[GizmoTron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeddostotle7

Many of those are specifically collector-oriented. In terms of general kid-oriented toys (which is where the problem with this merger mainly lies), there's only Playmates, Jakks, and Bandai. Maybe TakaraTomy as well, but after losing the Pokemon license, we're gonna be seeing even less of them over here. In general, none of these companies is anywhere near as big as Hasbro and Mattel, and they're all largely focused on a couple properties, while Hasbro and Mattel both have plenty of licenses and original IPs. Only LEGO is comparable in size, earnings, and properties.

Collector-oriented but all on the shelf at Toys R Us. But you'll find many more companies out there in the toy aisle making toys for children, you just have to look at something besides just action figures.

The thing is Hasbro and Mattel have a lot of licenses and original IPs, that's true, but they have obtained all of that now even without a merger. Which is why I think criers of "monopoly, monopoly!" are missing (or denying) that most of their fears may already be the reality.

Plus really I'm not sure it's even possible actually monopolize licensed IP, as again the licensed IP is something these companies do not outright own. A license can be given and taken away by the actual owner when the contract expires, or in some cases whenever the owner chooses to end the relationship.

LEGO I think is also proof enough that in reality no one is terribly concerned over one company controlling the majority of the licensed IPs in one section of the toy department.