|
|
Brand Licensing News
Weight Watchers to launch in 7-Eleven
Weight Watchers International Inc plans to launch a line
of snack cakes and muffins in 7-Eleven convenience stores
across the United States, part of an ongoing move
to increase the size of its licensed food business.
In addition, the company is rolling out portion-control lines
of cheese and soft-baked cookies in grocery stores,
as it increases the range of its products for weight-conscious
Americans.
Weight Watchers gets more than half of its net revenues,
which were $1.2 billion in fiscal 2006, from its
subscription-based weight loss programs.
But since the New York-based company went public in 2001,
it has been stepping up the pace of introducing food items
sold in major U.S. supermarket chains.
Foods with the Weight Watchers name are expected to generate
$500 million in retail sales this year, up 150 percent
from fiscal 2005.
Weight Watchers takes an undisclosed license fee from manufacturers.
The company had revenues of $87.5 million in fiscal 2006
from world-wide licensing, franchise royalties and other fees,
a 17 percent increase over fiscal 2005, according to its
annual report.
Weight Watchers started its branded food products in January 2005
and competes with brands such as ConAgra`s Healthy Choice,
Lean Cuisine and Jenny Craig, both owned by Nestle,
and NutriSystem.
The cheese products, cookies and snack items at 7-Eleven
are expected to be in stores nationally by January or
February.
The deal with 7-Eleven for individually wrapped muffins
and snack cakes marks the first distribution deal
for Weight Watchers at a national convenience store.
7-Eleven operates some 7,000 stores in the United States
and is known more for hot dogs, sodas, and coffee
than for fresh fruits and yogurts.
National grocery chains already sell Weight Watchers-branded food
such as candies, baked goods, yogurt, frozen entrees and ice cream
novelties.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Elizabeth Arden & Rocawear
Elizabeth Arden, Inc. , a global prestige beauty products company,
has entered
into an exclusive global licensing agreement
with Iconix Brand Group, Inc. for the development, marketing and
distribution of men`s and women`s fragrance, cosmetics, and
skincare products with the apparel brand Rocawear.
A debut fragrance is planned to launch in the fall of 2008.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Elizabeth Arden`s portfolio of brands includes the Elizabeth Arden
fragrance brands:
- Red Door, Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue, Elizabeth Arden green tea
and Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean;
- the Elizabeth Taylor fragrance brands:
White Diamonds and Elizabeth Taylor`s Passion;
- the fragrance brands of Britney Spears:
curious Britney Spears, fantasy Britney Spears and Britney Spears believe;
- the Mariah Carey fragrance M by Mariah Carey;
- the Hilary Duff fragrance with Love ... Hilary Duff;
- the Danielle Steel fragrance Danielle by Danielle Steel;
- the lifestyle fragrances:
Daytona 500, Design, Giorgio Beverly Hills, the HUMMER Fragrance
for Men, PS Fine Cologne for Men, White Shoulders and Wings;
and the designer fragrance brands of Alfred Sung, Badgley Mischka,
Bob Mackie, GANT, Geoffrey Beene`s Grey Flannel,
Halston and Halston Z-14, and Nanette Lepore.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Coming To A Kitchen Or Closet Near You: Vespa
Vespa will scoot over to new categories next year
with licensing deals for items ranging from apparel and
accessories to watches and kitchen appliances.
The company is focusing on apparel, accessories and
kitchen appliances like possibly an espresso maker first.
Products are expected to hit stores in late 2008 and will target
mid-tier and higher-end retailers.
The licensing program is part of Vespa`s strategy
to overcome two marketing challenges in the U.S.
Licensing will promote and grow the Vespa brand as a
leader in the scooter industry.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
St. John Eyewear License
St. John said that it has signed a multi year license agreement
for production and worldwide distribution of a sunglass
and prescription eyewear collection, which will sell exclusively
in St. John boutiques for spring.
The brand will launch globally for wholesale in May
at the MID trade show in Milan.
The frames will retail for $200 to $500.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Pepsi Pops Into Women`s Apparel
According to WWD, the beverage brand is launching the Pepsi Clothing women`s line
for spring, following a fall 2006 men`s launch. The women`s line will add a juniors bent
to the urban angle of the men`s collection, which capitalizes on Pepsi`s music ties
and is sold exclusively in urban specialty stores.
The women`s lineup includes active wear, denim, tops and outerwear, wholesaling
from about $12 to $50.
A decade ago, Pepsi created Pepsi Stuff, a line of T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, jackets
and other items, promoted with TV commercials featuring Cindy Crawford and
Shaquille O`Neal.
Both the women`s and men`s lines are designed by Christopher "MC Handz" Rogers.
The men`s line is already in 200 doors, and women`s could be in up to 1,000 within a year,
capitalizing on many of the men`s stores while adding junior specialty stores and
department stores. It`s also sold at pepsistyle.com.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Columbia Sportswear for Pets?!
Columbia Sportswear Co. is fetching a spot in the pet-care arena,
signing a deal for a line of products aimed at outdoor consumers.
The collection features coats and accessories for dogs, as well as
a neoprene vest for hunting dogs.
Features of the inaugural line include technical outdoor fabrics
with durable construction and reflective piping for increased safety.
The new products will be available during the third quarter of 2008.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Yet more Fashion Cell Phones
The tide of fashion brands appearing on mobile phones looks set to surge
with at least five more promised from the makers of the Levi`s phone,
which launches at Carphone Warehouse in two weeks.
The company behind the Levi`s phone has agreed to a deal with Tag Heuer
for the beginning of 2008, and a deal with a surf brand.
It comes on the back of a two-week period of tie-ups between Samsung and
Giorgio Armani, Alcatel and bag maker Mandarina Duck, and HTC and Ted Baker.
Manufacturers are attempting to integrate iconic design and features on phones
that are associated with the fashion brands.
The Tag Heuer phone will only be sold through the current Tag Heuer distribution channels,
alongside the company`s watches.
Designer-branded handsets are becoming increasingly popular with retailers
to give them a point of difference.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Karl Lagerfeld into Eyewear
WWD reports:
"Glasses are as much a part of Karl Lagerfeld`s image as white shirts
and slim-fitting suits.
So it comes as no surprise he is launching his own eyewear collection;
the only question is why it took him so long.
Lagerfeld`s firm will launch women`s and men`s eyewear collections
under the Karl Lagerfeld label, beginning in 2008 through a licensing agreement.
In stores in January, Lagerfeld`s sun collection features 24 styles,
each in four color options, from tones of blue to red, black and tortoise.
The opthalmic group will be available by April and will include 14 styles,
each with four color choices.
All Karl Lagerfeld eyewear will be sold worldwide in select department stores
and specialty stores and will retail from $175 to $250.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Jacuzzi License for Luxury Bedding Products
Jacuzzi Brands Corp. announced that its subsidiary, Jacuzzi Inc.
has granted an exclusive license to manufacture and market
luxury sleep systems under its Jacuzzi trademark.
The suite of products, to be known as Jacuzzi Sleep Systems,
encompasses mattresses and foundations featuring a proprietary
gel visco-elastic memory foam that provides high comfort,
superior orthopedic support and a cooler sleeping surface
than earlier generations of memory foam mattresses.
Products will be marketed through interior designers,
upscale specialty bedding retailers, full-line furniture stores
and better department stores.
A formal product launch is planned for this fall.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Elie Tahari expanding in accessories
The ready-to-wear firm has formed a partnership to manufacture
Elie Tahari and Tahari belt collections, set to launch for fall 2008
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Armani Mobile Phone
WWD reports, with a great typo that as part of a strategy
to expand his lifestyle products, Giorgio Armani has teamed up
with consumer electronics giant Samsung Electronics to develop
a portable phone and a luxury LCD television - the first items
of a series of home electronic goods.
The phone will be unveiled at the Armani Teatro before
the designer`s fashion show.
It will be rolled out in the European market in November
and in other countries next year.
The phone is being developed for the designer`s signature
and Emporio Armani lines.
The TV is being developed as part of the Armani Casa home line
and will be unveiled in January 2008.
Armani, who will provide the design aesthetic of the products,
underscored how "these are all lifestyle decisions, where design
and performance are the criteria."
The designer pointed to Samsung as a company that has
"successfully anticipated the growing role for consumer electronics
in our lives, while recognizing the importance of self-expression
in the development of its products."
The phone can fit in a person`s palm, as it is the size
of a credit card and a mere 9.9 mm in thickness.
A large 2.6-inch QVGA TFT LCD screen maximizes the user`s
visual experience and optimizes the full touch-screen user interface (UI).
By adapting a haptical UI, users can feel an immediate mild vibration
when they touch icons on the display.
Despite its compactness, the phone is equipped with a 3-megapixel camera,
a music player supporting various types of formats and a full internet browser.
Furthermore, the Giorgio Armani-Samsung Mobile offers a microSD type external
memory slot and comes with a Bluetooth stereo headset.
A specially designed Giorgio Armani leather carrying case is also included.
The new products will be distributed in upscale consumer electronics stores
and through Giorgio Armani`s direct controlled retail network.
The price of the phone is 650 Euro, or $915 at current exchange.
The home electronics products will be increasingly more relevant
for the designer`s business, as he plans to open hotels and
residences around the world and in light of his ever-expanding
home collection.
Today, Armani has 25 Casa stores in 46 countries.
Comment:
How is that possible, 25 stores in 46 countries?
Other fashion brands have tapped into the consumer goods industry,
in the belief that portable phones are increasingly objects of design
and style, even status symbols.
Last year, Prada signed an agreement with LG Electronics to launch a
touch interface portable phone, Dolce & Gabbana collaborated with
Motorola on a MotoRazr V3i and Versus launched a cell phone-MP3 player
with Samsung.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Luxury brands on everything?
The IHT has a good article about brand extension / licensing.
Here it is:
"In recent years the term luxury brand has meant a lot more
than just Christian Louboutin`s red-soled pumps or Versace`s gowns.
Think chocolates, flowers and tropical resort hotels.
There is Bulgari`s Bali resort and Roberto Cavalli`s handmade vodka.
Versace offers decor for private jets. And in November, Giorgio Armani
plans to open his fourth multi concept store, the Armani/Ginza Tower in Tokyo.
Spread over 12 floors, it will include a spa, a nightclub and a flower shop.
Now that the major houses are dipping into so many areas,
where do they go next for growth?
Luxury brands should consider how consumers perceive them,
not how they want to be perceived, said Milton Pedraza,
chief executive of the Luxury Institute, a ratings and research firm
based in New York.
And capitalizing on existing products and design skill
are the best outlets, he added, like creating auto interiors,
jets, or yachts.
Developing an aesthetic is a key consideration for luxury brand operators
who want to avoid diluting the brands` public appeal.
"Are they about promoting a logo or a brand aesthetic?" asked Dana Thomas,
Newsweek`s European fashion writer and author of a new book
"Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster."
"Are you getting your jet done in Versace because you like their neo-classic look
or because you want those seven letters?" she asked. "When you start having
Cavalli vodka and Prada phones, you just don`t want to see these names anymore.
I think there will be a time when the market is saturated and they`ll do themselves in."
But some brands have carefully maintained their images while creating new products,
Thomas said. "Bulgari has taken the clean, modern lines that they use in their jewelry
and used them in the design of their hotel. It makes sense."
Bulgari opened a hotel in Milan in 2004, followed by a Bali resort in 2006;
both properties feature Bulgari`s signature spare elegance.
The company now plans to develop five city hotels and two resorts in coming years,
saying its focus is on unusual locations.
A novice in the hospitality industry, Bulgari`s foray into hotels has been a joint venture
with the Luxury Group, the upscale hotel division of Marriott International.
And such partnerships between two established brands are becoming increasingly common,
like Versace`s pairing with Lamborghini last year to create a special-edition,
all-white car, while Prada teamed with LG to design a sophisticated cellphone.
"Extending a brand is a surgical process, not something you can experiment with,"
said Pedraza of the Luxury Institute. "In co-branding, they combine complementary
expertise. Each is bringing a skill to the table."
Many luxury companies are attempting to change perception of their labels
from fashion to lifestyle through such expansion.
For Armani, that has meant developing complementary products and styles like
the Armani Casa furniture line, restaurants and bars, cosmetics and skincare,
all housed in Armani multi brand shops. Its first multi concept store, Armani/Via Manzoni 31,
a 6,000-square-meter, or 64,500-square-foot, space in Milan, opened in 2000
with similar outlets in Hong Kong and Munich quickly following.
And plans for a flagship New York store are being prepared.
Along with expanding the accessories and home furnishing lines - and opening
the first Armani hotel in Dubai in early 2009 - the company is focusing on
geographical expansion, exploring developing markets like China and India,
said Robert Triefus, spokesman for the Armani Group.
"The notion of style cuts across so many things that we do and enjoy," Triefus said.
"It`s more than just retail. Mr. Armani is very careful not to extend the brand into
areas that aren`t logical," he said. "The aesthetic of Armani is so clear and
well understood."
When luxury houses license their trademarks to manufacturers, brand extension
is one of the main goals. Yet, if quality and market are not considered carefully,
it is also a risky initiative that can weaken a brand.
Twenty years ago, indiscriminate licensing produced a wave of substandard products
stamped with logos, and some brands, like Pierre Cardin and Gucci, paid the price.
Armani`s extensions have been carefully considered and the number of licenses
strictly limited. "Mr. Armani believes fervently in protection of the brand," Triefus said.
"He maintains as much control as possible over products."
Some luxury houses, like Gucci, have repaired the mistakes of over-licensing and
other brands have been careful to avoid it. But, Thomas noted, many luxury companies
now are headed by chief executives from other businesses who are not quite as aware
of the pitfalls. "We`re really going to see a bad period of licensing again," she predicted.
But with brand names already stamped on everything from underwear to eveningwear,
opportunities for expansion are slim. "Pucci did astronaut uniforms - Pucci`s been to space!"
Thomas said, referring to a collection from the `70s.
"I don`t know if there are any new frontiers
left."
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Levi`s Eyewear added to accessory collection
The first Levi`s Eyewear collection is scheduled to make its official debut
at the next edition of SILMO - the international trade exhibition
in Paris on October 19-22, 2007.
The collection, which is the result of an exclusive licensing agreement,
consists of thirty plus styles of ophthalmic frames and sunglasses
for men and women.
The Levi`s Eyewear Collection will be available through apparel and
specialty eyewear stores across Europe from January 2008.
Recommended retail prices will range from €99 -119 for sunglasses
and from €139-189 for ophthalmic frames.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Dunkin` Donuts Coffee by P&G
Procter & Gamble announced that Dunkin` Donuts coffee will be available
to consumers in select retail outlets nationwide by mid-August and broadly
in September.
Through a licensing agreement with Dunkin` Donuts P&G will provide
Dunkin` Donuts coffee to grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores
and drug stores throughout the U.S.
Sales in the new retail channels complement Dunkin` Donuts stores` efforts
and signal a long-term, strategic brand-building move for the company.
It coincides with Dunkin` Brands` overall expansion efforts to introduce
the brand to new markets across the country and to deepen its relationship
with consumers in existing markets.
Retailers across the country have responded enthusiastically to the introduction
of the popular brand. Select retailers have promoted the brand in stores and
in circulars to alert consumers to the fact that Dunkin` Donuts coffee is
"coming soon."
Dunkin` Donuts coffee will be available in a variety of coffee flavors and roasts.
Ground varieties will include Original Blend, French Vanilla, Dunkin` Decaf,
Hazelnut and Cinnamon Spice. Original Blend will also be available in a
whole bean variety.
Dunkin` Donuts coffee will be available in a 12 oz. package for a suggested
retail price of $7.99 and a 40 oz. package for a suggested retail price of $15.99.
Procter & Gamble will support the product launch with a multifaceted marketing
campaign including network TV, national consumer print and local radio ads,
the dunkinathome.com Web site and a public relations program that amplifies
the "America Runs on Dunkin`" advertising theme.
P&G Coffee, the #1 coffee roaster in the U.S., will be responsible for manufacturing,
distributing, and marketing Dunkin` Donuts packaged coffee to U.S. retail outlets.
This is the latest addition to the P&G coffee portfolio, joining premium coffee brands
Folgers Gourmet Selections and Millstone.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Nicole Miller Signs Global Fragrance License
The licensee announced a global licensing arrangement with Nicole Miller
for the development, marketing and distribution of fragrances under the
Nicole Miller and nicole by Nicole Miller Brand names.
Launch of a prestige Nicole Miller scent for the fine specialty store market
in the United States is planned for Holiday 2008, with a worldwide roll-out
to follow.
The initial term of the license is five years.
Nicole Miller, a New York-based designer, has a series of strategic arrangements,
to design and market fashion, accessories, bags, shoes, eyewear, fashion jewelry,
home products, furniture and the nicole by Nicole Miller collection.
The licensee also holds licenses for Paris Hilton fragrances, watches, cosmetics,
sunglasses, handbags and other small leather accessories, in addition to
fragrance brands of GUESS?, XOXO, Ocean Pacific (OP), Jessica Simpson,
Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, babyGund, and Fred Hayman Beverly Hills.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Burger King Snack License
Burger King Corp. announced a license agreement with a Phoenix-based
snack food manufacturer to develop a line of branded BURGER KING snacks.
Two snack chip flavors will be introduced: Ketchup & Fries,
one of America`s favorite taste combinations, and another
yet-to-be-named savory, that captures the flame broiled flavor
of the BURGER KING brand.
The snacks will launch in vending machines, on airlines and in
convenience,drug and grocery stores beginning November 2007.
The goal is to secure an additional brand presence in more than
100,000 outlets through these new distribution channels, far beyond
the 11,200 restaurants.
The licensee will offer the chips in several sizes and price points:
single serving sizes of 1.0 ounce and 1.75 ounces will be featured
in vending machines and on airlines;
2.5- or 3.0- ounce sizes will be available in convenience stores
and 5.5-ounce bags will be sold in grocery stores.
A second roll-out of the products to price clubs and additional
grocery outlets in spring 2008 will feature 20- and 25-ounce bags
and variety packs.
Burger King Corp. will also test market a 100 calorie bag
in its restaurants.
After the initial rollout of the chips in the United States,
the partners plan to expand globally.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Again, licensee buys licensed brand
Inter Parfums, Inc. announced that its 72% owned subsidiary,
Inter Parfums SA, acquired the worldwide rights to the Lanvin
brand names and international trademarks listed under Class 3
from Jeanne Lanvin, S.A.
The purchase price, 22 million Euro (approximately U.S. $29.7 million)
was paid in cash at closing and as a result, Inter Parfums and Lanvin
have terminated their existing licensing contract signed in June 2004.
Under the terms of the agreement, Inter Parfums will also pay to Lanvin
a sales-based fee for technical and creative assistance in new product
development to be rendered by Lanvin in connection with the use of the
Lanvin trademark through June 30, 2019.
Additionally, Lanvin has the right to repurchase the brands and trademarks
in 2025.
Class 3 of the international classification of trademarks goods and services
include: soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics and hair lotions.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
True Religion Signs Fragrances License
The company expects significant worldwide Advertising and marketing campaigns
to accompany the launch.
In one of the company`s widest opportunities for product distribution,
the True Religion brand fragrances for women and men will launch worldwide
in fall 2008 in True Religion branded stores, national department stores
such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale`s,
and Barneys New York, and more than 1,000 specialty stores,
including Sephora and Ulta.
Additionally, the company is planning an international roll-out to
Europe, Japan, Korea, Canada, Mexico, Australia and South America,
as well as duty-free stores in the U.S. and Caribbean.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Columbia Branded Performance Sports Optics
Columbia Sportswear Company today announced a licensing agreement to design,
manufacture and market a new line of Columbia Sportswear-branded sports optics
products aimed at avid outdoor consumers.
The new product line is a first for Columbia Sportswear and will expand
its collection of industry-leading outdoor gear. The collection features
premium binoculars and spotting scopes for hikers, bird watchers,
hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, as well as U.S.-engineered
high-performance rifle scopes.
The agreement provides the licensee with access to a larger
potential customer base, and continues Columbia Sportswear`s expansion
into quality licensed products including sunglasses, wristwatches
and bicycles that complement an active, recreational lifestyle.
All Columbia Sportswear sports optics products are waterproof,
fog proof, accurate, durable and designed for excellent light transmission.
The new products will be available first quarter 2008 and will debut
with suggested retail prices ranging from US$ 159.95 to 324.95,
providing several performance and value options for consumers.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Proctor & Gamble in Licensing Deal with Replay
Carefair reports, that P&G will create fragrances for Replay.
P&G`s Heike Hindenlang states that the deal will allow P&G
to "…create a distinctive fragrance line which will capture the spirit
of today`s young consumers by combining Replay`s innovative strength
with our expertise in the fragrance market."
Thursday, August 23, 2007
J&J vs. The Red Cross: A Lesson in Licensing
Johnson & Johnson is suing the American Red Cross for using - of all things, the red-cross logo.
J&J has used the red-cross symbol since 1887, before the Red Cross was chartered.
So they are right.
Though the relief organization denies it refused to negotiate with J&J because it held
the communications high ground, it certainly played its hand effectively, raising the question
of whether J&J should have just let the matter slide.
Why did J&J go after the Red Cross?
The company had to enforce its trademark or lose it forever.
Trademark infringement left unchallenged, even when a humanitarian organization is involved,
can mean losing the trademark.
After months of talks with the Red Cross went nowhere, J&J not only offered mediation,
but also said it would use a mediator recommended by the group.
A Red Cross spokeswoman said she didn`t know why the group declined that offer.
The Red Cross began licensing the cross in 2004 to other manufacturers who also put it on first-aid kits,
including a Target private-label version, and on such things as cool-mist humidifiers of seemingly
little value in a disaster.
J&J has used the symbol since 1887, before the Red Cross was chartered.
Clara Barton signed an 1895 agreement recognizing J&J`s exclusive rights to it for
"chemical, surgical and pharmaceutical goods of every description."
A 1905 law prohibits anyone other than the American Red Cross from using the symbol,
exempting J&J, which already used it.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Liz Claiborne licensing / selling 16 brands According to WSJ, Liz Claiborne wants to license or sell 16 of its brands.
The American sportswear maker, suffering from a downturn in department-store sales,
announced today that it`s seeking to divest itself of 16 of its 36 apparel brands.
The 16 brands that Claiborne will try to sell or license out or possibly discontinue are
Sigrid Olsen, Prana, Ellen Tracy, Dana Buchman, Mac & Jac, Kensie, Intuitions,
C&C California, Enyce, Laundry, Tint, Stamp10, First Issue, Emma James,
Tapemeasure and J.H. Collectibles.
Ellen Tracy and Dana Buchman are two brands, that helped establish the
bridge market in the 80ies and 90ies.
Claiborne plans to double its spending on advertising for its Kate Spade, Lucky Brand
and Juicy Couture labels to 3% to 5% of annual sales, in line with competitors like Coach Inc.
To further reduce its dependence on department stores and better track customers`
buying patterns, the company plans to open 300 more of its own stores by 2010 and
improve its e-commerce operations.
Claiborne is also developing ways to shorten the time between orders and deliveries,
and respond more quickly to consumer demand for particular styles.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Miss Sixty watch license WWD writes, that Miss Sixty is flirting with time.
The Italian fashion brand will launch watches in partnership with the distributor
for Miss Sixty jewelry.
The collection will be available this September in all Miss Sixty stores and select
jewelry retailers.
First-year sales are projected at $8 million for the $200 million brand.
The watch collection will feature six styles all made of steel with red and violet detailing.
Swarovski crystals adorn certain pieces along with butterflies and flowers.
Other parts of the line are more modern, with racing stripes and leather straps.
All watches will retail from $100 to $170.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Rollei licensee Rollei-branded digital cameras are slated to return to Europe, according to the
Photo Marketing Association (PMA).
Licensing for the brand has been acquired by RCP-Technik GmbH & Co. KG,
a company based out of Germany, which will allow the positioning of the Rollei brand
throughout Europe.
The company is a subsidiary of Supra Foto Elektronik Vertriebs GmbH,
a camera and accessory company.
According to PMA, Thomas Guettler, the managing director of RCP-Technik,
said the company intends to launch Rollei-branded digital cameras in exclusive designs
and will target specialty retailers.
RCP-Technik, however, will rely on the service infrastructure and the purchasing
power of its parent company, he said.
The Rollei brand will be positioned in the digital camera and accessories market,
according to PMA.
The products will be released this September in Germany and in additional
European countries in early 2008.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Cole Haan brand license for eyewear WWD reports, that Cole Haan is adding eyewear to its American lifestyle wardrobe.
The company is launching an eyewear collection for spring 2008.
Cole Haan`s sun collection will feature 22 women`s styles and 18 looks for men.
Although they range from leather basket-weave detailing to the more modern,
industrial group, each pair keeps with the brand`s artisan-like sensibility.
The sunglasses collection will be available at Cole Haan signature stores and
select wholesale partners and will retail from $125 to $500.
More than 50 men`s and women`s styles make up the optical collection.
Retail prices range from $200 to $500 for limited edition styles, and the pieces
will be offered through certain eye care professionals, including opticians,
optometrists, ophthalmologists and optical specialty retailers.
The expansion is one of many for Cole Haan, which sees growth potential
in a variety of arenas, including beauty.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Brand Licensing volume 2006 Here is the volume for licensing in 2006:
- Royalties $ 6,04 Billion (+ 1,5%)
- Trademarks/brands $ 1,09 Billion (+0,4%)
as published by LIMA.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Something Brewing at Entenmann`s The 100-plus-years-old baked goods brand is introducing Entenmann`s branded coffee,
its first foray into licensed products.
Lorraine Hale, marketing director for Entenmann`s, which is owned by George Weston Bakeries,
said: "The idea of creating a coffee line was brought up years ago, but never acted upon.
It`s only been the last two years that we decided to do something about it.
Coffee is a natural extension for Entenmann`s so it makes sense."
Entenmann`s has partnered with a licensee to create the blend,
featuring a six-SKU line of flavored and non-flavored coffees.
While specific flavors have not yet been decided,
Hale says they`ll likely reflect Entenmann`s baked goods line.
Entenmann`s Coffee will hit retail shelves in the first quarter of 2008,
with the rollout beginning in the Northeast where Entenmann`s has strong
consumer awareness and loyalty.
Entenmann`s is also looking into a number of other licensing opportunities.
For example, branded ice cream is slated to hit retail later in 2008.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
More Power for Brand Manufacturers Brands have another weapon to control their image, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a ban on minimum pricing agreements
between manufacturers and retailers.
The decision shifts the balance of power to brands. Manufacturers now have the right
to set minimum prices for their goods at retail.
The decision gives lower courts the leeway to determine, on a case-by-case basis,
whether minimum pricing agreements are anticompetitive.
Previously, such agreements were illegal on their face.
It will take time for the industry to feel out the boundaries of the new rule.
The ruling will give manufacturers a little more ammunition to pull their brands out of stores
if the retailer starts discounting the line and hurting the image of the brand.
The ruling could make it easier for manufacturers to protect their most important assets,
their brands.
Manufacturers who want to maintain a certain brand image associated either with
a certain price point or perhaps more importantly a certain retail experience,
may now have latitude to set minimum retail price where they did not before.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Ferragamo signs Watch License WWD reports, that Salvatore Ferragamo has signed a 13-year license
to launch a luxury collection of timepieces.
The line will be launched in April at Baselworld, but an initial flash of two or three models
will be available in about 80 stores in November.
The company will target 500 stores in 60 countries - including 200 Ferragamo boutiques -
and expects retail sales of $195 million in five years.
50 percent of the company`s customers are Asian. And they will be even more numerous
in the future, considering Asia as the countries from Istanbul to Siberia.
This is the first watch license for Ferragamo, although there was a previous
production agreement with a very limited distribution.
The only other license the company has is for eyewear.
Ferragamo said the license was part of the new course of the family-owned firm,
which has "evolved and entered into its third phase, with an IPO in the cards,
probably next year, when we are ready. There is no rush, we want to reinforce
the company and give freedom to the 60 family members to stay or leave."
The watches will retail for between $1,300 and $6,500, with limited edition models
with diamonds priced up to $39,000. One of the models shown at the presentation
was a round travel clock in a stainless steel case retailing at $780.
The licensee has been expanding its luxury segment over the past three years,
with the addition of timepieces for Versace in 2004, Vincent Bérard in 2006 and
Valentino in January.
Ferragamo is on track with its retail strategy, with 30 boutiques planned to open this year,
including seven in the U.S., six in China and three in Russia.
Friday, June 22, 2007 Levi`s Cellphone Levi`s announced here the launch of cellphones:
In tune with its young consumers, the Levi`s brand is adding a fashionable,
steel mobile phone to its range of lifestyle accessories.
The Levi`s phone embraces mobile technology and enables young people
to connect, enjoy music, exchange images and videos whilst on the go.
The functional essence of the Levi`s brand`s design philosophy is perfectly
captured by the phone`s compact design and sturdy riveted steel casing.
A unique detachable chain provides a clever design solution
that allows users to fasten their phone to their jeans or bags.
"Technology is at the heart of today`s youth culture and mobile phones
are the ultimate accessory. Adding a mobile phone to our collection
is a natural progression for Levi`s, a brand that is driven to meet
the desires of young people", says You Nguyen, Senior Vice President
of Levi`s Product.
The Levi`s phone is manufactured and sold under license.
It will be available in selected stores throughout Europe as of September 2007.
We don`t know, what makes the chain unique, it doesn`t look unique.
Or what might be unique about a fastening solution for a cell phone at all.
But the cell phone market seems overly crowded with successful brands already.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
ultra premium vodka and low end fashion? Just a few weeks after launching his "ultra-premium" vodka,
Roberto Cavalli signed with H&M to design a line.
How is that supposed to work?
Going ultra-premium here and going mass market there?
But then, the cooperation with well known designers and personalities anyway
presents little more then a lot of media attention, mainly for H&M.
According to some sources Karl Lagerfeld was not amused,
when he saw the small amount of royalties from the relatively few pieces
H&M had produced and sold.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Roberto Cavalli Vodka? Going from fashion to lifestyle.
Designers don`t merely dress their customers any more.
They furnish their homes, outfit their children and pets
and they formulate the shade of lipstick they wear.
Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren were pioneers in the
lifestyle trend in the 80ies.
Today, nearly every well known designer has her or his name
on sunglasses, handbags and perfume.
Now the Italian designer Roberto Cavalli is testing the limits on line extensions.
His newest product is Roberto Cavalli Vodka, an ultra-premium vodka
that retails for $70 a bottle. The connection between vodka and clothing
appears tenuous, and vodka`s ties to Italy are even more of a stretch.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Coolness Factor WWD reports about the results of Piper Jaffray`s biannual
"Taking Stock With Teens" study. Teenagers nationwide were asked which apparel and
footwear brands reigned supreme in terms of how trendy they were.
In addition, the study found teens continue to spend a significant
amount of money on apparel, footwear and accessories
The trendiest brands with Teens are:
NIKE PUMA POLO RALPH LAUREN STEVE MADDEN GUESS ADIDAS NINE WEST QUIKSILVER ROXY VOLCOM FOSSIL REEBOK Thursday, June 21, 2007
Emilio Pucci signs Eyewear license According to eye-zine.com, a leading worldwide manufacturing distributor
got the exclusive licensing agreement with Emilio Pucci.
This agreement will give the licensee the worldwide license to manufacture
and distribute both sun and ophthalmic eyewear.
The Pucci Eyewear collection will debut in January of 2008.
The collection will offer both sunglasses and optical frames that truly exemplify
the legendary Pucci prints, designs and colors that have become a trademark
of the brand.
Created by Italian Marchese Emilio Pucci in the late 1940`s, the brand is
synonymous with bold, brightly colored powerful patterns inspired by
the rich Mediterranean colors.
A member of the LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton luxury group,
Pucci currently produces a range of products through the Pucci Collection,
including eveningwear, ready-to-wear, swimwear, accessories, shoes
and beauty products for women.
The licensee is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of fashion
and technologically advanced eyewear and sunwear.
The company has an impressive range of collections with patented products
and world-famous brands including: Calvin Klein, ck Calvin Klein, COACH,
FENDI, Michael Kors, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike and Sean John.
Headquartered in New York, it markets and distributes its products globally
with regional headquarters in Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Tokyo,
and sales offices serving customers in a network of over 80 countries.
Production facilities are located in Italy, Japan and other countries.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wrangler licenses Gitano brand to apparel chain The retail chain Fashion Bug said it had signed a licensing deal to be the exclusive retailer
of Gitano brand clothing.
Gitano is part of Greensboro-based VF Corp.`s Wrangler business.
Fashion Bug is one of four apparel store chains owned by Charming Shoppes Inc.,
a Bensalem, Pa.,-based company. Charming Shoppes announced the Gitano deal
with its first-quarter results Thursday morning.
The company said Gitano products would start arriving at stores
during the third quarter.
I will never understand, how a brand can put all eggs into one basket.
Direct to retail (DTR) licenses have been growing in popularity over
the last couple of years.
But what does the brand owner do, when the retailer drops the license?
To us, DTR decreases the value of the brand, as it puts future income at risk.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
True Religion Bags Licensing Deal True Religion Apparel, Inc. announced that it has signed a licensing
agreement with a leading designer and distributor of high-end
handbags and small leather goods, to manufacture and sell
True Religion branded handbags worldwide.
The new handbag line will launch at the Project Show in Las Vegas
in August 2007 and will begin shipping to retailers for Spring 2008.
The partner previously designed for brands Calvin Klein and Tahari,
and recently licensed and launched UGG Australia handbags,
which have been featured at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom,
Barney`s, Henri Bendel and other premium retailers.
It will be interesting to see, whether the licensee will be truly global
or North American.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Austrian Court prohibits Brand Hijacking Booking a competing brand as Google Adword, a tactic called Brand Hijacking,
has been common for a while.
In 2006 the decision of a French Court was confirmed, that it is illegal for Google
to sell trademarks as Adwords to competitors of the trademark owner.
But the French courts required trademark owners to inform Google
about ownership of brands.
Google had to pay Euro 300,000 to the plaintiff, Louis Vuitton.
Now in a similar case the Austrian High Court went even further.
In the Austrian case the court ruled, that it is already illegal
to book a trademark, that is owned by someone else, as Adword.
In the USA the judge Jeremy Vogel of the district court of San Jose
recently decided to hear a similar case against Google.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Mustang Jeans racing against Mustang Car The two Mustang brands are now competing in the fragrance business.
The European jeans brand Mustang launched its line of perfume and body care
through a license in September 2006.
The American car brand Mustang, signed a license for a men fragrance
to be launched in the USA in July 2007.
The perfume business is very global – just think of duty free shops – and it has
high margins. Therefore the gray market is huge and it is almost impossible
to control distribution. The retailers will have a tough time distinguishing the offers.
Will the consumer confuse the two fragrances?
We think that is unlikely, even with both brands showing a very similar horse.
It will be interesting to see, which Mustang comes in first in this race.
Which Mustang are you betting on?
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
From functional water to skin care? According to an article at brandweek.com, the PepsiCo water division
- via licensing - enters the cosmetic category to boost its brand, Aquafina.
The move helps extend the Aquafina brand name from the beverage aisle
to the cosmetics aisle.
Both categories, drinks and cosmetics, are highly competitive.
A few years ago, Kneipp went the other way around.
Known for its healthy water treatments and exceptional body care products,
Kneipp extended its brand into the functional water category.
So far the extension with five SKUs has been successful.
It even pushed category leader Nestle from the shelves in some retail channels.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Playstation Licensing to increase Brand Awareness Sony, already a powerhouse in licensing, announced it will be creating a new team
as part of Sony Computer Entertainment for the purpose of licensing intellectual properties.
Sony wants to expand its business development and increase awareness of the Sony brand.
It`ll be the job of the team to coordinate the licensing of the PlayStation brand and
all recognizable first-party characters for merchandise and entertainment products.
It will also handle the licensing of peripherals and other accessories across all
PlayStation platforms.
This is supposed to grow the PlayStation business by introducing the brands
to a wider audience.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Brands as lending assets WWD has an article about loans against brands and intellectual properties:
Brands rule and can offer an alternative source for companies to lend against.
"People have seen a lot of fairly high valuations against specific brands,
and that has created a marketplace whereby a lot of companies have begun
to feel they have equity locked up in their trademarks and in their brands.
They`d like to unlock that equity," said Kevin Sullivan, executive vice president,
western region manager of Wells Fargo Century.
Lending against trademarks, intellectual property and brands is not new,
but it has become more common in the current climate, said Jonathan Lucas,
chief sales officer of CIT Commercial Services. "It is much more in vogue today
than it was," he said.
Untapped brand equity can be an ace in the hole for apparel companies
looking to differentiate themselves from other organizations.
Factoring firms evaluate loans issued against trademarks and brands
by three or four basic criteria, sources said.
One important element of decisions about trademarks, according to factors,
can be identifiable revenue streams generated by a trademark,
such as existing licensing agreements.
Identifiable revenue streams are part of establishing a valuation
for a trademark or a brand.
Once the value of a brand has been established, a lender is better situated
to determine the percentage it will lend against the valuation.
The value of intangible assets such as intellectual property can be subjective,
making the valuation particularly important, sources said.
With the increased attention brands have been receiving, there are times,
however, when that valuation can be more difficult to ascertain.
With the rush to brands, sometimes the value of a brand has to be determined
before licensing revenue has been established.
"Historically, people looked at brands and said, `Let`s look at cash flow
derived from license revenue as a basis for valuing and lending against.
Today, you may have companies with very valuable trademarks
but no licensing revenue. You have to consider that the enterprise value
of the company is partially in the trademark and have to think about
providing under-capitalized companies the money that we would believe
we would get back from the total brand if there was a problem,"
said Andrew Tananbaum, president and chief executive officer of
Capital Business Credit.
Aside from royalty income streams, companies also look to tap enterprise value
and cash generated from the sales of a brand, said Kevin Gillespie,
senior vice president, northeast business development manager of
CIT Commercial Services.
A factor can be particularly well suited to lending against intellectual
property assets, or other intangible assets, because of a willingness
to consider more aggressive and less rigid lending arrangements,
factors said.
"A factor is typically going to make more sense because their character
can be more entrepreneurial," said Sullivan. "Commercial banks
do a great job of lending to typically bigger companies,
but when you see scenarios where there is a much more aggressive structure,
you`re typically looking at a factor who can do that type of facility."
There are some additional risks for a financial firm to consider
in lending against intellectual property as an asset, said Stanley Officina,
president of Ultimate Financial Solutions. It`s important that the factor
safeguard the loan in the event a company goes bankrupt and
trademarked goods need to be sold. "In the licensing agreement,
the factor`s right to collateral is crucial in the event that a company fails.
We`re not in the licensing business. You can get into trouble if you forget
who and what you are," Officina said.
Generally speaking, making sure the loan is protected is not much different
from the preparation that goes into lending against other assets such as
receivables, inventory, warehouses, real estate or equipment, sources said.
The specifics are different because of the nature of intellectual property assets.
We do not see, why a factor is more suited.
But overall the article is pretty much right on topic.
If you are looking to take a loan against your brand, we recommend
you consider sale-leaseback as well. Go to www.brandcapital.us/"
for more information from our affiliate BrandCapital.us.
Monday, April 23, 2007
The German High Court confirms eBays liability In a recent judgement, the German High Court confirmed its ruling from 2004
about the liability of eBay in cases of repeated Trademark infringement
by third parties.
Once eBay has learned about third parties abusing trademarks, it has to prevent
the third party from repeating the infringement. If eBay fails to do so, it is liable.
The plaintiff in this case was Rolex, who found hundreds of cases of product piracy
on eBay.
Friday, April 20, 2007
EMI plans public offering of its music library Heise reports, that EMI wants to capitalize its library of music rights through a public offering.
"EMI is looking to place its library of music rights from EMI Music Publishing directly
at the capital market. The securitization is supposed to bring in cash to reduce EMI`s dept.
The Royal Bank of Scotland and Deutsche Bank got contracts to organize and
carry out the securitisation.
EMI expects the placement to be completed by the end of the year."
After David Bowie, this would be the 2nd placement of music rights in history.
Of course, sale-leaseback would be an alternative.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Guess the success WWD has an interesting article about the success of Guess ? in licensing.
Guess has seven accessories licenses comprising $800 million in wholesale
revenue.
Accessories include handbags, footwear, belts, men`s jewelry and
small leather goods, women`s jewelry, eyewear and watches.
The licensed accessories business is so successful, that Guess ? opened
its first accessories-only store in Los Angeles in September 2004 and
went from there to 110 stores by now.
The number shall increase to 300 in the next years.
The company also has two Guess Footwear stores in conjunction with
footwear licensee. The firm will roll out 15 to 20 such stores in the next
12 months.
The watch licensee launches 300 new Guess watch styles a year
and plans to double the GC business in 2007.
Overall, the licensees concurred that the keys to their combined success
are communication and long-standing relationships.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Consumers in emerging markets like U.S. brands, yet Brandweek reports about a 2006 study from Synovate, Chicago,
in which more than 13,000 consumers in 20 countries were quizzed
online, via phone or in person about their brand preferences
across a host of categories.
"Branded international products are a mark of quality," said Mike Sherman,
executive director of customer insights for Synovate Asia, Hong Kong.
"Even low-income consumers will pay a premium for a well-made,
branded product."
While 60% of respondents in emerging markets said they`d buy local products
if they were the same price as an international offering,
consumers often named brands like Avon, Coca-Cola and McDonald`s
as their preferred choice.
China, the premier emerging market, has a taste for not only Bud,
but also Coke and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Safeguard soap is also very popular, as are Sony TVs. Adidas, Armani,
Chivas Regal, Lipton, Maybelline, Shell and 7-Eleven are among
the brands with more Western appeal to appear among the
Chinese most-preferred brands.
"While some households in China`s rural cities pull in as little as $600 per year,
they may still have a state-of-the-art cell phone.
Their cost of living is very low so they have the disposable income.
They are savvy consumers", said Sherman.
Being able to purchase these brands equates success.
They are aspirational. Where they`re coming from,
they`ve hit the big time when they purchase these brands.
For some, it`s not just the quality, it`s a symbol of achieving
the highest level of lifestyle success.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Car Brands - How big is the market for licensed goods? According to a study by Research & Markets published by The Autochannel
the global market for sales of licensed branded car merchandise reached
$5.1 Billion in 2005.
The brands of General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler are accounting for
80% of this worldwide market.
There are more than 1,200 licensees for the Big 3 alone.
Automotive licensing is dominated by the following categories: toys videogames apparel and accessories auto accessories collectibles Saturday, April 14, 2007
Sears preparing for IP financing Businessweek reports, that Sears has quietly created $1.8 billion in securities
based on its brands Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard.
Sears is on the cutting edge of a financial innovation so important
that it could unlock trillions of dollars in capital across Corporate America
and change the way managers of a wide range of businesses think
about their balance sheets.
Sears has created $1.8 billion worth of securities based on the brand names
Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard. In essence, it has transferred ownership
of the brands to another entity, which it then pays for the right to use the brands.
The deal, carried off last May, was the biggest "securitization" of intellectual property
in history, according to Eric Hedman, an analyst at Standard & Poor`s (MHP ),
which, like BusinessWeek, is a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies. (MHP )
The story hasn`t gotten out until now because the bonds haven`t actually
changed hands. Sears is holding them in its Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary
and because Sears has never disclosed them, nor has it had to do so.
But that could change if Sears were to decide to sell them to outside investors
and collect the cash.
Now, Sears could be on the cusp of turning a much squishier asset,
intellectual property, into actual cash. Don Davis, managing director
and general counsel at Commercial Strategy, a Boston intellectual property
consulting firm, says the potential for a market in bonds backed by
intangible assets could be even bigger than the market for junk bonds,
given that 70% to 80% of the total value of the stock market rests on
intangibles such as intellectual property.
"The scale is astounding," he says.
Sears, through a spokesman, says the bonds` only purpose is
to provide liquidity in the coffers of its insurance subsidiary to offset
any potential losses there. It also says Lampert had nothing to do
with the transaction but was briefed on it. And it says Sears`
outstanding debt is small relative to the company`s total value
and is less than the cash it has on hand. - Sears has, in essence, created licensing income from whole cloth.
- First it transferred ownership of the brand names into KCD.
- Now, KCD charges Sears royalty fees to license those brands and
- uses the royalties to pay the interest on the bonds.
- It has sold the bonds to the insurance subsidiary, where, like any other
- security on an insurer`s books, it serves as protection against future loss.
- The insurer, meanwhile, protects Sears from financial trouble.
- And because it`s a subsidiary, it does so at a lower cost than Sears
- could get from an outside party.
Intellectual property bonds got their start with an unlikely financier: - David Bowie.
- The rock star floated $55 million worth in 1997, backed by 300 song titles,
- with the interest covered by royalty payments from the songs.
- Since then, some 30 other deals have been struck.
- Film studios have issued bonds backed by future revenue streams.
- Designers such as Bill Blass (NEXC ) and retailers such as BCBG Max Azria Group Inc.
- have issued bonds backed by outside licensing fees.
- And restaurant chains such as Arby`s Restaurant Group (TRY )
- have issued bonds against outside franchising fees.
Sears` KCD deal is different in one important way: - It didn`t involve preexisting royalty payments.
- The company created the payments in order to issue the bonds.
- Richard D. Rudder, a New York lawyer who specializes in
- securitization of intellectual property and consulted on the KCD deal,
- says it`s the first deal he has seen that hasn`t involved cash coming in
- from the outside.
- In filings, Sears has suggested it could potentially license the trademarks
- to other parties - for example, to another company to make a new line
- of Craftsman products - although it hasn`t done so yet.
Thursday, April 12, 2007 Brand Power - WWD reports about an Internet apparel design and marketing firm
- that counts the number of times apparel brands are entered into
- search engines on a monthly basis.
- Here`s a look at these power brands.
LOUIS VUITTON
Search volume for February: 315,126
NIKE
Search volume: 252,875
ADIDAS
Search volume: 158,656
GUCCI
Search volume: 154,237
CHANEL
Search volume: 147,716
SPEEDO
Search volume: 137,236
PRADA
Search volume: 119,895
JUICY COUTURE
Search volume: 113,835
UGG BOOTS
Search volume: 112,280
THE NORTH FACE
Search volume: 112,100
CONVERSE
Search volume: 99,438
GUESS
Search volume: 97,621
- Thursday, April 12, 2007
Hugo Boss Jewelry - The Handelsblatt reports, that Hugo Boss has signed a license for jewelry.
The license contract with the Austrian Swarovski Group runs six years and - allows the licensee the global use of the Hugo Boss brand to produce and
- market jewelery for women and men.
Launch date is Spring 2008 with merchandise hitting Hugo Boss stores - and specialty retailers in July 2008.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
|
