Licensing Revenues Show Year-on-Year Gain

NEW YORK: Character-related merchandise was a key driver in boosting North American licensing revenues in 2012, according to the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association’s (LIMA) annual industry survey.

Trademark owners (including entertainment studios, sports leagues, fashion houses, corporate brand owners and others) generated $5.454 billion in royalties in 2012, reflecting a 2.5-percent increase on 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’s president, Charles Riotto. "These latest findings clearly show that licensing is a positive and effective tool across virtually every category of goods."

Entertainment, TV, movie and celebrity merchandise accounted for $2.55 billion in royalties and some $49.3 billion in retail sales, up 2.8 percent from the previous year. The second biggest category was corporate brands, followed by fashion and sports as the other main segments.