By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
In licensing terms, as Sherlock Holmes might say, the game is afoot, as the Estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has appointed Renaissance Licensing as its exclusive licensing representative for North America.
Under the new partnership, Renaissance Licensing will become the Watson to Conan Doyle’s famed detective character Sherlock Holmes, as well as other famed characters from stories like The Lost World.
In a decision that seems, well, elementary, Renaissance will oversee the licensing of Conan Doyle’s name, likeness and literary works, including the legendary Sherlock Holmes series and the pioneering science fiction adventure The Lost World, across the United States and Canada.
“Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creations have captivated generations,” said Ryan Kernan, partner at Renaissance Licensing. “We are honored to represent one of the most iconic literary legacies in the world and look forward to bringing fresh energy and new partnerships to market.”
Very few characters have displayed the staying power of Sherlock Holmes, whose razor-sharp deductions, deerstalker hat, and faithful companion Dr. Watson have become fixtures of popular culture for more than a century.
The Lost World, first published in 1912, likewise remains a cornerstone of the adventure and science fiction genres, and, as Holmes might observe, it is “a case well worth reopening” for modern audiences.
“We are delighted to partner with Renaissance Licensing as we continue to steward Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legacy into new generations,” said Estate representative Tim Hubbard. “Their expertise in brand development and licensing aligns perfectly with our vision to keep these works alive and thriving in contemporary culture.”
Founded in 2023, Renaissance Licensing is a boutique agency representing cultural icons, including Hollywood legend Steve McQueen.
The partnership takes effect immediately, with new licensing opportunities already in development.
If you’d like to deduce what licensing opportunities are available in North America, contact Ryan Kernan (ryan@renlicensing.com) or Liz Van Denburg Cohen (liz@renlicensing.com).