While the overall licensing industry grew 2.5% in 2014, the art sector continued to struggle. After two years of flattish growth, retail sales of products based on licensed art properties in the U.S. and Canada actually fell 1.6%, from $5.64 billion to $5.55 billion, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. Artist royalties also continued their … [Read more...] about Art Licensing Goes from Flat to Down 1.6%, as Fine Arts Thrive & Commercial Arts Struggle
Articles
Adidas Re-Ups with Indiana University for $53.6 Million & More
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Updated Sept. 8, 2015 Indiana University Athletics' new $53.6 million apparel deal with Adidas is believed to be the fifth richest in all of college athletics. Key terms: Eight-year extension of current agreement through 2024; Adidas $6.7 million annual commitment to IU Athletics (as compared to $3.7 million under the previous agreement); Adidas to … [Read more...] about Adidas Re-Ups with Indiana University for $53.6 Million & More
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
Disney Opens 15 Week Merchandise Window for Star Wars
By Marcy Magiera When The Licensing Letter spoke to entertainment executives for our Annual Licensing Business Survey back in the spring, several sources predicted that movie-based licensed merchandise this fall would begin to appear in stores earlier than ever, with end-of-year movies loading merchandise into stores as soon as September. The expected leader of that trend: … [Read more...] about Disney Opens 15 Week Merchandise Window for Star Wars
Which Tennis Star Is More Marketable?
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Two female tennis players have been rivals for nearly a decade. Although both are popular, one player makes twice as much in annual endorsements. Player A is a 33-year-old American who has: Won 67 career singles titles Won 21 career Grand Slam singles titles, second most for any woman all-time Won 13 career Grand Slam doubles titles Beaten Player B in … [Read more...] about Which Tennis Star Is More Marketable?
Tennis Star Andy Murray Dons Adidas after Signing with Under Armour
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Andy Murray easily won his first round U.S. Open match the other night. But if the result was predictable, the footwear was anything but. Murray wore Adidas—this after signing a shoe deal with Under Armour in December. Shades of Raymond Weil brand ambassador Charlize Theron in a Christian Dior watch? Or Jessica Simpson's dissing her own "JS" brand … [Read more...] about Tennis Star Andy Murray Dons Adidas after Signing with Under Armour
National Grocery Brands Rebound
By Marcy Magiera The recession and its aftermath in the past five years have helped increase the appeal of store brands for grocery shoppers, but now that the economy is building strength (the stock market turmoil of the past month notwithstanding), consumers are once again beginning to see store brands as less desirable, signaling a renewed opportunity for national brands, … [Read more...] about National Grocery Brands Rebound
Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Although the "overworked intern" lawsuit is getting all the headlines*, the business move the Olsen twins just made may be a lot more significant in the long-term. Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen have decided to bring their Elizabeth & James fashion brand in-house. The Olsens launched Elizabeth & James in 2007 as a contemporary spinoff of "The Row," … [Read more...] about Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House
EA Brings Bruce Lee Back to Life for UFC Mobile Game
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. With apologies to the great Ronda Rousey, the biggest star in the EA Sports UFC Mobile game roster may just be a fighter who never even set foot in a UFC octagon—or anywhere else in the last 32 years for that matter. A game feature lets users play as Bruce Lee in four weight divisions. EA is also running a promotion through September 3 allowing users to … [Read more...] about EA Brings Bruce Lee Back to Life for UFC Mobile Game
Who’s News
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Michael Francis is stepping down as Chief Global Brand Officer of DreamWorksAnimation in December and current Head of Global Consumer Products Jim Fielding will oversee licensing going forward. After a 6-month search, Snapchat hires former Mattel executive Drew Vollero as VP of finance and acting CFO. Jeff Baker steps down as EVP of Warner Bros. … [Read more...] about Who’s News