merchandise news stories on Newser

Angry Birds to Launch Luxury Jewelry Line

Dustin Lushing — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:26:32 CDT

The gigantically popular app Angry Birds is extending its brand into ... luxury jewelry? After hitting 1 billion downloads in May and launching successful lines of toys and clothes, game-maker Rovio is testing its merchandise appeal with a more upscale clientele, reports Forbes . The launch item is a $290 silver ring,...

Lin Seeks to Trademark 'Linsanity'

Mark Russell — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:51:33 CST

"Linsanity," the exciting play of unlikely basketball hero Jeremy Lin, may belong to the world, but "Linsanity" the word, that belongs to Jeremy Lin—or so says Lin. The newest New York Knick star has applied for a trademark on the term with the US Patent and Trademark Office, says...

WikiLeaks' New Venture Is ... T-Shirts

Nick McMaster — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:38:46 CST

Julian Assange needs cash to pay legal bills, and WikiLeaks needs cash to keep WikiLeaking. Hence, this new website selling WikiLeaks merchandise, notes Mashable . Feast your eyes on duffle bags, umbrellas, and, of course, T-shirts with Assange pictured as Che Guevara.

You Can Already Buy a Tim Tebow Broncos Jersey

Kevin Spak — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:39:58 CDT

It's been less than 24 hours since the Broncos selected Tim Tebow, and we're not even positive what his number will be yet, but you can already buy his jersey for $80 at NFLShop.com —and we're willing to bet a lot of Denver fans are going to do it....

The Business Genius of the Grateful Dead

Harry Kimball — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:10:00 CDT

Barry Barnes saw the Grateful Dead 194 times during the band's 30-year-long run, which ended when Jerry Garcia died, in 1995. But his passion hasn't died, and Barnes, now a business school professor, uses the Dead as a case study in what he calls "strategic improvisation" and very early social...

Lizzie Borden's Hometown Museum Wins Rights to Name

Nick McMaster — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:32:59 CDT

Lizzie Borden would be so proud. Merchandise bearing her name is now the exclusive property of her hometown Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River, Mass., the Boston Globe reports. The B&B prevailed before the US Patent and Trademark Office in securing the rights to the infamous spinster’s name....

Judge OKs Jackson Merchandising Deal

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:56:14 CDT

A judge has approved a deal that will bring more Michael Jackson merchandise to store shelves. The judge heard from attorneys for Jackson's mother, Katherine, the current administrators of Jackson's estate and a newly appointed attorney for the singer's three young children. The merchandise agreement allows for items such as...

Jermaine's Tribute Song to Hit iTunes

Wesley Oliver — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:56:00 CDT

The iTunes store has struck a deal to sell Jermaine Jackson’s rendition of “Smile,” which he performed at his brother’s June memorial service, the Los Angeles Times reports. A judge granted Michael Jackson’s estate permission to sign away "Smile," a Charlie Chaplin song that was Michael's favorite. Jackson’s estate is...

April Fools Prank May Pay Off for Star Wars Fans

Nick McMaster — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:50:01 CDT

What started as an April Fools joke may turn into a dream come true—almost literally—for Star Wars fans, LA Weekly reports. The Tauntaun sleeping bag seemed just plausible enough that retailer ThinkGeek was bombarded with orders—and raked over the coals when the truth came out. Now Lucasfilm,...