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NPD Group, a market research firm, reported a 1 percent growth in the licensed toy industry in the first quarter. NPD Group industry analyst Anita Frazier stated that licensing is a crucial feature for the toy industry.

On Thursday, May 10, leaders of the licensing industry gathered to discuss important industry details and the upcoming Licensing Expo on June 12 to 14 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Tony Lisanti, editor in chief of License!

Footwear brand Stride Rite is ramping up its licensing efforts just in time for the blockbuster season with its all new Marvel-branded X-celeRacers shoes that feature Marvel super heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and Spider Man. The shoes, which will be available at locations where Stride Rite shoes are sold, come with an adjustable closure for a great fit, a grooved outsole for traction and lightweight cushioning for comfort.

Toy giant Hasbro is cashing in on the reinvigorated boy band frenzy with a collection of toys and games inspired by the super-popular One Direction. The line, which will launch globally, will feature fashion dolls and mini-figures of all five members of the boy band. "In the short time since the group's debut, One Direction has captured the hearts of many young fans across the world," notes John Frascotti, Hasbro's chief marketing officer.

Tween fashion brand Lil'panda has signed a handful of licensees - the first for the brand - that are slated to hit shelves next spring. The collections include: greeting cards from American Greetings; headwear, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, bags, wallets, coin purses, hosiery, audio accessories and lanyards from Bioworld Merchandising; girls' sportswear by Evy of California; plush from Gund; and juniors' and girls' tops by Leigh of California.

Publishing firm Pedigree Books has plans to extend its current licensing partnerships with two popular children's brands by creating annuals for Barbie and Pokemon. The annuals - set to hit stores this August - will include stories, activities, quizzes and fun facts. "Both Barbie and Pokemon are huge brands, and we are delighted to continue our long-established and successful partnerships together," noted Matthew Reynolds, sales and licensing manager for Pedigree Books.

HIT Entertainment has signed Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing as its first licensee in the U.S. and Canada for preschool property Mike the Knight. Aimed at kids aged 3 to 5, the CG-animated TV series launched on Nickelodeon in February and Nick Jr this month and has aired on Canadian network Treehouse since September. The publisher will release story, picture, novelty, activity and coloring books, as well as non-interactive e-books, under its Simon Spotlight imprint starting in 2013.

Shares of Boshiwa International Holding Ltd, the Chinese maker of children's apparel that has a license for the Harry Potter brand, tumbled on Thursday following the resignation of Deloitte Touch Tohmatsu. The accounting firm quit citing a lack of information necessary to complete an audit. The children's apparel company's shares dropped by 42 percent in response. According to a statement to Hong Kong's stock exchange, Boshiwa said it would delay publishing its annual results.

Licensing firm Lavish Rights has teamed up with Tarco International to create a line of eight collectible Luv Me Buddies figurines that are set to roll out across North America this summer. Luv Me Buddies is a new property that consists of more than 30 lovable animal characters, like bunnies, panda bears, pigs and monkeys.

TV production and distribution company Marvista Entertainment recently revealed its licensing strategy for a Disney Channel original movie, "Radio Rebel." Among the licensing deals are: bracelets and hair accessories by CPO; printed gifts by Scorpio Posters; apparel items by KJM, Jerry Leigh and Ripple Junction; and a range of customizable products like notebooks, stickers, magnets, apparel, headwear and gifts by online retailers CafePress and Zazzle. A portion of the collections' product sales will benefit the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.