Some of the most interesting innovations to come out of CES 2017 embrace this year's top each trends—including voice-activated AI assistants (Amazon's Alexa takes the lead based on the number of products using the tech), self-driving cars, even bigger and thinner display screens (including TVs whose width is just under 4 mm and curved screens on laptops), and robots. Mattel … [Read more...] about CES Highlights
Trade Shows
Franchises and the 360 Experience Dominate Vegas
Over the last week, 16,000 attendees braved triple-digit temperatures at Licensing Expo 2016 in Las Vegas. Over 150 new exhibitors entered the fray—totaling 460+ licensors and agents representing over 35 countries. See this coming Wednesday's Deal Sheet for a complete breakdown of new properties showcased and deals announced. The top trends that we'll see in licensing over … [Read more...] about Franchises and the 360 Experience Dominate Vegas
360 Degrees to Every Brand
More than ever before, consumers are demanding access to brands on multiple platforms. This is nothing new: companies around the floor have been aware of the need to develop what are now being called "360 programs," where linear and digital entertainment, live experiences like shows and theme parks, social media, advertising and consumer merchandise are all essential parts … [Read more...] about 360 Degrees to Every Brand
Licensed Housewares at IHHS
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
Brand Announcements from BLE
By Karina Masolova This year's Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) was bigger than ever, with over 300 exhibitors from 69 countries descending on London to showcase 2,500 brands. Click here to see some of the newly available and assigned brands announced at the show. From the Big Screen Dominating the exhibitor space were entertainment brands with film extensions: Disney showcased … [Read more...] about Brand Announcements from BLE
Overview of the Wearable Technology Licensing Market
Much of the wearable computing technology that stole the spotlight at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week, including Google Glass and Apple's highly anticipated Apple Watch, are licensed products forged as a result of the partnership between technology and fashion brands. The Prospects The wearables category actually emerged at the 2014 CES. … [Read more...] about Overview of the Wearable Technology Licensing Market
Licensing Expo Is Coming-Out Party for Digital; Brand Revivals, Global Properties Also Loom Large
The arrival of digital celebrity, digital content and social media is the biggest story of Licensing Expo 2015. That "arrival" is, of course, more symbol than substance. Digital and social media have been reshaping licensing for more than a decade. But in 2015, it became official as those forces took their rightful place at Expo, the licensing industry's central event. Digital … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo Is Coming-Out Party for Digital; Brand Revivals, Global Properties Also Loom Large
10 Things about the Current State of Art Design Licensing You Need to Know
If you couldn't make it to last month's SURTEX conference in NYC, here are key takeaways about the current state of licensing of surface designs for home goods, fashion, paper and other goods, courtesy of consultant Jeff Grinspan who put together the conference program: Although the industry is more competitive than ever, it's also rife with opportunity; More retailers are … [Read more...] about 10 Things about the Current State of Art Design Licensing You Need to Know
Box Office Bounce Expected
Attendees at CinemaCon, the National Association of Theatre Owners trade show, looked bullish on a movie resurgence in 2015, due to big titles including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Jurassic World, Minions, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens and a better spacing of releases throughout the year. Domestic ticket revenue was down more than 5% in 2014, to $10.35 billion, according to … [Read more...] about Box Office Bounce Expected
Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action
The static, one-size-fits-all toy of the past won't do; today's toys need to be dynamic, adaptable, and suitable for creative play. Accordingly, user engagement, smart play and interactivity were the primary themes of the new products on display at this year's New York Toy Fair, including licensed toys. There were 3 variations on these themes. 1. Build-Your-Own Like last year, … [Read more...] about Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action