A lot of people wonder what happened to "United Media", the license holder who was to produce Rainbow Brite products in 2009/2010. The year started off strong with new dolls, and a few new products, but suddenly disappeared mid summer 2010.
So, what happened?:
Iconix Brand purchased the Peanut's license from United Media. June of 2010, the merger was finalized. All the products used by United Media were then changed to the name "Peanuts World Wide". The website changed titles, but most previous news letters and press releases were still on the Peanuts World Wide site. The team at United Media and at Hallmark did not change, the same people stayed on staff.
In the midst of the merger and the economic changes in the US, Playmate's toys changed much of it's toy products and Rainbow Brite was one of the unfortunate titles cut. The toy company still held the contract with United Media until the end of 2010, so with no toys being produced and still under contract other licensees were sought.
However at the end of 2010 Licenses with United Media/Peanuts World Wide expired for all parties and control was given back to Hallmark. Hallmark is now back in licensing control of the Rainbow Brite toy and products lines. No other news is currently available about what is to come, but we will keep you informed.
In the meantime:
Support Rainbow Brite and purchase officially licensed products!
Current products include (but not limited to):
- Bikes by Kent
- PJ's at Target
- Coloring Pages by Crayola
- Miscellaneous products by Toon Labs Ink currently being sold at Spencer's Gifts
- Customize products from Zazzle.com
To keep up to date on announcements please follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
