August 23, 2022
competition, which boosts the profile of new brands, illustrators, inventors and product designers and helps them to break into the $300 billion global licensing market.
Entrants are invited to enter one of three categories. The first two are aimed at unlicensed brands and properties – often with a focus on illustration, publishing or animation – who are keen to secure a licensing deal or agency representation.
They are:
Kelvyn Gardner License This! Character & Animation
Kelvyn Gardner License This! Brand & Design
When judging, the panel looks for new creative concepts, which have the potential to inspire multiple product categories. The winners receive a free exhibition stand at BLE 2023.
Additionally, student designers and inventors are invited to enter a third award category, which made its successful debut in 2021, for the first time:
Product Design in partnership with Mojo Nation
From 2022, the Product Design category will open to students from further education or university level to enter. Working alongside local universities and schools,
BLE will partner with animation studio,
, once again and students will be asked to use the studio’s
IP as inspiration. Applicants will be asked to submit concepts based around the following entry guidelines:
Concept must be a Wallace & Gromit-branded toy with an emphasis on STEM Learning
Entry must focus on technology and engineering, which are strong themes from the Wallace & Gromit adventures
Careful consideration must be given to sustainable materials and manufacturing processes
The toy must have an RRP below £30
“We are so excited to be able to open to doors to students, not only to highlight the best in innovation and fresh concepts but also to give a platform to new talent into the licensing industry,” says Anna Knight, senior vice president, licensing, Informa Markets.
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