4Kids Entertainment and JAKKS Pacific Announce the Renewal of the Play Along/JAKKS Pacific Cabbage Patch Kids License with Original Appalachian Artworks

4Kids Entertainment, the licensing and merchandising agent for Cabbage Patch Kids, and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK), announced today Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. has extended its contract with JAKKS’ Play Along division for Cabbage Patch Kids dolls and accessories through 2010.

Owned by Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc., Cabbage Patch Kids have been a national phenomenon since 1983 with over 100 million “adopted” worldwide. The handmade soft-sculptured original Cabbage Patch Kids that continue to be the inspiration for this phenomenon since their creation in 1978 are available today exclusively at BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia and online at www.cabbagepatchkids.com.

With today’s announcement, Xavier Roberts, creator of the Cabbage Patch Kids, said, “We are very pleased with the effort the team at Play Along continues to put into the development of our favorite brand. Their willingness to work with our company to achieve success has encouraged us to extend and expand our relationship through the 25th anniversary of Cabbage Patch Kids and beyond.”

This year Play Along introduced Cabbage Patch Kids Newborns, infant-sized Cabbage Patch Kids dolls that come with accessories to create a realistic care-taking experience. Each comes with a unique birth certificate and adoption papers. The renewed agreement also covers line extensions including small doll and feature dolls.

“OAA and Play Along have enjoyed a long and successful relationship, and we are thrilled that we have renewed the Cabbage Patch Kids agreement,” said Al Kahn, Chairman and CEO, 4Kids Entertainment. “Play Along has done a stellar job creating dolls that hold true to the qualities that make Cabbage Patch Kids a beloved and evergreen brand.”

"We are delighted to continue to grow and nurture this truly timeless brand,” said Jay Foreman, Co-President, Play Along. “Cabbage Patch Kids is one of the few toy brands that tie one generation to the next. What parent or grandparent doesn't have a memorable tale about how they got a 'kid' for their child back when they were first introduced? What young mom doesn't remember how happy they were to receive one as a child? Today's children share that special feeling about Cabbage Patch Kids with their parents and grandparents, and we are happy to be able to look far into the future with this great brand."