The following was issued by Digital Blue today:
Digital Blue Announces Strategic Licensing Partnerships with Top Entertainment Properties — LEGO, World Wrestling Entertainment and Bakugan
Agreements Enable Digital Blue to Expand Successful Disney Female-Oriented Line and Create Exclusive Electronics Products for Youth and Teen Male Consumers
2009 International CES
ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Digital BlueTM, a leading innovator in electronics and software for the youth and teen market, today announced licensing partnerships with three of the world??’s most recognized and respected entertainment properties ??? LEGO Systems, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Bakugan.
The agreements enable Digital Blue to build on the success of its female-oriented Disney product line and create exclusive brand-inspired lines of electronics gear targeted to the youth and teen male consumer. Per the terms of the agreements, Digital Blue products to be developed include: MP3 players, digital and video cameras, alarm clock radios, boom boxes and more.
???Digital Blue is excited to work with and develop exclusive product lines for companies which are known throughout the world as pioneers and innovators,??? said Tim Hall, CEO of Digital Blue. ???The agreements allow Digital Blue to strategically expand its target demographic by creating product lines for the youth and teen male audience, while providing each licensor the opportunity to offer cost conscious and cutting-edge products under their established brand.???
“We are thrilled to work with Digital Blue because of its expertise in the consumer electronics industry,” said Jill Wilfert, vice president of licensing for LEGO Group. “Digital Blue will help bring the LEGO brand to life in an all-new way for its fans. This partnership will enable fans to express themselves through photos, videos and music, while displaying their enthusiasm for one of the world’s all-time favorite toys.”
???With unique product concepts and a growing presence at retail, Digital Blue is an ideal partner with which to introduce the first-ever line of Bakugan consumer electronics,??? said Christina Miller, vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the exclusive U.S. licensing agent for Bakugan. ???We???re pleased to strategically expand the brand??’s consumer products line with a leading industry partner.???
Under the agreements Digital Blue will create products in the following categories. Specific product details will be announced soon.
* LEGO ??? Digital cameras, MP3 players, BIONICLE-inspired digital cameras, digital video cameras, speakers, walkie talkies and accessory cases
* WWE ??? Digital cameras, boom boxes, alarm clock radios, MP3 players, walkie talkies and accessory cases
* Bakugan ??? Consumer electronics line surrounding Nelvana and Spin Master??’s hit Bakugan franchise, including digital cameras, alarm clock radios, walkie talkies and MP3 players
Products from Digital Blue will begin to appear on store shelves in May 2009 at price points ranging from $14.99 to $79.99 and will be available at major retailers.
To learn more about Digital Blue and its products visit www.digiblue.com.
About Digital Blue
Digital Blue introduces today??’s youth to a world of technology, innovation, design and fun. As a leading developer of interactive youth electronics and software, the company provides high quality, affordable products for kids, tweens and teens. Digital Blue is a strategic licensing partner for major entertainment brands including Disney, Warner Brothers, LEGO, WWE Inc. and has received industry acclaim from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, iParenting, NAPPA and LIMA.
Founded in 2001, Digital Blue is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and operates four global offices. For more information about Digital Blue, its products, licenses and industry recognition please visit www.digiblue.com.
About LEGO
The LEGO Group (www.LEGO.com) is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials for children. The company is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities through its products, which can be purchased in more than 130 countries.
LEGO, BIONICLE and their respective logos are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ?? 2009 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.
About WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. is an integrated media and entertainment company that features a portfolio of specialized businesses that create and deliver original content for a cultivated, passionate and intensely loyal customer base. The company markets and distributes this original content under the WWE brand. WWE has been the recognized leader in entertainment for more than 25 years and has developed into one of the most popular and sophisticated forms of global entertainment today.
All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
About Cartoon Network Enterprises
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel’s growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of animation franchises including Ben 10, Foster??’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Chowder, The Secret Saturdays, The Powerpuff Girls, [adult swim] and more, as well as serves as licensing agent for Nelvana Enterprises and Spin Master??’s Bakugan brand.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.??’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.