prevent counterfeiting of merchandise in order to maintain a strong relationship with the fans and also to protect their brand. They don't want to be associated with poor quality merchandise that is being sold elsewhere in the Las Vegas area. Authentic NBA merchandise is high quality and very durable.The NBA feels that if fans buy counterfeit merchandise, that falls apart due to poor quality, this will affect how the fans view the NBA.

There is action being taken in order to stop, or at least minimize, counterfeit merchandise from being sold. Officials will be on the lookout for any counterfeit merchandise in and around the Las Vegas area from now until the day of the game. These officials will be attending any concerts, games or any other special events where the opportunity to sell merchandise will present itself. Anyone who is caught selling counterfeit merchandise will be arrested and prosecuted.
by Nallely Gallardo

Cisco sues Apple over use of iPhone trademark

By Marguerite Reardon and Tom Krazit






update Cisco Systems has filed a lawsuit against Apple accusing the company of infringing its iPhone trademark, the networking company said Wednesday.
The suit also accuses the iPod maker of using a front company to try to acquire rights to the name. Cisco accused Apple in a suit filed in United States District Court for the Northern District of California of willingly infringing its trademark when it announced the new iPhone at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco on Tuesday. Cisco said in the complaint that Apple had attempted to get rights to the iPhone name several times, but after Cisco refused, the company created a front company to try to acquire the rights another way, according to the lawsuit....
http://news.com.com/Cisco+sues+Apple+over+use+of+iPhone+trademark/2100-1047_3-6149285.html

I feel that Cisco has every right to sue Apple for trademark agreement on its iphone. Cisco trademarked the name iphone in 2000 and has every right not to allow Apple to use the name for their new cell phone. What was most disturbing to me was that even though apple could not obtain the rights to use the name they still went ahead and launched their new cell phone called iphone. Having two different phones from different companies with the same name will cause confusion in the consumers mind and could ultimately hurt the Cisco product because when everyone hears iphone now they think of the Apple phone and not of the trademarked Cisco product.
By Lori Berman

THQ locks up UFC license
Publisher steps into The Octagon, signs on to make games based on mixed martial arts brand for the next five years.
By Brendan Sinclair, GameSpot
Posted Jan 16, 2007 1:27 pm PT

THQ has long been a purveyor of sweaty, half-naked men grappling with one another, having published numerous wrestling games based on the WWE in the past decade, as well as several WCW titles before that. Today the company announced that it would add to that heritage with an exclusive worldwide licensing deal to publish games based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand through 2011.

Under the agreement, THQ is able to create games for all current and next-gen platforms, handhelds, and PCs. The publisher also gets "certain wireless rights" under the deal.

The UFC has been running Pay-Per-View events since 1993, but in recent years has found growing prominence on cable, with the reality TV series "The Ultimate Fighter" entering its fifth season on Spike TV. The UFC is also one of Microsoft's content partners for downloadable shows over Xbox Live Video Marketplace.
Several game companies have taken a swing at the license before, starting with Crave's Ultimate Fighting Championship on the Dreamcast, which was developed by Anchor. While it was critically well received, subsequent UFC games did not fare as well, and the license has been dormant since 2004's UFC: Sudden Impact.

I think THQ has made a smart decision in taking the UFC under their wing. I feel this is also a good oppotunity for the UFC to further advertise itself. THQ has had great responses to other wrestling games and this more or less falls into that category. I myself find the UFC to be quite entertaining and feel that this licensing deal with THQ will lead it into a whole other marketplace. These days video games are becoming more and more realistic. Technology has allowed these new systems to break barriers and games have become increasingly detailed and graphic. In know from my own experience this really fascinates younger boys. I have a younger brother who loves these games and owns every imagineable system. The purpose of this he says is that each system allows him to view the same game differently. New systems are not only selling themselves, but thefact that THQ is always redeveloping these games to go along with these systems will definetly bring the UFC into the consumers eye.

by Michelle Petreski

SpongeBob Goes Trendy to Win Japan Fans

By The Associated Press


Spongebob wasn't supposed to have much success in Japan, a country known to love more cuddly characters like Hello Kitty and Pikachu. However the buck-toothed sponge is proving everyone wrong. Spongebob is attracting an audience of 1.9 million Japanese viewers and as much as $25 million in merchandise sales for Nikelodeon. The international campaign is doing so well by targeting young, trendy women through licensed products.

I think this is a great opportunity for international expansion for Nickelodeon. By targeting a slightly older audience this helps to create more of a buzz rather then a short lived fad. I think it will be very interesting to see the progress of Spongebob in Japan. If it is successful there could more room for more Nickolodeon to expand their products and other characters over there as well.

To read the full length article check out the New York Times.


By Alexandra Verni.

Coach Launching 1st Scent

Coach to Launch 1st Scent

WWD, January 19, 2007. By Julie Laughton

To all you Coach fans out there that think you have it all, Think Again. Coach, a company founded as a leather goods firm, has decided to add more customer value by entering the world of beauty. Coach’s first perfume will be produced through a license with BeautyBank, a divison of Estee Lauder Cos. It is a scent that is untraditional yet timeless that gives the feeling of high expense, but little maturity. The bottle design and colors are inspired by the Coach Resort Collection. The perfume collection consists of a 1.7-oz. eau de parfum spray for $68, a 8-ml purse spray at $42, and a 0.15-oz. solid perfume for $40. The purse spray is believed to be a great idea for Coach, especially since the company was founded as a handbag distributor. BeautyBank will also be setting their own achievement by producing these perfumes for it will be their first upscale project after making scent lines for Kohl’s Department Stores.

The perfume collection will be launched in March with an expectancy to increase sales and customer traffic in stores, with an estimated $20 million sales increase in one year. Coach’s entrance into the beauty world shows how companies are expanding their product width to appeal to more customers through licensing.

To get a sniff of this new perfume, look for the scent strip in fashion magazines this April!

Patrycja Targonski

Big Labels Offer Free Music to College Students
By: Saul Hansell

In one attempt to counter music piracy, major music labels have agreed to support a service that will offer free music downloads- with some substantial restrictions- to any college student.

Four major record labels and several independent labels have agreed to license their music to Ruckus Network. The service will be supported by advertising on its website and on the software used to download and play songs. The music will be licensed out at a lower rate than the mass market because it is strictly for college students only.
These new site will benefit not only the college students, but it will also benefit they labels representing the artist. Normally on radio the labels do not gain a profit. However, on this site the labels will share in the advertising revenue.
This new service will be made available for anyone who has a email address ending in .Edu. Because alumni and employees of the colleges also may have a .Edu email it is required that the service will ask if the user is a student. If the user is not a student then a fee of $ 8.95 will be expected.
unfortunately the site cannot be downloaded onto everything. Because Ruckus uses Microsoft Windows media the songs can only be used on a PC. The music cannot play on Microsoft Zune player, the ipod, and Mac computers.
I think that this will be a popular site for many college students. Most people have PC's that are not Mac's and it is great that we can get free music without having to worry about getting into trouble.

Written by: Suzanne Reilly

Diesel Wins Injunction in Copyright Case

WWD.com
Published Thursday, January 11, 2007
By Jeanine Poggl

Diesel U.S.A. won a permanent injunction and final judgement on consent against Chic Lady Ltd. and its owner, Michael Kamali, for copyright infringement.

Diesel filed a lawsuit in October because the retailer Chic Lady Ltd. copied their "D" on their jeans. Due to this Chic Lady Ltd. cannot make any more jeans with that "D". I don't understand why Chic Lady Ltd. wouldn't look more into the style of their letters before they made their jeans. I feel they may have been trying to trick their customers in thinking the jeans were something they weren't. If I bought jeans from them and found this out I wouldn't want to shop there any more because I would feel like I was purchasing knock off clothes.

Kristy LoSacco

Italian court: Downloading OK if not for profit

Decision overturns convictions of students who set up file-sharing network


MILAN, Italy - Italy's top criminal court has ruled that downloading music, movies and software over the Internet isn't a crime if profit wasn't the motivation, though analysts questioned Monday whether the ruling would have much effect on copyright laws.The court's decision, issued earlier this month but reported over the weekend by the Italian media, overturns earlier convictions against two former Turin Polytechnic Institute students who set up in 1994 a peer-to-peer, file-sharing network that was shut down within months.

I found this article to be pretty interesting, but more importantly about how the top court in Milan ruled that downloading music, or movies is ok only if there isn’t a financial profit. Many students and young adults would agree that this ruling passed by the highest court in Italy shows that the government is aware of the interest of simply listening to music for a personal and simple pleasure. Although I do agree with this ruling being passed, it will not have any affect in the state of Italy because there was prior legislation that stated anyone or persons that shared material over the internet was are in fact breaking copyright laws. Downloading music and movies, despite the fact that there was no personal financial gain, is still recognized as illegal.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16756121/

Paris Hilton Builds on Risque Lifestyle

By: WWD
By Julee Greenberg
NEW YORK — Parents probably don't want their teenage daughters to become as notorious as Paris Hilton, but will they want them to dress like her?

Retailers are about to find out, since the actress/model/famous-for-being-famous Hilton is about to become the latest celebutante to launch her own line of contemporary sportswear and lingerie (including undies — perhaps destined for free-as-the-breeze former pal Britney Spears).

The collections will be introduced at retail for fall 2007.

I am not sure how this line is going to do because she is one of those celebrities that people are not to fond of. It is possible that her line could do well just because of the fact that consumers want to dress like celebrities and wearing one of their lines is as close as someone could get.One good thing is she has lingerie and their are not many celebrities who have lingerie lines, so she could do very well in that department. But since she licensed out her whole name it could be very successful line, but she is envolved with the designers, but who knows how long that is going to last! We just have to wait and see when the line comes out!!!!

By: Brittany Miguel

Adidas Launches Originals NBA Superstar Footwear Collection

PORTLAND, November 30th 2006
Adidas launches Originals NBA Superstar Footwear Collection
On Friday, December 1st 2006, Adidas had launched the highly anticipated Originals NBA Superstar Collection. The footwear package includes 30 sneakers – one for each team in the NBA – with official NBA branding, team colors and logos featured prominently on Adidas’ most iconic lifestyle silhouette: the Superstar. The Adidas Originals NBA Superstars are the first EVER sneaker range to feature all 30 teams in the NBA alongside the official NBA logo. They are also the first Adidas and NBA co-branded footwear offered at retail since the announcement of the 11 year partnership making Adidas the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, the WNBA and the NBA Development League. http://www.press.adidas.com/au/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-4/79_read-7365/
adidas Press Room - Press Releases

USA : Adidas kicks off phase 2 of originals NBA superstar footwear launch
January 9, 2007
On January 5, 2007 Adidas kicked off Phase 2 of the Originals NBA Superstar launch, expanding US distribution and adding top European and Asian markets to the mix. The 30 strong collection of sneakers -- one for each team in the NBA – was launched in US NBA markets exclusively and in limited numbers only on December 1, 2006. The shoes have since flown off the shelves nationwide with top selling models including the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and current NBA Champions, the Miami Heat. Indeed the NBA Store in New York City has cited the Originals NBA Superstar Collection as the most successful footwear launch in the store's history, contributing to unprecedented holiday sales and their strongest footwear month on record. January's rollout will broaden distribution to several hundred doors nationwide including Footlocker's flagship locations in Times Square and at 34th Street in New York City. Footlocker's top doors nationally will carry all 30 models in the collection. http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/company-news/adidas-salomon/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=28852

I think that this was a great promotional idea for the holiday season. Now that these sneakers became such a hot item, Adidas has decided to globally market and introduce their shoes internationally. These superstar footwear are a great collaboration with the NBA because it gives Adidas basically sole licensing of all NBA sports team logos and names with which they can further create new sportswear and footwear. This also allows Adidas to target a wide range of customers globally and internationally, because it gives Adidas an advantage of creating sportswear and fashion that utilizes popular sports team brands and logos. Furthermore, it allows Adidas more freedom to create and market new and old accessories that compliment their new designs of apparel and footwear. It also gives the customer a variety of choices and allows them to represent their favorite teams. This marketing of a sport allows Adidas, not only to sell fashionable shoes to pre-existing customers, but also allows them to gain new customers who are interested inbasketball and the NBA. Through this innovative licensing agreement, Adidas is able to broaden their strategies of sponsorship, by creating traditional, venue, and endorsement rights. From an advertising point of view, this strategy can be used as a strong tool for Adidas to define who their target market is, as well as, creating new markets where they will be most successful and most appealing to customers. Check out the whole Adidas NBA superstar collection athttp://www.hypebeast.com/2006/11/adidas-nba-superstars-series/
Adidas NBA Superstars Series | Hypebeast - Online Magazine for Fashion, Sneakers, and Culture
BY: ERIC NUSBAUM

Jimi Hendrix Energy Drink in Works

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A new energy drink doesn't promise to give you the juice to play guitar like Jimi Hendrix, but it does hope to give you a ''Liquid Experience.''
Beverage Concepts says its nonalcoholic ''Liquid Experience'' drinks, named for Hendrix's breakthrough album, ''Are You Experienced?'' will debut in April.

The concept is irking some Hendrix fans, many of whom still consider him the greatest guitarist of all time.
The image of Hendrix, who died in 1970 from a drug overdose in London, has been licensed for products including baby clothing, an air freshener, lava lamp and a Christmas ornament. Portions of royalties have gone to several educational causes, including the United Negro College Fund, said Bruce Kuhlman, director of licensing and brand development for Authentic Hendrix, the Seattle-based company that controls use of Hendrix's name and images.

I am personally against this new concept because such a great musician could definitely be remembered by things that are more meaningful than an energy drink. This idea is purely based on marketing and the drink company's desire to become more popular. Unfortunately, I believe that the product will be unsuccessful and instead Hendrix should be honored in another way such as a concert hosted by current rock musicians and money spent for tickets and drinks should be given to a foundation of their choice.

For more information:

Authentic Hendrix: http://www.authentichendrix.com

Beverage Concepts: http://www.beverageconcepts.net

By Marine Ravera

Speedo in Licensing Deal With Mitsui & Co.

Published: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 Speedo in Licensing Deal With Mitsui & Co.
By Samantha Conti

Speedo has formed a new strtegic alliance in Japan with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. The deal will begin June 1st. Mitsui is one of the largest enterprises in Japan. As part of the deal, Goldwin Inc. has been granted the exclusive licensing and distribution rights for the core Speedo product categories of swimwear, apparel and equipment. Speedo’s current licensee in Japan is Mizuno Corp and they will no longer work together as of May 31.

I think this article showed a good example of licensing. It also shows how companies can change licensing deal with other licensee's. I think it was a smart idea for Speedo to join with Mitsui because they are a large enterprise and only good come from this.


Melissa D'Elia

Record Labels Contemplate Unrestricted Digital Music

CANNES, France, Jan.22

As even digital music revenue growth falters because of rampant file-sharing by consumers, the major record labels are moving closer to releasing music on the Internet with no copying restrictions--a step they once vowed never to take.

Ever since the invention of the MP3 player, digital music has been regarded as practically "free". It is so easy to illegally download music without even thinking about the record companies who are drastically losing money. It seems as though they are now finally doing somthing about it.

The EMI Group is now going to offer free streaming music on Baidu.com, the leading Web site and search engine in China, where 90 percent of music is pirated. The two companies are looking into developing an advertising-supported music downloading service. This past summer EMI licensed its recording to Qtrax, an ad-supported music distribution service. I think this will be an excellent way to download music while still giving recognition to artists and copyright shareholders.

Record labels have been trying to keep sales up without giving in to the power of the Internet and free music downloads. We know that itunes has been offering services that are cheap and easy, but why pay a dollar when you can get it for free? I think the record companies are now on the right track about partnering up with advertising-supported music sites.

By Adrian Reamey

Badgley Mischka Gets Intimate

WWD.com
Published: Monday, January 22, 2007
Badgley Mischka Gets Intimate
By Karyn Monget

Badgley Mischka Spring 2007 CollectionThe first collection of lingerie bearing the Badgley Mischka Couture name will be launched for holiday licensing deal with Ariela-Alpha International was coordinated by Badgley Mischka's parent, the Iconix Brand Group, which started a number of licenses for Badgley Mischka last year, including fragrance, handbags, eyewear and cold-weather accessories. Daywear and sleepwear will be added next year, as well as a secondary lingerie label, Badgley Mischka Platinum.

I Feel That Bagdley Mishka will be successful with their line of lingerie. The line will have signature embroidered and beaded bras and coordinating underwear. The new lingerie line will go hand in hand with the Badgley Mishka ready-to-wear line, the lingerie is not meant to be hidden but rather to help enhance the Badgley Mishka dresses. This is what makes this line unique because every underwear set is made to worn with a gown from Badgley Mishka's ready-to-wear line. The Badgley Mishka customers were also looking for lingerie to wear with the clothes so it's seems to fit right in with the other licensing ventures the company has already. The Ariela-Alpha company is expecting to make a 3 to 5 million wholesale profit in the first year from the lingerie line.

By: Lauren Parolin

Aguilera and P&G Sign Fragrance Deal

Published: Friday, January 12, 2007 Aguilera and P&G Sign Fragrance DealBy Jennifer Weil

Jennifer Weil states, "PARIS — Procter & Gamble Prestige Products has just inked a long-term licensing deal to create Christina Aguilera fragrances. The terms of the partnership with the singer were not disclosed when the deal was announced Thursday. “We were looking for a brand to complement our portfolio," said Heike Hinterland, global marketing director, prestige products at P&G, in a telephone interview Thursday. She added that the company was looking to go after young, trendy consumers, in and around the 15-to-25 age demographic..." http://www.wwd.com/search/article/111915?query=licensing

I feel that this product can be successful because Christina Aguilera has sold over 25 million albums. With a new album that recently emerged, she is becoming more accepted in the media because she strives to relate to young women. Many young women see her as a role model and will hopefully want to purchase this product. When a celebrity develops their own fragrance, it will also improve their publicity in the media. The cosmetic industry already has a large variety of cosmetic products that has a licensed deal with celebrities, but as long as Proctor & Gamble can advertise and market this new product positively to the media, it should become successful in the cosmetic industry.

Stephanie Faber

Licensing-2 Blog Spot

Spring 2007