The Licensing Letter

Property Types

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

Patrick Kane & the Need for “Morals Clauses” in Celebrity Licenses

By Glenn Demby In June, EA Sports tabbed Chicago Blackhawk Patrick Kane for the cover of its upcoming (Sept. 15) ES Sports NHL 16 game. It seemed the perfect choice. Kane, a 3-time Stanley Cup winner, is handsome, charismatic and, somewhat rare for a hockey star, American. But Kane is now under police investigation for alleged rape in his hometown of Hamburg, NY. So, EA has … [Read more...] about Patrick Kane & the Need for “Morals Clauses” in Celebrity Licenses

Global Retail Sales of Licensed Goods Rise 2%, Reach $158.8 Billion in 2014

Worldwide retail sales of licensed merchandise increased 2% to $158.8 billion in 2014, as compared to $155.8 billion in 2013, according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. The increase was fuelled by strong sales in the U.S., U.K. and Asia, which offset the stagnation or decline in other big markets in and outside Europe. Results by … [Read more...] about Global Retail Sales of Licensed Goods Rise 2%, Reach $158.8 Billion in 2014

Average Royalty Rates in U.S. & Canada Steady for Decade; Entertainment Fees Climb, Guarantees & Advances Flat

Royalties on licensed retail goods in U.S. and Canada in 2014 represented the picture of longterm stability, capping a decade-long trend of little to no movement. The average royalty in 2014 was 8.68%, compared to 8.67% in 2013, a change of just 0.01%. Since 2005, the average royalty rate across property types and product categories has been in the 8.6% to 8.8% range. More … [Read more...] about Average Royalty Rates in U.S. & Canada Steady for Decade; Entertainment Fees Climb, Guarantees & Advances Flat

Retail Sales of Licensed Goods in U.S./Canada Grow 2.5% in 2014: Entertainment, Sports, Food Make Biggest Gains

Retail sales of licensed goods in the U.S. and Canada reached $99.9 billion in 2014, according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. That's a 2.5% increase over the $97.5 billion in retail licensed goods sales generated in 2013. 2014 is the fourth positive growth year in a row for the licensing business in the U.S. and Canada. The 2.5% rate of increase in … [Read more...] about Retail Sales of Licensed Goods in U.S./Canada Grow 2.5% in 2014: Entertainment, Sports, Food Make Biggest Gains