Rovio Entertainment to launch the first Moomin games for mobiles this year

Rights & Brands has partnered with Rovio Entertainment in a worldwide exclusive mobile games deal for the Moomin IP.

Based in Stockholm, the global licensing agency, Rights & Brands is the worldwide master agent of the Moomins, while Rovio Entertainment is the most successful Finnish mobile gaming company globally and the creator of the Angry Birds franchise.

Under the partnership, Rovio will develop new Moomin based games for any platform while holding the exclusvie rights to Moomin based games for all mobile platforms. Rovio’s first Moomin game will be based on the original story and world created by Tove Jansson, and inspired by the animated series, Moominvalley.

The title is already in development and expected to soft launch later this year.

“Moomin Characters looks to expand their digital footprint and offering, it’s fantastic to join forces with Rovio Entertainment, who bring a wealth of expertise and success in this space. We’re confident this partnership will open up new opportunities not only to the Moomin trademark, but also to the additional Nordic story. This partnership marks an important milestone in our strategy to take local Nordic creations to the international marketplace,” said Roleff Kråkström, managing director of Moomin Characters.

Alex Pelletier-Normand, CEO of Rovio, added: “We are honored and excited to enter this partnership that will give us the opportunity to present this iconic brand to new audiences across the globe as well as delighting our existing fans. This partnership will diversify our IP portfolio, which is a key step in our consistent growth strategy.”

Patrick Ullman, CEO of Rights & Brands, said: “This is the strategic alliance and digital collaboration we have been striving to achieve since starting up Rights & Brands. This is an important part of our digital transformation and a key driver to take the Moomin story and global awareness further, reaching new target audiences.”

Rights & Brands and Moomin Characters have invested in the Emmy Award-nominated studio Gutsy Animations, creator of the internationally celebrated Moominvalley 3D animation series. Multi award-winning Moominvalley is the company’s flagship production, with a record-high of 16 million starts on Yle’s streaming platform in Finland and distribution sold to over 50 countries.

“Rovio’s first Moomin game is inspired by the Moominvalley visuals. The partnership between these companies, all major players in their respective fields, will support steady growth and brand awareness for the Moomins in all digital arenas,” said Patrick Ullman.

“This deal is the perfect match for the Moomins and shows the rare but massive impact a brand based on art and literature can have. The Moomins is a body of art and this certainly takes art to a new level.”

Cath Kidston partners with Moomin Characters for new summer range of clothing, bags, and accessories

The British lifestyle brand, Cath Kidston has partnered with Moomin Charatcers to launch a new Moomin range for summer 2021, refreshing its archive prints – linen sprig and mushrooms – for a collaboration that celebrates ‘love and looking after one another.’

The new products range includes fashion for adults and children, from print dresses and pyjamas to Breton tops and embroidered shirts, as well as a selection of rucksacks, tote bags, and accessories. Stationery, water bottles, travel cups, and lunch boxes will all be available, as well as beakers and plates for children.

The colour palette for the collection is a ‘summery yellow and pink’, and the main characters featured are Moomintroll, Moominmamma, Snorkmaiden and Little My. The range boasts a strong floral theme, with characters depicted gardening, wearing traditional Scandinavian flower crowns, and enjoying meadows full of bright blooms.

Cath Kidston’s creative director, Holly Marler, said: “Nature was such an important inspiration to Moomin creator Tove Jansson – her illustrations are full of magical flowers, fascinating plants, and mysterious forests. We’re delighted to present this collection which takes its cue from Tove’s love of all things floral to celebrate summertime in bright, blooming colours.”

The price range of the collection begins at £7 for a Cath Kidston x Moomin pen and goes up to £75 for a patterned sleeveless midi shirt dress.

The Cath Kidston x Moomin range will be available to purchase from Cath Kidston 180 Piccadilly and cathkidston.com from 21st June.

Moomin grows its presence across the US as King Features adds publishing rights to the licensing slate

The classic literary and art-based brand, Moomin, is expanding its presence across North America as its US licensing agency King Features adds publishing rights to its licensing slate as well as brings the brand into active baby wear for the first time in the region.

As the Tove Jansson creation continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, and as part of a global deal negotiated by its Nordic licensing agency, Rights & Brands, King Features has partnered with Reima, a leading kids activewear brand from Finland, to bring its Moomin Baby Kit for newborns to the US market.

Inspired by the carefree and adventurous Moomin characters, the collection includes a stylish wardrobe full of the essential wear that babies will need during the first six months, including 17 pieces of exclusive gender neutral Moomin items.

In addition to growing Moomin in new categories in North America, King Features has also added publishing rights for Moomin to its slate and is expecting a lineup of exciting titles to come.

“Moomin has been one of the world’s most beloved character properties for generations with a highly successful global licensing program,” said King Features vice president and general manager, global head of licensing, Carla Silva.

“We look forward to introducing the next generation of families across North America to the classic heartwarming adventures of the Moomin family and their friends through fresh publishing and products.”

Moomin already has an extensive fan base in European territories and is gaining popularity in North America. The classic publishing property consists of a library of illustrated editions that celebrate the Moomin values of friendship, love, kindness, adventure, courage, tolerance, equality, freedom, individuality and respect for nature.

Moomin characters also star in a new 3D CGI series, Moominvalley, currently airing in multiple territories around the world. The new Moomin Baby Kit from Reima is the latest product line available in the US, following the launch of Moomin plush from Aurora and apparel from Ripple Junction.

Moomin can be seen next at King Features virtual exhibitor booth during the upcoming Festival of Licensing Americas event from October 20 through 22. Registered attendees can click this link to make an appointment with the U.S. licensing team.

Moomin appoints Bavaria Sonor Licensing to grow presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Moomin has bolstered its global network of licensing partners with the recent appointment of Bavaria Sonor Licensing, the licensing division of Bavaria Media GmbH, to manage the character brand’s licensing across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The move was made by Moomin’s master agent, Rights & Brands in part of its ongoing efforts that have seen the firm revamp the Moomin licensing programme over the past year to mark its 75th anniversary.

Moomin has seen turnover grow ‘at a tremendous rate’ over the pas ten years with the number of licensee almost tripling worldwide.

The Moomins are the central characters in a series of books and a comic strip created by Finnish-Swedish writer and artist Tove Jansson between 1944 and 1971. Jansson achieved worldwide fame as writer of the stories which follow the characters’ adventures in the idyllic and peaceful Moomin Valley.

Meanwhile, Bavaria Media has a track record helping its brands produce memorable moments and create stories in people’s minds. Founded in 1983 and based in Germany, the company manages international film, tv and music licensing, as well as content distribution. Bavaria Sonor Licensing – the licensing division of Bavaria Media – was named ‘Licensing Agency of the Year 2019’ at the Licensing International Awards in Germany. Its numerous clients Include Playmobil, Emoji, Bud Spencer & Terence Hill, Janosch, Big-Bobby-Car and Panini.

“We are delighted to welcome the Moomins to Bavaria Media – we feel honoured to have the opportunity to represent this timeless, classic brand,” said Ivica Maracic, licensing and sales director at Bavaria Sonor Licensing.

“The Moomin Characters have been loved for generations and we are thrilled to extend the licensing success story into Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”

“It’s wonderful to add a new sub-agent in these important markets,” added Roleff Kråkström, CEO of Moomin Characters. “And it’s great timing to have Bavaria Media onboard when the Moominvalley TV show is about to launch in Germany and Switzerland.

“The Moomin brand is constantly growing, both in revenue and awareness and we are actively building on this momentum. Bavaria Media is exactly the kind of partner we need in order to expand the Moomin market share in this region.”

The appointmet coincides with the recent acquisition of Moominvalley by ZDF, the German public-service television broadcaster, to be shown on ZDF’s platforms and on KiKA, their free-to-air children’s channel.

“I feel happy and proud that ZDF is our partner in Germany,” said Marika Makaroff, executive producer and creative director of Moominvalley at Gutsy Animations.

Moomin first ventured into brand licensing in the 1950s with a range of hand-painted mugs released by Tove and her mother. Moomin now has an established global licensing programme with over 700 licensees worldwide. These include theme parks and branded cafés, as well as companies selling homeware, food and apparel.

This global network has increased the dedicated customer base – working with Bavaria Media will help reach an even wider range of retailers, to offer fans a more diverse range of products.

Patrick Ullman, CEO of Rights & Brands, has said that this partnership is ‘another step in the plan to maximise the Moomin’s international presence.’

“We are excited to welcome Bavaria Media into the family as part of our strategy – they are a great company with a lot of experience and success managing iconic brands,” he said. “The Moomins and Nordic literature are very popular in Germany, so it’s a huge potential market.”

Moomin Characters whips up tasty partnership with Lola’s Cupcakes

Finland’s Moomin Characters has teamed with Lola’s Cupcakes to launch a new, ultimately delectable, range of Moomin themed cupcakes across the UK.

The range will include six different cupcake designs featuring the inhabitants of MoominvalleyMoomintroll, Snorkmaiden, Little My, and a cast of others will jump from the page straight to the icing paper to adorn Lola’s Cupcakes’ signature treats.

There will also be limited edition Moomin cakeboxes to protect the cupcakes on their travels.

On top of this, and as the range focuses on the love and friendship between the series’ characters, there will be a special giveaway of the cupcakes at the Moomin shops, in Covent Garden and Camden Stables Market, on Valentine’s Day

The first 50 customers to visit each of the Moomin shops on 14th February will receive a free cupcake

Sophia Jansson, creative director of Moomin Characters and niece of Tove Jansson, said:Moominmamma says that all good things are good for the stomach. She is known throughout Moominvalley to always welcome you with something delicious when you visit.

“That is why Lola’s Cupcakes, famous all over London, match so well with the values of the Moomins for whom food is also a source of joy and togetherness.

“Just like the Moomins, we long to be snug and cosy and feel a sense of togetherness which makes February the perfect time to launch this range, with Valentine’s Day bringing those we love to the forefront of our minds. We hope Moomin fans will find joy from this delicious collaboration with Lola’s Cupcakes.”

Asher Budwig, managing director of Lola’s Cupcakes, added: “Respect for nature, one of Moomin Characters core brand valuescomplemented our core mission at Lola’s Cupcakes, which is to create delicious cakes from the finest natural ingredients

“We also believe that our cupcakes should look as good as they taste, which has been easy to achieve using the beautiful images from the Moomin archive.” 

The Moomin x Lola’s range of cupcakes will be available from 1st February. The cupcakes will cost £4 each.