By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The Apple Watch is getting a makeover for its one-year anniversary in the form of new fashion accessories the most spectacular of which will be designed by Hermès. The Apple Watch Hermès, which goes on sale in October, will have the same body and dimensions as before. But the ugly duckling face will be replaced by a fashion swan, namely three signature … [Read more...] about Hermès & Apple Team Up for Next Gen of Apple Watch
Industry Trends
‘Homegating’ Drives Sales of NFL-Licensed Products
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Americans still love watching football with friends but consumption patterns are changing. The TV is slowly but surely eclipsing the stadium as the viewing venue of choice. And as it does, tailgating in the parking lot is giving way to "homegating" in the living room. Seven of 10 fans would rather get together with friends at home to watch the game than … [Read more...] about ‘Homegating’ Drives Sales of NFL-Licensed Products
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
Poll Says Dug From ‘Up’ is Entertainment’s Top Dog
By Marcy Magiera Cats may have taken center screen for most of the YouTube era (think Grumpy Cat, Pusheen, Venus the "Chimera Cat" and Colonel Meow), but Americans still love their dogs. Market researcher E-Poll surveyed kids and adults ahead of "National Dog Day" (Aug. 26) to come up with Americans' favorite canine entertainment characters. The most-liked dog among both groups … [Read more...] about Poll Says Dug From ‘Up’ is Entertainment’s Top Dog
Lego Robotic Arm Takes Build-Your-Own Toys to the Next Level
The trend is to make dynamic and adaptable toys that kids can fashion any way they want. Ironically, the purest example of the modern build-your-own trend is the venerable Lego building block. For Lego, build-your-own is not fad but DNA. And now Lego has extended the approach to the field of prosthetics. It began a few years ago, when Lego Future Lab, the company’s R&D … [Read more...] about Lego Robotic Arm Takes Build-Your-Own Toys to the Next Level
Licensing Expo Is Coming-Out Party for Digital; Brand Revivals, Global Properties Also Loom Large
The arrival of digital celebrity, digital content and social media is the biggest story of Licensing Expo 2015. That "arrival" is, of course, more symbol than substance. Digital and social media have been reshaping licensing for more than a decade. But in 2015, it became official as those forces took their rightful place at Expo, the licensing industry's central event. Digital … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo Is Coming-Out Party for Digital; Brand Revivals, Global Properties Also Loom Large
10 Things about the Current State of Art Design Licensing You Need to Know
If you couldn't make it to last month's SURTEX conference in NYC, here are key takeaways about the current state of licensing of surface designs for home goods, fashion, paper and other goods, courtesy of consultant Jeff Grinspan who put together the conference program: Although the industry is more competitive than ever, it's also rife with opportunity; More retailers are … [Read more...] about 10 Things about the Current State of Art Design Licensing You Need to Know
Branded Baubles a Growth Area in Fashion Licensing
They're cute, they're furry, and they're branded with the name of a famous fashion designer. But, c'mon, $850 for a keychain?! That's how much you have to shell out for one of those hot Fendi Bag Bugs—assuming, that is, your name even gets called from the long waiting list of would-be purchasers. The Fendi Bag Bug is just the poster child of the luxury tchotchke, or … [Read more...] about Branded Baubles a Growth Area in Fashion Licensing
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