Licensing 101

IMC Licensing

November 8, 2009

As an agency that develops and manages licensing programs for our clients’ trademarks and brands, we often get asked Why Licensing?  So here is our attempt to list the most important reasons to pursue brand licensing and why it can add to your bottom line.

Benefits of Licensing 

  • A valuable national brand can enhance consumer awareness for a product that may be lost in a field of competitors.
  • An established brand can communicate precisely the level of quality expected from and the equities associated with the product and its consumers.
  •  A well-known brand with solid recognition brings loyalty from an existing consumer base.
  •  A well-matched partnership between a brand and product can increase sales exponentially.

Licensing a well-known brand name can take high quality products to new levels of success. It brings manufacturers:

  •  Increased market share
  • Higher profit margins
  • Increased attention from buyers and consumers

Some Key Terms to Know

Royalties                         A royalty is to be paid to the licensor on products developed, marketed and sold by the licensee.   The expected rate depends on the product category, but is generally in the 5-8% range of wholesale sales.

Guaranteed Royalties    An annual minimum royalty payment is to be guaranteed by the licensee for the duration of the agreement. The guaranteed royalties are based on the licensee’s forecasts for expected sales of the licensed product.  These minimum guarantees are paid on a quarterly basis.

Minimum Net Sales        The licensor has minimum sales performance requirements for its licensees. The minimum net sales are based on the licensee’s forecasts for expected sales of the licensed product.

Term of Agreements      Typically, license agreements are for a term of two years with a one year renewal option and are non-exclusive.

Royalty Reporting          Accurate and detailed information on sales results and associated royalties are due on a quarterly basis.

Insurance                       Licensees must always carry liability insurance for their products and name the licensor as an additional insured.

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Services

Licensing is a relationship not merely between brands, but among people. At IMC, we build and nurture both of those relationships while delivering top-notch customer care that treats — and protects — your brand as if it were our own.

About Us

We’re committed to fostering dynamic brand alliances. Often those alliances are born from one brand’s need and another’s ability to meet that need. The IMC team are experts at recognizing and creating those opportunities, but our real expertise is people. Standing side by side, as consultants, partners, peers, and as friends, we’re driven by a singular purpose: creating a smart idea.