Note 4: Variable Interest Entity

In July 2020, the Company entered into a binding term sheet with POW, Inc. (“POW!”) in which we agreed to form an entity with POW! to exploit certain rights in intellectual property created by Stan Lee, as well as the name and likeness of Stan Lee. The entity is called “Stan Lee Universe, LLC.” POW! and the Company executed an Operating Agreement for the joint venture, effective as of June 1, 2021. The purpose of the acquisition was to enable the Company to assume the worldwide rights, in perpetuity, to the name, physical likeness, physical signature, live-action and animated motion picture, television, online, digital, publishing, comic book, merchandising and licensing rights to Stan Lee and over 100 original Stan Lee creations (the “Stan Lee Assets”), from which Genius Brands plans to develop and license multiple properties each year.

The Company contributed $2.0 million to obtain 50% of SLU’s voting equity and POW, for the remaining 50%, contributed the specified intangible assets associated with the Stan Lee Assets. POW will retain certain rights in the transferred intangible assets, namely existing the rights/obligations arising from current licensing agreements. Under ASC 805, the Company determined that the value of SLU was wholly attributable to the Stan Lee Assets and would be accounted for as an asset acquisition. The acquisition cost of $2.0 million was equivalent to the value of the Stan Lee Assets contributed by POW. Therefore, the fair value of the consideration paid by the entity of $2.0 million and the fair value of the 50% noncontrolling interest approximated a total of $4.0 million.

Pursuant to the guidance under ASC 810, the Company concluded that SLU qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company consolidates the results of SLU as it was determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary due to having the power through the collaboration to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the Company is required to fund over half of the economic support of the entity. Accordingly, the Company recorded the total fair value of the Stan Lee Assets in SLU of $4.0 million, as an intangible asset to be amortized over the duration of 70 years, the life of the publicity rights related to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, voice, physical characteristics, etc.

On an ongoing basis, the Company will re-evaluate the VIE assessment based on changes in facts and circumstances.