Playboy Awarded $81 Million in Damages in Arbitration Against Former Licensee

Core Viewpoint - Playboy, Inc. has successfully won an arbitration case against its terminated licensee, New Handong Investment, and has been awarded approximately $81 million in damages, including accrued interest [1][4][7]. Group 1: Arbitration Details - The arbitration was initiated by Playboy Enterprises International, Inc. against New Handong due to ongoing material breaches of the license agreement [2]. - The arbitration tribunal issued a binding decision on September 5, 2025, rejecting all counterclaims from New Handong and certain claims from Playboy [3][7]. - The tribunal found the termination notice issued by Playboy to be lawful and effective, ordering New Handong to cease any further use of Playboy's property and materials [7]. Group 2: Financial Implications - The total damages awarded to Playboy amount to approximately $81 million, which includes guaranteed royalties, a termination fee, unpaid marketing expenses, and interest [1][4][7]. - New Handong is required to make full payment of the awarded damages by September 20, 2025 [4]. Group 3: Company Position and Future Actions - Playboy's CEO stated that the ruling underscores the brand's value and the company's commitment to protecting its licensed partners and intellectual property [4]. - The company intends to pursue all appropriate enforcement actions against New Handong to collect the awarded damages, although there is no assurance of full recovery [4].