Licensing industry revenue rises for second consecutive year | Key4Communications |

Sales of licensed products climbed for the second consecutive year in 2012, according to the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Trademark owners generated $5.454 billion in royalties in 2012, a gain of 2.5% over 2011, for an estimated retail value of $112.1 billion.

“Our 2013 Licensing Industry Survey shows there is a lot to be optimistic about for retailers and companies of all sizes that are leveraging the power of licensing to drive product sales,” said LIMA President Charles Riotto. “These latest findings clearly show that licensing is a positive and effective tool across virtually every category of goods.”

Comments from survey respondents indicate the expanding role of online retailers, difficulty in gaining adequate retail shelf space to present licensed goods and growing need for a retail partner when presenting new brands. The findings also indicate increasing interest among retailers in exclusive programmes and shows they are becoming more adept at developing licensing direct initiatives.

Following are highlights from LIMA’s 2013 Licensing Industry Survey:

- Character-related merchandise Sales of licensed products climbed for the second consecutive year in 2012, according to the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Ttrademark owners generated $5.454 billion in royalties in 2012, a gain of 2.5% over 2011, for an estimated retail value of $112.1 billion.

“Our 2013 Licensing Industry Survey shows there is a lot to be optimistic about for retailers and companies of all sizes that are leveraging the power of licensing to drive product sales,” said LIMA President Charles Riotto. “These latest findings clearly show that licensing is a positive and effective tool across virtually every category of goods.”

Comments from survey respondents indicate the expanding role of online retailers, difficulty in gaining adequate retail shelf space to present licensed goods and growing need for a retail partner when presenting new brands. The findings also indicate increasing interest among retailers in exclusive programs and shows they are becoming more adept at developing licensing direct initiatives.

Following are highlights from LIMA’s 2013 Licensing Industry Survey:

- Character-related merchandise: The largest sales generator category in 2012 accounted for $2.55 billion in royalties and an estimated $49.3 billion in retail sales, up 2.8% from the previous year.

- Corporate brands: The second largest category in the report collected $928 million in royalties in 2012, up 2%, and an estimated $21.6 billion at retail.

- Fashion: Royalty revenues for fashion licensing increased 3.4% last year to $755 million, translating into estimated retail sales of $16.5 billion.

- Sports: Major league sports, including leagues and individuals, scored a 2.2% increase in licensing revenues, to $685 million in royalties, for an estimated $12.6 billion at retail.

- Art: Licensing revenues for Art properties increased 1.5% last year to $134 million in royalties, translating into an estimated $3.9 billion at retail.

- Collegiate: Royalties for college trademarks advanced 1.5% to $206 million in 2012 for approximately $3.8 billion in retail sales.