MAM
‘Spider-Man’ weaves a legal web around SPE, Marvel
LOS ANGELES : Spiderman may have seen Sony Pictures Entertainment set new box office records last year but like “Tobey Maguire”, the studio has now been “bitten” courtesy a lawsuit filed by Marvel.
The issue relates to the critical area of movie merchandising and a Reuters report indicates that the matter rests with a Los Angeles judge. A verdict is expected sometime next week.
As per the suit, the comics publisher of the super hero Marvel Enterprises wants to end its Spider-Man licensing agreement with SPE after the sequel is completed. Marvel has accused Sony of attempting to hijack the brand; claiming exclusive merchandising rights to the character; and “cross-promoting” the superhero with other Sony features in violation of their agreement. Through promotions, Marvel has alleged that Sony is trying to remove the connection one automatically makes between Spider- Man and Marvel.
SPE has stated that a jury trial where confidential information would be made available would undermine the studio’s future dealings with partners. Therefore it wants the issue to be settled through arbitration away from the public domain.
The movie studio argues that Marvel is using the litigation as leverage to secure better licensing terms. Sony is anxious that the license agreement and an internal marketing document are not made public. Information such as revenue projections, advertising budgets and royalty targets from the first Spider-Man movie, would undermine its ability to negotiate merchandising agreements for the sequel.
On its part, Marvel says that it is in no way trying to hinder production of a sequel. Spiderman made $800 million worldwide. Marvel has also accused Sony of going back on its promise to use its sister companies, such as Sony Electronics and Sony’s games division, to merchandise the web-slinger. The report states that Marvel’s 4,700 comic characters are licensed to promote everything from snack foods to clothing and entertainment. Its Daredevil, X-Men characters were made into films by 20th Century Fox.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
