Led by Munich-based salary partner Dr Tim Schwarz, Taylor Wessing has provided legal advice to French media company Animaj Investment SPV SAS on the acquisition of comprehensive IP rights to the cult series "Maya the Bee" from Studio 100 International GmbH.
The transaction forms the core of a strategic alliance between Animaj and Studio 100 International, which aims to reposition "Maya the Bee" internationally and further develop the brand for new generations of children and families worldwide with the help of AI-supported production processes and a digital-first approach.
Under the agreement, Studio 100 International retains distribution rights in the core markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux, as well as worldwide rights to feature films and theme parks, while Animaj will be responsible for international digital expansion in the future – from global licensing and digital community building to the development of new platform-based formats such as YouTube series, short videos, music and games.
"Hardly any other character embodies as many emotions across generations as 'Maya the Bee'. Providing legal support for this transaction and strategic partnership was a particularly exciting task – because it brings together tradition and state-of-the-art, AI-supported production technologies to lead the iconic brand into a new, global and digital era," comments Dr Tim Schwarz.
Founded in 2022, Animaj is one of the leading next-generation media companies, with over 22 billion YouTube views annually, 245 million unique viewers and its inclusion in Disney's Accelerator Programme 2025. The company develops and produces high-quality brands for children and families worldwide – AI-powered, digital-first and value-oriented.
Studio 100 International, based in Munich, is an internationally active family and children's entertainment company that manages an extensive brand portfolio, including "Maya the Bee," "Heidi" and "Vicky the Viking." The company combines creative production, licensing, live entertainment and theme parks in a 360-degree brand approach.
Legal advisor to Animaj Investment SPV SAS
Taylor Wessing Germany: Dr Tim Schwarz (lead) and Phillip Heske, both Technology, Media & Telecoms, Munich; Maria Weiers, Dr Marcel Leines and Lukas Beermann (all Corporate / M&A, Düsseldorf); Henry Lauf and Tamara Herzog (both Trademarks, Munich)
Taylor Wessing France: Christian Valsamidis and Dorothée Gardella (both IP, Paris)
