National

Etch A Sketch, Doodle Sketch Toy Rights Bought By Toronto Company

The Canadian Press, 12 Feb, 2016 12:01 PM

TORONTO — A Canadian company has purchased the rights to the classic children's toy Etch A Sketch and its offshoot, the Doodle Sketch.

Toronto-based Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) says it has purchased the patents, trademarks, tooling and inventory for both toys from The Ohio Art Company.

Spin Master prides itself on infusing innovation into the legacy brands it acquires.

In 2013, the company acquired Meccano, which sold toy construction kits. Spin Master revamped the toys with robotic technology. Now kids can build toy drones, ATVs and personal robots with Meccano toys.

Etch A Sketch, created by a French inventor, has been produced or owned by Ohio Art since 1960, when it bought the rights for US$25,000.

Sping Master says it plans to revamp both Etch A Sketch and Doodle Sketch.

"These toys have been popular for more than 50 years and we look forward to building on this foundation of fun and creativity," chairman and co-CEO Anton Rabie said in a statement.

Recently, the company purchased toy-makers Editrice Giochi SRL, an Italian company selling board games and roller blades among other toys, and Cardinal Games, which sells board games, puzzles and 3D puzzles.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Just Months After Tying Knot, Quebec Power Couple Pierre Karl Peladeau And Julie Snyder Split Up

In a statement late Monday, the Parti Quebecois leader and Snyder, a television host and producer, said they have split and entered a mediation process.

Just Months After Tying Knot, Quebec Power Couple Pierre Karl Peladeau And Julie Snyder Split Up

Building Bridge Between Nanaimo, B.C., Gabriola Island Too Costly: Province

Possible road and bridge options in the report ranged in cost from $258 million to $520 million, with the average project cost estimated at $359 million.

Building Bridge Between Nanaimo, B.C., Gabriola Island Too Costly: Province

Simon Fraser University Creates Memorial For Residential School Students

A release from the university says the memorial will be part of the Faculty of Education's new Aboriginal Gathering Place.

Simon Fraser University Creates Memorial For Residential School Students

Liberal Negotiations With Civil Service Could Reverse $900m In Planned Savings

Major unions say the Liberal government has indicated it will repeal legislation introduced by their Tory predecessors that imposes changes on the civil service's disability and sick leave system.

Liberal Negotiations With Civil Service Could Reverse $900m In Planned Savings

StatCan Revisions Show 2015 Worst Year For Alberta Jobs Losses Since 1982

The updated figures released Tuesday show the province lost 19,600 jobs in 2015, up from an earlier estimate of 14,600.

StatCan Revisions Show 2015 Worst Year For Alberta Jobs Losses Since 1982

Boil Water Order For Southern Alberta Town To Stay In Place For A Few More Days

The province issued the order for Carmangay on Friday over concerns the water could be contaminated as the result of repairs done to the main water line.