Retail sales of licensed housewares goods in the U.S. and Canada grew a 1.5% in 2015 after a flat perfomance in 2014, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. And as consumer confidence in the economy grows, sales are only expected to increase. The International Home + Housewares Show (IHHS) in Chicago offers a glimpse of licensing activity in … [Read more...] about Licensed Housewares at IHHS
Trademarks/Brands
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
Wearable Technology, VR in the Spotlight at CES
By Marcy Magiera Continued consumer adoption of connected devices and technologies, collectively known as the "Internet of Things" or IoT, is forecast to push the U.S. consumer technology industry to a record $287 billion in retail revenues in 2016, creating ample new licensing opportunities along the way in products for home and personal use. The Consumer Technology … [Read more...] about Wearable Technology, VR in the Spotlight at CES
Pantones Colors Fashion, Décor Pink and Blue
If a color—or two—can reflect the mood of a people, it could be that we're all just lightening up. Color house Pantone has for the first time named a blending of two shades, Rose Quartz (Pantone 13-1520) and Serenity (Pantone 15-3919), as its Color of the Year for 2016. The positively pastel pink-blue combo stands in stark contrast to the hue of 2015: Marsala, a dark, earthy … [Read more...] about Pantones Colors Fashion, Décor Pink and Blue
The New Face of Beanstalk
By Karina Masolova Last week, licensing agency Beanstalk officially announced the appointment of Allison Ames as its CEO, expanding her current responsibilities as President. She succeeds Michael Stone, who will actively serve as Chairman, advising and promoting the company. Ames spoke with TLL to discuss Beanstalk's plans for the future and the latest trends hitting the … [Read more...] about The New Face of Beanstalk
Licensed Sales Fuel Explosive Growth at Sequential Brands
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Sequential Brands had showed third quarter (Q3) sales for the ages, more than doubling year-over-year revenues from $10 million to $23 million. Because Sequential's business model centers on acquiring and then licensing out brands, almost all of this money is royalty income. Here's a performance breakdown based on CEO Yehuda Shmidman's conference call … [Read more...] about Licensed Sales Fuel Explosive Growth at Sequential Brands
Licensing By The Numbers
Scandal Costs VW $10 Billion in Brand Value Earlier this year, the VW brand was calculated to be worth $31 billion, the third most valuable auto brand in the world. But the recent emissions scandal has tarnished the "people's car" company's longstanding reputation for reliability and trust. By the time the dust settles, VW is expected to lose an estimated $10 billion in brand … [Read more...] about Licensing By The Numbers
Hermès & Apple Team Up for Next Gen of Apple Watch
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The Apple Watch is getting a makeover for its one-year anniversary in the form of new fashion accessories the most spectacular of which will be designed by Hermès. The Apple Watch Hermès, which goes on sale in October, will have the same body and dimensions as before. But the ugly duckling face will be replaced by a fashion swan, namely three signature … [Read more...] about Hermès & Apple Team Up for Next Gen of Apple Watch
Branded Bottles
Following in the footsteps of so many rock bands, Metallica has partnered with Budwieser to launch a limited edition line of branded beers in Canada. A run of over 91,000 black cans featuring the band's logo will be sold in cases of 15 and 24. Freebies were handed out to fans during Metallica's two shows in Qubec City on September 14–16. The retail edition has an additional … [Read more...] about Branded Bottles
It’s a Dog’s Life
Life magazine, that is. Life and venerable home goods marketer Laura Ashley are among the brands entering licensing agreements for pet products. Life has signed licensee GHS Studio to make pet beds and bean bags, while Laura Ashley teamed with Unique Petz for a full line of items including leashes, furniture covers, kennels, carriers, toys, and more. Americans spent an … [Read more...] about It’s a Dog’s Life