Page 9 - Toy & Hobby Retailer Magazine Mar-Apr 2019

Spin Master and Alpha Group bury the hatchet over Bakugan
THE battle for Bakugan is over in the US, UK and Canada, with Spin Master and Alpha Group amicably resolving the dispute over the transformable toy.
Spin Master, the IP owners of the transforming Bakugan toy – which uses
a patented transformation mechanism activated by magnets – brought a lawsuit against Chinese business Alpha Group for its Screechers Wild! product, which Spin Master alleged used the same transformation mechanism as Bakugan.
As part of the resolution, sales of the infringing Screechers Wild! ceased in Canada, the UK and the US on 31 January.
General counsel for Spin Master, Chris Harrs, said that Spin Master is not shy about protecting its intellectual property.
“We are very proud of the innovative technology behind the Bakugan products.
“Spin Master has a history and reputation for enforcing our intellectual property and we will continue to vigorously
Colorific named Best Brand Experience at Bloggers Brunch
AUSTRALIAN toy business, Colorific, was voted as the Best Brand Experience at the Bloggers Brunch event in October.
A panel of 95 influencers attending the brunch voted on the 14 brands who were exhibiting and the winner was also judged on how much of an impression it made.
Colorific marketing manager, Tanya Podlena, said that the attendees at the Bloggers Brunch were really engaged with Colorific’s range and products.
“The energy and engagement that these influencers shared with Colorific was truly outstanding. Influencers were so generous with their time – they really wanted to learn all
about us, our range and were genuinely supportive of our products that educate, entertain and bring
families together. We were inundated with influencers
and kids alike immersed in our experience zone and have already received amazing and authentic
online exposure.” ❉
IN BRIEF
◗ AFTERPAY SEES SALES SURGE IN DECEMBER Australian buy now,
pay later platform,
Afterpay, recorded staggering growth
in the first half of the 2019 financial year (1H19), thanks to strong Christmas sales.
A slew of new users joining up to the platform during the period, saw underlying sales increase by 140 per cent, from $918 million in 1H18 to $2.2 billion in 1H19.
Afterpay said that December was it's biggest-ever month on record, thanks to Christmas sales in both online and physical retail stores.
Over 23,000 merchants globally now have Afterpay as a payment option, while during the past twelve months, 3.1 million shoppers worldwide were actively using
the system. The customer base is growing at an average of 7,500 new customers a day.
In Australia, one in four millennials have used Afterpay, while over 21,500 retailers have transacted with the platform the past 12 months.
Australia represented by Moose at Wonder Women Awards
AUSTRALIA
will be represented by two employees from Moose Toys
in the 15th annual Wonder Women Awards, presented by Women in
Toys (WIT). The awards
program recognises
and celebrates
women who have
made outstanding
contributions in the
toys, licensing and
entertainment industries. Nicole Hardiman was named as a finalist in the licensing category, while her colleague, Eva Daly was nominated in the marketing /PR category.
Voting was open until 11 January and the winners will be announced on 17 February during New York Toy Fair. ❉
protect our rights where necessary.” Spin Master currently has a similar
outstanding lawsuit against Mattel for its Mecard product, which Spin Master alleges uses the transforming mechanism.
Spin Master settled the dispute with Alpha Group on 15 January. ❉
MARCH / APRIL 2019 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER 9