
LICENSE
's list of Leading Licensors is more corporate brand, fashion brand, art brand, sports brand, and publishing brand heavy. At my quick count, more than 60 of the 101 listed are not entertainment-related.
Frankly, I'm embarrassed that I even pondered delineating among the terms and roles
LICENSE
to no longer categorize and detail where a property originated...similar? But a negative became a positive: In speaking with many of you, I learned just how important it is for your company to be listed. We, at
LICENSE
, were flattered and honored by your comments. Regardless of the terms or the feathers I've probably ruffled (even now as you are reading my editorial...it could be worse, I could have mentioned names), our industry fared well in 2005...that's one statement that is not debatable. How did our industry stay ahead in what seems like these days a "numbers game"? Unique, new initiatives. Great co-branding deals. Retail partnerships at traditional and nontraditional channels. And not much of the same old, same old. As the consumer has matured and become savvier in choices at retail counters around the world, the licensing industry has reacted. This issue is chock full of new initiatives. For the first time, we present a special Food & Beverage section, complete with case studies on companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, new entrees (literally) from the likes of NASCAR, and how retro corporate icons and advertising are increasing brand awareness in the apparel arena. The food and beverage sector is leading the co-branding and nontraditional channels of distribution initiatives. Some of these deals truly whet the appetite. Next month is
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's official Licensing Show Preview, complete with exhibitor listings and news from many exhibitors. In addition, we give a well-deserved salute to a legend in licensing time: Dan Romanelli of Warner Bros. Consumer Products as he officially passes the torch (or carrot) to Brad Globe. It's a must-read! Joyceann Cooney
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