By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The brand licensing agency LMCA is expanding into Europe in an innovative partnership with the IP law firm Stobbs.
The new partners say their collaboration will offer clients in Europe a powerful new way to promote and protect their brands.
LMCA is one of the world’s largest licensing agencies, with its HQ in New York and branch offices in Asia and Latin America. Stobbs, based in Cambridge, Mass., is a brand-focused law firm with an extensive international client base.
LMCA this week announced the partnership with Stobbs as a pillar in their global expansion.
“This is a very exciting alliance coming in LMCA’s 35th anniversary year. The combination of LMCA’s global strategic brand licensing capability and Stobbs’ extensive trademark and IP service provision will deliver a comprehensive and compelling offering to both new and existing clients of both organizations,” said Ciarán Coyle, CEO of LMCA.
“This is all about enhancing the services we provide our clients globally. Stobbs is at the cutting edge of holistic and strategic brand management with its breadth of capabilities addressing all brand-related issues, including trademark portfolio management, online brand enforcement, anti-counterfeiting solutions and brand valuation. We are proud to be partnering with them.”
Julius Stobbs, Founder and Principal of Stobbs, said he is equally thrilled to be partnering with LMCA due to its expertise in building global brand licensing programs.
“As part of the range of functions that make up Intangible Asset Management, a key capability is in brand extension, and how clients can leverage their highest value asset not just for pure commercial gain, but also as a mechanism to strengthen and protect the brand itself,” Stobbs said. “Our partnership with LMCA will further build our global capability in brand extension and in Intangible Asset Management and we look forward to discussing the associated opportunities with our clients.”
Esther Jolley, currently IA Director at Stobbs, will lead the new initiative in Europe as Managing Director, reporting jointly to Coyle and Stobbs.
Jolley, an expert with 20 years’ involvement in the brand licensing industry, has extensive experience on both the agency and licensee sides of the business, working with some of the world’s leading brands including Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Hershey’s and Harley-Davidson.
The new partnership will have offices in both Cambridge and London, UK.