Copyright Promotions Licensing Group, the licensing arm of Cookie Jar, has been appointed to lead the licensing program for the award-winning Degrassi TV franchise.

To start, CPLG will develop a brand extension program for the property in the apparel and publishing categories, marking the first time Degrassi apparel and books will be at retail. CPLG has already signed 5th Sun for T-shirts, which will hit Hot Topic this summer.

"We're thrilled to represent one of the most successful teen TV franchises of all time as they celebrate their 30th anniversary," says Cindy Davis, senior vice president of licensing at CPLG U.S. "CPLG looks forward to bringing a variety of products to retail that will appeal to fans of all ages."

The Degrassi TV franchise begin in 1980 on CBC with "The Kids of Degrassi Street." Since then, the property has spawned three TV spin-offs, three TV movies, two TV mini-series and one documentary series. The latest series, "Degrassi: The Next Generation," airs on TeenNick.