How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to sell a toy idea to Spin Master
Has a submission portal
Spin Master takes concepts from inventors through its portal at inventorportal.spinmasterstudios.com, and treats anything sent another way as non-confidential. Air Hogs and Bakugan came from outside inventors.
Where pitches like these are made: Spielwarenmesse, the Nuremberg toy fair · Spielwarenmesse eG, CC BY-SA 3.0
In its own words
“Login to your account to submit a concept or view current submissions.”
“Best known for innovation, both from its own internal product and design teams and from its rich network of inventor partnerships, Spin Master has created award-winning brands that entertain and inspire children and families.”
What you agree to by sending something
“You agree with respect to any Comments provided by you to us, via e-mail or otherwise, that: (i) Spin Master has no obligation concerning such Comments; (ii) such Comments are non-confidential; (iii) Spin Master may use, disclose, distribute or copy such Comments and may use any ideas, concepts or know-how contained in such Comments for any purpose and without restriction or obligation to you; and (iv) such Comments…”
What it says it looks for
“After we receive a submission in one form or another (typically in a video or a prototype), we then do an internal review with the Inventor Relations team which is largely organizational.”
“That's not to say that people need to invest in video equipment or a fancy presentation, per se, but you can tell when that person has seriously thought out the product they're presenting.”
“Ben Dermer: "Ninety five percent of the ideas for new products that we deal with come through personal relationships.”
What it has bought from outside
2024
Melissa & Doug from Melissa & Doug (owned by AEA Investors) $950 million
“Spin Master, a global children’s entertainment company, has completed its previously announced acquisition of U.S.-based Melissa & Doug, an early childhood play brand, for $950 million.” licenseglobal.com
2021
Rubik's Cube (Rubik's Brand Ltd.) from Rubik's Brand Ltd. US$50-million
“Canadian toymaker Spin Master Corp. has solved the Rubik’s Cube, completing a US$50-million acquisition of the legendary multi-coloured cube.” globalnews.ca
2016
Etch A Sketch and Doodle Sketch from Ohio Art Company
“Spin Master announces its acquisition of the iconic Etch A Sketch and Doodle Sketch brands from Ohio Art Company.” spinmaster.com
2015
Cardinal Games (Cardinal Industries Inc.) from Cardinal Industries
“Spin Master announces that it has completed the acquisition of Cardinal Industries Inc., one of the oldest privately-held games and puzzles companies in the United States.” spinmaster.com
1998
Air Hogs (compressed-air model plane) from two British inventors
“Two British inventors introduced the partners to a revolutionary concept: a model plane powered by compressed air.” spinmaster.com
2007
Bakugan from a first-time inventor
“Bakugan, first launched in 2007 was one of the company’s most successful toy launches, born from a first-time inventor’s sketch of a ball that could be opened to reveal a character inside.” spinmaster.com
