The Licensing Letter

Industry Trends

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

Star Wars Dominates Licensing Galaxy in 2015; Minions, Avengers, Peppa Among Other Successes

In the entertainment/character space, Disney’s scored with a one-two punch in 2014 and 2015, using the combination of Frozen and Star Wars to knock back most competitors. Frozen, the licensing phenomenon of 2014, showed its stamina in 2015 with sales strong enough to land multiple toys on mass merchants’  holiday hot lists. The license on every list imaginable, however, was … [Read more...] about Star Wars Dominates Licensing Galaxy in 2015; Minions, Avengers, Peppa Among Other Successes

Top Trends of 2015: The “Experience”, Maker Movement, Globalization, and More

With licensed sales expected to grow to over $100 billion, 2015 will be the fifth straight year of growth. The licensing industry is nothing if not unrelentingly optimistic, and this coming year will likewise prove to be no different. In 2015, we saw an acute period of transition, where consumers embraced brands as part and parcel of their greater lifestyle experience. They … [Read more...] about Top Trends of 2015: The “Experience”, Maker Movement, Globalization, and More

Top 5 Sports Licensing Stories of 2015

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. 1. Nike Takes NBA from Adidas In March, Adidas announced that it would not renew its 11-year partnership with the NBA. Nike swooshed in and by June secured an 8-year, reported $1 billion deal to be the Association's on-court uniform supplier starting in 2017. 2. Adidas Takes NHL from Reebok Six months after walking away from the NBA account, Adidas won … [Read more...] about Top 5 Sports Licensing Stories of 2015

New Frontiers in VR

By Karina Masolova As traditional linear entertainment falls by the wayside, new technologies emerge that make it possible for us to interact with brands. Thus, for example, Internet TV is making on-demand the norm for TV viewing. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality are also among the technologies changing the rules of engagement. Know Your Headsets Google Cardboard … [Read more...] about New Frontiers in VR

Licensing for Mobile Games Opens Up to New Players

The mobile game licensing paradigm is changing. Although powerful gaming apps like Angry Birds still rule the roost, new players are getting into the game—not just licensees who turn digital properties into non-digital products but also licensors who license their own property for apps and mobile games. While retail sales of licensed video games/software fell -26.4% to $2.93 … [Read more...] about Licensing for Mobile Games Opens Up to New Players

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

WestJet Plane Takes “Frozen” to New Heights

Last week, WestJet rolled out a very special airplane, a Boeing 737 featuring images from "Frozen" on the fuselage, overhead bins, headrests and even bathroom mirrors. The Canadian airline actually launched its first Disney-themed plane two years ago. But the licensing of super brand "Frozen" takes the WestJet/Disney collaboration to another level. While it might be the most … [Read more...] about WestJet Plane Takes “Frozen” to New Heights

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

Are Licensed Toys in Fast-Foods Kids’ Meals an Endangered Species?

This week, Wendy's announced that it will no longer offer licensed toys as part of its kids' meals. In so doing, Wendy's became the third fast-food chain since 2011 to discard the proven business model of using licensed toys in kids' meals to generate buzz and restaurant traffic. What's going on? Licensing Toys for Kids' Meals In 1973, the now defunct Burger Chef became the … [Read more...] about Are Licensed Toys in Fast-Foods Kids’ Meals an Endangered Species?