News Briefs

JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.: will market and distribute new licensed preschool plush and toys through its Child Guidance division, kicking off the preschool program with a product line based on Scholastic's Clifford The Big Red Dog property. Under a master toy agreement signed with Scholastic, Jakks Pacific company will develop a range of items including plush, figures, playsets, electronics, puzzles, art activity kits, lunch kits, slumber bags, kites and play tents. The Child Guidance plush and preschool product line will launch in 2006. Jakks Pacific also signed a licensing agreement with Ragdoll Ltd. to market and distribute products in North American for the Teletubbies brand. The company will develop plush and other toy products under the Child Guidance division.

WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS: has awarded the LEGO group the construction toy license for DC Comics' Batman. The agreement includes the rights to develop and market construction toys based on the Batman brand, Warner Bros. Animation's TV series, The Batman and Warner Bros. Pictures film Batman Begins. In April 2006, the LEGO Group will produce six new Batman products, including playsets, gadgets and a library of collectible mini-figures. TV, print and online materials will support.

WASHINGTONPOST.COM: has launched a car coupon section featuring offers for car services in the areas of Car Washing & Detailing, Repair & Maintenance, Body & Glass and Parts & Accessories. The program was developed with Consumer Networks, a network of newspaper development groups, via its national grocery coupon program Boodle. The new coupon program will target local, non-corporate automotive service providers by offering them the opportunity to list a promotion for their goods and services. In addition, a periodic email alert has been created for local consumers who have opted in and want to be informed of new offers as they become available.