News of new kids' TV distribution deals made by Netflix and Amazon last week drove home a discussion we have increasingly been having with licensing executives about the ability of digital platforms to launch new properties (as well as boost business for existing brands). While hard data showing a positive causal relationship between viewership on digital platforms and … [Read more...] about Six New Streaming Shows with Licensing Potential
5 Reasons MLB Hit a Licensing Grand Slam in 2015
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. 2015 was another strong year for sports licensing in the U.S./Canada. But while all leagues grew, few did better than Major League Baseball. Here are 5 reasons why: 1. New Stars As with other sports, baseball relies on stars to drive growth. The past few years has seen a changing of the guard as the Derek Jeters, Mariano Riveras and Big Papis (David … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons MLB Hit a Licensing Grand Slam in 2015
YouTube Creators Move to Series, Movies
By Marcy Magiera YouTube this week will roll out the first original programming for its three month-old subscription streaming service, Red, in a move that will generate more traditional long-form series and feature film exposure for some of its top properties. YouTube's strategy with Red is to fund the passion projects of some of its biggest homegrown stars as a way to … [Read more...] about YouTube Creators Move to Series, Movies
Store Check: Macy’s Herald Square
By Karina Masolova Following snowdrifts and slush, shoppers returned to stores—and the licensed goods within. Macy's flagship 34th Street location featured some select brands in full force. While retail space is shrinking for lesser-known brands, the retailer put out all the stops for the heavy hitters. Felix the Cat plush dominated one display, with Where's Waldo and Peanuts … [Read more...] about Store Check: Macy’s Herald Square
Super Bowl Spending to Top $15.5 Billion
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The Super Bowl is big every year. But this year's 50th anniversary installment will be the biggest Super Bowl ever, at least from a consumption perspective. Just consider these numbers from the National Retail Federation: 188.9 million—Estimated TV viewers (as compared to 183.7 million last year) 17.7%—Percentage of viewers citing commercials as most … [Read more...] about Super Bowl Spending to Top $15.5 Billion
Big Fashion Licensors Taking Back Control of their Brands
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The licensing model is one fashion trend that's unlikely to ever go out of style. But a growing number of fashion licensors—especially the bigger houses—are bucking the trend and taking back direct control of their brands. The most recent example is Puig, the Barcelona-based beauty company and owner of Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances, which earlier this … [Read more...] about Big Fashion Licensors Taking Back Control of their Brands
WBCP Reveals Superlist of Licensees
By Karina Masolova Warner Bros. Consumer Products unveiled a host of licensees worldwide for its biggest property of the year, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which hits theaters March 25th. See the full list, with contact info for all dealmakers via the Licensing Source Book, below. Front and center with all-new franchise DC Super Hero Girls, WBCP will showcase a … [Read more...] about WBCP Reveals Superlist of Licensees
Firearms Manufacturers Move Outdoors
By Karina Masolova Even as gun sales are rebounding for the first time in years, firearms manufacturers are developing hunting and other outdoor brands to avoid pressure from tightening regulations and extreme sales cycles. Smith & Wesson became the second publicly owned firearms manufacturer to seek out brands in the outdoor recreation industry. The trend is driven by an … [Read more...] about Firearms Manufacturers Move Outdoors
As Pet Pampering Grows, Licensing Goes to the Dogs
By Marcy Magiera For evidence of Americans' preoccupation with their pets, look no further than Super Bowl Sunday, when Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XII (in VR, no less) and Hallmark Channel's Kitten Bowl III will fill the hours leading up to the main gridiron event. Or the fact that a Petco survey during the fourth quarter showed that 82% of respondents intended to … [Read more...] about As Pet Pampering Grows, Licensing Goes to the Dogs
NPD: Star Wars Toy Sales One-Third Higher than Frozen
By Marcy Magiera Star Wars, the space epic whose newest chapter has knocked down box-office records around the world, also drove sales of movie licensed toys up by almost 10% in 2015, according to The NPD Group's year-end accounting of U.S. toy sales. Connection to entertainment content was the key driver behind the growth of the toy industry in 2015, NPD found, with overall … [Read more...] about NPD: Star Wars Toy Sales One-Third Higher than Frozen