The Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, the destination for advancing the business of licensing, brand extension and collaborations, announced its brand-new educational program, Licensing Unlocked. In partnership with Licensing International, Licensing Unlocked is the first program to offer online educational sessions live and on-demand to bridge the knowledge gap for industry newcomers and provide ongoing education and accreditations for seasoned professionals.
Licensing Unlocked contains eight learning modules enabling users to quickly grasp the essentials of brand licensing and learn legal, financial, creative and partnering best practices. The content is delivered by ten trusted licensing experts featuring more than 50 instructional videos, 17 resources and templates, practical case studies and real-world examples in categories such as licensing in food and beverage, apparel, toys and games, entertainment and more. Furthermore, Licensing Unlocked is accredited by Licensing International.
“We are delighted to launch Licensing Unlocked, a program borne out of clear industry demand for education and onboarding tools for professionals new to the world of brand licensing, extensions, collaborations and partnerships, as well as companies looking to evaluate the revenue potential it could provide to their business. It also represents our commitment to provide accessible, high-quality education alongside our industry leading events and media content. Licensing Unlocked is more than just a training program, it is a gateway to the vast opportunities within the Global Licensing Group’s ecosystem and those provided by our partner, Licensing International,” says Anna Clarke, Senior Vice President, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets.
“We are proud to be partnering with the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets on this new educational initiative. The carefully curated content in Licensing Unlocked will be invaluable to those wanting to understand more about licensing and its potential across every level of the business, including for manufacturers, brand owners and retailers. Participants will gain insights from leading industry experts and from Licensing International, the leading global trade association for the licensing industry,” says Steve Manners, Vice President of Global Marketing at Licensing International.
The first module, “Licensing Explained, The ABCs of Brand Licensing”, is taught by industry expert Susan Bolsover, the Founder of Lightbulb Licensing in the U.K. With a background of more than 24 years in brand licensing and consumer products, Bolsover dives into the world of brand licensing and its impact on businesses globally, exploring how brand licensing can benefit businesses and explains key players involved in the licensing journey, discussing where licensing comes from and how licensing is applied.
“Licensing Unlocked is a game changer for the industry. It helps provide those new to the business of licensing with all the tools and inside knowledge they need to help get them started in their career. It is also a great resource for businesses looking to onboard new members of staff or for those wanting to learn more about licensing to help them grow and diversify. Its accessible and easily digestible format also means it is easy to navigate to the sections most relevant to you and your business which means users are sure to get the most out of the course content,” says Susan Bolsover, Lightbulb Licensing.
The launch of Licensing Unlocked comes at a crucial time when the licensing industry is experiencing rapid growth and evolution. According to Licensing International’s recent study, global sales of licensed merchandise and services marked $356.5 billion in retail sales in 2023, a 4.6% increase from the previous year. Licensing Unlocked is set to become an indispensable resource for brands, retailers, licensees, manufacturers and licensing agents seeking to navigate the increasingly complex licensing landscape.
The first module of Licensing Unlocked is free to access. To participate, please visit www.licensingunlocked.com.
