Bulldog Licensing has formed a partnership with Brazier & Co to create a plush line based on classic animation property Roobarb and Custard. Brazier & Co will develop a range of Roobarb and Custard items for retail, which will include large plush, beanies, and clippers.

Characters Roobarb and Custard were created by Grange Calveley in the early 1970s and starred in the Bob Godfrey-directed BBC cartoon series Roobarb. After only one season the series left the air, but returned in 2005 as Roobarb and Custard Too. The show has since been broadcast regularly by Channel Five, pulling in a new generation of fans.

Amscan Inc., its division Grasslands Road, and its related subsidiary Anagram International, Inc. have secured licenses with Pretty Ugly, LLC to create a complete line of Uglydoll-branded decorated party goods, balloons, and ceramic ware. Amscan will manufacture a party goods line that will include tableware, party invites, gift wrap, and other decorative items, while Anagram will be responsible for the manufacturing of the balloon segment. Grasslands Road has signed with Pretty Ugly to take over the manufacturing and distribution of the Uglydoll ceramic ware items.

Beginning this fall, Komar Kids will manufacture and distribute Uglydoll children’s sleepwear and robes in North America. United Legwear has signed with Pretty Ugly to manufacture and distribute socks and legwarmers for infant/toddlers, kids, and teens, as well as items for the men’s and women’s categories in North America.

Other licensees include Callaway Digital Arts, Inc. for mobile apps, FAB*Starpoint for a line of branded bags and accessories, Richard Leeds International, Inc. for sleepwear, apparel, Zak Designs for children’s dinnerware, Accessory Innovations for cold weather accessories, and Freeze for branded T-shirts and fleece apparel. Thermos will produce lunch accessories. Thumbtack Press will create a line of Uglydoll art prints. Toy Factory will produce Uglydoll-branded plush toys for North American amusement park markets.

Jakks Pacific, Inc. signed a licensing agreement with AMC to manufacture, distribute, and market Deluxe Plug It In & Play TV Games based on The Walking Dead, the original drama series on AMC. The Walking Dead Deluxe TV Games line is expected to launch at retail nationwide next fall. The Walking Dead Deluxe TV Games from Jakks features a realistic pump-and-shoot shotgun controller that plugs into the A/V jacks of any standard TV, and contains multiple games in each controller.

Jakks also signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment, LLC for a line of plush products based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad that ties into the new Marvel virtual online world, HeroUp.com. The product line is expected to include collectible plush, plush clip-ons, and large plush with online components. The line is expected to launch at specialty retailers this spring with broad distribution in mass retail channels starting in 2013. Under the same agreement, Jakks has the rights to manufacture, distribute, and market skill and action games inspired by Marvel classic characters, slated to launch this spring.

Pillow Pets is releasing new plush foldable stuffed animals of characters from Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, and Disney, among others. The newest Pillow Pets plush lines include Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Shrek and Donkey. Pillow Pets’ Disney plush characters include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Lightning McQueen (Cars), and Tow Mater (Cars). Additional new characters and styles will be introduced at Toy Fair 2012.

CJ Products offers Pillow Pets plush in a premium line for specialty retailers and a standard line for the mass marketplace. The Pillow Pets Premium plush line features softer, more luxurious fabrics and special “collector-level” branding, including an exclusive tag. The premium styles are exclusive to specialty retailers for a limited time and then introduced to the mass market as new premium styles are created.

“The premium line allows specialty retailers to offer new Pillow Pets plush before they hit the mass market,” said Jennifer Telfer, CEO of CJ Products, LLC. “This enables them to be the go-to purchasing destination for the first wave of styles.”

In collaboration with leading brands including adidas, Jerome C. Rousseau, nOir, M·A·C Cosmetics, and iHome, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) launches a Disney’s The Muppets-inspired collection spanning couture fashions and apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, electronics, and toys inspired by the film starring Jason Segal and Amy Adams in theaters November 23. Designed for the ultimate Muppets fan of all ages, the new product line features bright and bold colors and playful designs that embody the personalities and characteristics of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo, and other favorite characters.

Fashion:

With her love of the spotlight, Miss Piggy has charmed her way into super stardom, and now her “look at moi” style and attitude has inspired the pink Diva Glitter Pump by distinctive high-end women’s footwear designer Jerome C. Rousseau. Expertly handcrafted in Italy, this shoe reflects the color, curves, and drama of the fabulous Miss Piggy. The Diva Glitter Pump will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores and SaksFifthAvenue.com in January.

True to nOir Jewelry‘s style, the Muppets jewelry collection is enchanting and edgy. Comprised of necklaces, bracelets, and rings, the collection features glamorous Miss Piggy-inspired cocktail jewelry as well as quirky statement pieces inspired by the playful nature of the rest of the Muppets gang. The Muppets jewelry collection from nOir will be available on noirjewelry.com.

The adidas Originals Muppets Collection for kids takes the iconic shell toe and other styles to the next level with designs inspired by Kermit the Frog, Animal, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo. The adidas Originals Muppets Collection is available November 18 at Kids Foot Locker, select Foot Locker stores, and kidsfootlocker.com.

Threadless has released a Muppets-inspired collection of men’s and women’s tees. Following the popularity of The Muppets Design Challenge held earlier in the year, Threadless is printing 23 of the most popular Muppets designs submitted and voted on by more than 1 million members of Threadless community. Limited quantities of The Muppets Threadless tees are available on Threadless.com/themuppets.

Beauty:

Generous glamour goddess that she is, Miss Piggy is sharing her beauty with the world via a limited edition, online-exclusive, M·A·C Cosmetics collection for the eyes. The collection includes a glamorous pink frost eye shadow, black eye liner, and lashes designed to create a stunning and alluring look.

Disney and OPI introduce two enticing Muppets-inspired collections perfect for this holiday season. The Muppets Collection features six glitter-packed polishes packed with micas and sparkle creating a 3-D textured look in bright jewel tones, providing the perfect pop to any ensemble. The Miss Piggy Collection features six elegant shades ranging from softer shimmers in copper and bronze metallic hues to dramatic reds and bold burgundies. Polishes from both collections are available at professional salons and spas.

Toys & Electronics:

Disney and iHome have collaborated to make your iPod listening experience even more enjoyable with a new line of Kermit the Frog-themed iHome accessories, including speakers, headphones, and earbuds. Kermit the Frog-themed iHome accessories are available at Toys “R” Us, and Amazon this fall.

With the Kermit the Frog Wrist Band for iPod nano. The watch face can be remove and replaced with your sixth-generation iPod nano. Featuring a slap bracelet design wrapped in soft-touch silicone, it’s comfortable, fashionable, and practical. The Kermit the Frog Wrist Band from PDP is available at Apple.com, Amazon, and Dr. Botts.

What Not˙ Workshop Plush: Now you can create your own zany-looking Muppets plush with the What Not˙ Workshop only at FAO Schwarz. The workshop allows participants to create a personalized What Not˙ by selecting the eyes, nose, hair, and outfit of their choice. From cute princesses to wild monsters the options are endless!

Get reacquainted with all of the classic Muppets characters with Disney Store‘s collection of Muppets plush toys. This exclusive plush assortment includes Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, and Beaker. Muppets plush toys are an extensive collection of high-quality, uniquely detailed plush available in small, medium, and large sizes, only at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

View more photos of merchandise inspired by Disney’s Muppets by clicking here.

Disney Consumer Products debuted exclusive merchandise at its D23 Expo held inside the Disney Living Pavilion in Anaheim, Calif., August 19-21.

DCP and Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., introduced the new Rock Star Mickey interactive feature plush with a concert by Constantine Maroulis, star of Rock of Ages and former finalist on American Idol. The rocker jammed on stage with Mickey Mouse to show kids and Disney fans classic rock star moves featured in the interactive plush. The two have also teamed up for the Rock Star Mickey TV commercial, which is set to air September 6. With strong pre-sales currently underway, Rock Star Mickey is expected to be a fan favorite this holiday season, and will be available September 6 at retailers nationwide.

Mickey will show little rock stars how to jam along with the “Rock Star 101!” mode, with rock songs including “You Really Got Me.” Mickey sings, bobs his head, kick-steps, and finishes with his signature move, the Mickety-Split, where he plays the guitar with his nose.

John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, and Ronald Stroman, deputy postmaster general, unveiled the USPS Send a Hello Forever stamp series, featuring the characters of five films created by Disney·Pixar Animation Studios. Available now at usps.com, the series includes Buzz Lightyear and two of the green, three-eyed aliens from Toy Story; Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars; Remy the rat and Linguini from Ratatouille; the robot Wall·E from Wall·E; and Carl Fredricksen and Dug from Up.

Disney Store announced the worldwide debut of the Disney Princess Designer Doll Collection on August 19. Each of the 10 classic dolls are dressed in a glamorous runway inspired gown that comes in its own special collector case with a sleeve that showcases the beautiful sketch art created for each one. Disney expects the collection to be one of the most sought after items this holiday season. Starting today, one new Disney Princess Designer Doll will arrive in stores each week for 10 weeks in a random order not to be revealed to guests until each Monday when they go on sale.

Caption: Disney Store debuted its Princess Designer Doll collection in a private ceremony prior to the Legends of Disney Awards. The honorees, whose voices brought to life many of the modern-day Disney Princesses, were presented with one of the dolls by a child dressed up as the princess they honored. Honorees included Jodi Benson (Ariel from The Little Mermaid), Paige O’Hara (Belle from Beauty and the Beast), Lea Salonga (singing voices of Jasmine from Aladdin and Mulan from Mulan), Linda Larkin (speaking voice of Jasmine from Aladdin), and Anika Noni Rose (Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog).

U.S. Open Welcomes Uglydoll Characters

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Uglydoll announced today their partnership to create three limited-edition tennis-themed Uglydoll characters that will be available during this year’s U.S. Open, held in New York August 29-September 11.

The characters Ox, Big Toe, and Trunko will come with their own tennis-inspired narrative that will provide consumers with a unique and fun way to share their passion for tennis. The plush toy collection will be featured in three sizes. The toys will be available at U.S. Open event retail shops beginning August 23 and are now available at the FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue store. Consumers also will be able to purchase the merchandise online at www.uglydolls.com and www.usopenshop.org.

Jakks Pacific to Acquire Moose Mountain Toymakers

Jakks Pacific, Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Hong Kong-based Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, which sells and manufactures sports arcade products, foot-to-floor ride-ons, tents, safe soft-play environments, arcade pinball games, and wagons.

Jakks Pacific will acquire all of the shares of stock of Moose Mountain, a 15-year-old, privately held company, and its Parsippany, NJ-based affiliate, Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. The business includes licenses for well-known characters and brands, and its children’s product lines are complementary to Jakks Pacific’s product portfolio.

The transaction is scheduled to close in the third quarter of 2011, subject to third-party approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Smack Sportswear Signs Licensing Deal with National Volleyball League

Smack Sportswear (Smack), a brand of custom-designed volleyball apparel for both indoor and beach volleyball players alike, has signed a licensing deal with the National Volleyball League (NVL), the U.S.’s new professional beach volleyball tour.

Smack will design and manufacture the NVL’s licensed beach and fan wear. The NVL licensed apparel will be sold at events, VBSuperstore.com, and many volleyball specialty stores nationwide.

—Melissa Tinklepaugh

Pretty Ugly, LLC, is releasing new Uglydoll products throughout the summer and fall, including two new dolls, Ikoy Yoki and Heu Googeuy, available later this month in three sizes.

Numbered editions of the Citizens of the Uglyverse will release this summer and fall as 9-inch tall dolls. This collection features the behind-the-scenes characters in Uglyverse: “The moms and pops, the fella behind the counter, the working stiffs, and the cogs in the machine… you know… you and me! Sure the pretty hero types get all the glory, but we bake the cakes and get the dealios done, so now it’s our time for some spotlight,” according to the release.

Other products include Uglybag Drawstring Tote Bags that will premiere at the San Diego Comic Convention this month. The totes come in four styles that will be available in September. Random House will release a hardcover Uglydoll children’s book in September, titled What Dat? The Great Big Ugly Book of Things to Look At, Search For, and Wonder About. Wind-up Uglydolls that hop, flip, walk, sneak, and swim will be available this month in 12 styles, and Badge Bomb Buttons are available now.

Charisma Brands, the California-based designer, developer, and marketer of award-winning dolls, has announced that its Prince William doll is making its world debut today.

The doll was created in response to overwhelming consumer demand for the groom to go with the Duchess Catherine bride doll. Never before released, it is the first of its kind. Regally costumed in the uniform of the Irish Guards, which he wore on the day that he married Kate Middleton, every detail—from the bright red color of the jacket to the buttons and the tiny replica medallions—has been meticulously recreated to create this magnificent collector edition doll.

Prince William stands approximately 18” tall from head to toe and is crafted in exclusive Caressalyn vinyl. He comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and Collector box for $99.97.

Lost in the packing and unpacking of boxes over here was the news that a new Uglydoll was released, which to us is kind of like when they pick a new Pope, but, you know, with Uglydolls.

Meet Suddy. Here’s her description:

“Suddy is a very busy girl with a lot going on. She’s got no time for slow pokes and doesn’t want to wait around for laggards. If you want to keep up with her, you’ll have to live life in the fast lane. That means waking up in the morning and lived your life to the fullest! But what does that mean? It means she loves you and also candy.”

Suddy loves candy and we love Suddy, but that doesn’t mean we love candy. Candy is a sometime food. Suddy is an all-the-time friend. Write it down. We just did.