Beanstalk, a brand licensing agency and consultancy, announced its selection by Outfit7 as the exclusive global licensing agency for Talking Friends, a popular series of mobile applications.

In a release Andrej Nabergoj, CEO of Outfit7, said, “Outfit7’s objective is to combine innovative and creative design with loveable characters that capture the imagination and hearts of people of all ages.”

“We chose to work with Beanstalk because they too have a history of innovation and the pioneering spirit we seek in all of our partners, as well as the capabilities and experience needed to extend our brand across the globe. Consumer products, both digital and physical, are a key part of our long-term strategy to expand the franchise across various platforms and categories,” added Nabergoj.

Sources revealed that Beanstalk will launch a worldwide licensing program across multiple categories for Talking Friends, its series of mobile applications and its cast of characters such as Talking Tom Cat, Talking Ben the Dog and Talking Gina the Giraffe.

The Talking Friends apps feature a fully animated 3D character that comes to life when poked, tickled, and played with on mobile touch-screen devices powered by iOS and Android (News - Alert) platforms. Also, the interactive character can repeat what the user says. The apps allow fans to create customized videos of their interactions with the Talking Friends and share them via Facebook, YouTube (News - Alert), MMS or email.

Officials at Beanstalk said that it will launch a global licensing program for the Talking Friends characters with licensed products that will include play patterns and interactive features unique to each character. Also, developmental elements of the characters like speech, music, coordination, reading, writing and sensory interactions will be incorporated, added officials.

The program is expected to use Talking Friends’ cast of characters in various product categories including toys, games, apparel and accessories, social expression, arts and crafts, electronic accessories, home décor and health and beauty, and so on. The program will be available across multiple retail channels including online, mass, mid-tier, drug, grocery and specialty retailers with plans to start a limited launch during 2011 holiday season.

Michael Stone, CEO of Beanstalk, said, “Expanding the Talking Friends franchise into the real world through creative and innovative licensing and brand extension programs is truly an exciting prospect for Beanstalk and representative of an important emerging trend in the world of entertainment.”

Beanstalk recently announced the launch of a revolutionary new service offering, TransAct, to provide integrated technologies and services across legal, contract administration, royalty management, product approvals trafficking, financial reporting, and auditing.