Top 125 Global Licensors 2012

Check out the top 25 licensors from the report below and then 

 to learn about each of the 150 companies. Also, be sure to 

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The Top 125 Global Licensors, the exclusive annual retail sales ranking of the world's largest owners of intellectual property from 

License! Global

, boasts the addition of 20 new licensors and reinforces the widespread popularity and growth of brand extensions across a multitude of sectors and retail channels.

Included on the list for the first time are billion-dollar licensors Procter & Gamble, Weight Watchers, the National Hockey League and U.S. Polo Assn.; entertainment licensors Disney ABC Television Group, Toei Animation, Shine 360°, Studio 100, C3 Entertainment, ESPN, Mind Candy, HGTV and DHX Wildbrain;

These licensors represent dozens of properties, whether classic TV shows or new apps, that have grown significantly over the past few years. They also represent an additional $10.5 billion in retail sales of licensed products worldwide to the Top 125 report. An impressive 50 global licensors reported retail sales of $1 billion or more.

Several major trends have emerged among many licensors including the development of apps and social gaming, the creation of live entertainment events and the expansion of fashion apparel and accessories across all age groups.

Furthermore, the Top 125 exemplifies the increasing interest in and dependence on bona fide brands that resonate among consumers and can drive traffic, sales and enhance a retailer's reputation as a destination for hot, trendy and oftentimes exclusive merchandise.