We had the chance to attend the Kids’ & Family Tech Expo in New York, where attendees showed off the latest in tech innovations to hit the toy shelves. The name of the game is STREAM, and to be more specific, programming and engineering. But while many toys were meant for a younger set, the price point was relatively high—targeting the pure-play offerings topping … [Read more...] about Spotlight: Kids’ Tech Toys
Property Types
Founders Beware: Retaining Ownership of IP
Departing the organization you helped found without an agreement as to ownership of intellectual property could mean leaving your property behind, according to a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Federal Circuit held in Lyons v. Am. College of Veterinary Sports Med. & Rehab. that an originator of a service mark may not own the mark … [Read more...] about Founders Beware: Retaining Ownership of IP
Top 20 Preschool Properties in the $12.8 Billion Industry
The preschool market is one of the most stable we track, compared to other property types and product categories. In 2016, licensed retail sales of preschool brand-based, preschool-oriented merchandise grew 6.7% to reach almost $12.8 billion. Although all-ages brands like sports-based properties and Star Wars have made inroads into licensed preschool merchandise, … [Read more...] about Top 20 Preschool Properties in the $12.8 Billion Industry
Worldwide Sales by PT & PC: Entertainment/Toys Drive Growth
As reported earlier, global retail sales of licensed merchandise grew 2.7%—or over $4 billion—in 2016 to reach $167.5 billion, according to TLL’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. On the property side, entertainment/character sales swelled 5.0% in 2016, while on the product side, toys/interactive games led with 3.8% growth. The major source of growth were brands from the … [Read more...] about Worldwide Sales by PT & PC: Entertainment/Toys Drive Growth
TLL’s Guide to Property Types
Properties that are licensed, or with potential for licensing, come from many sources—from art to celebrities, fashion designers to feature films and television programs, sports leagues and personalities to toys, videogames, and food and beverage brands. Although some properties cross over into several sectors, for the most part they are classified under the property type … [Read more...] about TLL’s Guide to Property Types
Royalty Rates Flat; Average Up to 8.75%
We're now in the second decade of long-term stability in royalty rates, with the average up 0.2% to reach 8.75% in 2016 for the U.S./Canada. In comparison, the average royalty was 8.73% in 2015 and 8.68% in 2014. Since 2005, the average royalty rate across property types and product categories has remained in the 8.6–8.8% range. Over three-fourths of respondants to TLL’s … [Read more...] about Royalty Rates Flat; Average Up to 8.75%
At $106.5 Billion, 2016 the Best Year Yet for Licensed Sales in the U.S./Canada
Retail sales of licensed merchandise reached $106.5 billion in the U.S. and Canada in 2016, growing 3.2% from 2015, according to TLL's Annual Licensing Business Survey. At last, the industry has surpassed the 2008 pre-recession high of $104.5 billion. This last year marks the sixth year of positive growth for the region; 2015's $103.3 billion figure was only the second time … [Read more...] about At $106.5 Billion, 2016 the Best Year Yet for Licensed Sales in the U.S./Canada
Entertainment/Character Leads Worldwide Growth of Licensed Sales in 2015
The following is an excerpt from TLL’s feature story on worldwide licensing. See the complete run-down here, including retail sales breakdowns by territory, product category and property type. Sales of goods based on entertainment properties grew 6.3% in 2015, by far the highest of any property type, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. By … [Read more...] about Entertainment/Character Leads Worldwide Growth of Licensed Sales in 2015
Global Sales of Licensed Goods Reach $163.1 Billion in 2015; Highest Growth in Nearly a Decade
Update: 08/15/2016 Note: The figures for worldwide retail sales by property type and product cateogry have been restated for 2015 and 2014. While total retail sales have not changed, the breakdowns for the art and other property types as well as the food/beverage and other product categories has changed. Statistically, 2015 was a banner year for licensing with worldwide retail … [Read more...] about Global Sales of Licensed Goods Reach $163.1 Billion in 2015; Highest Growth in Nearly a Decade
2015 Retail Sales of Licensed Goods in U.S./Canada Top $103 Billion; Entertainment, Sports Drive 3.4% Growth
Retail sales of licensed goods in the U.S. and Canada grew a robust 3.4% in 2015, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. At just under $103.3 billion, total sales surpassed the $100 billion mark for only the second time. 2015 is the fifth up year in a row for the U.S./Canada licensing business. This year’s 3.4% increase not only exceeded the 2.5% … [Read more...] about 2015 Retail Sales of Licensed Goods in U.S./Canada Top $103 Billion; Entertainment, Sports Drive 3.4% Growth