Despite being in recovery mode from a global pandemic, 2021 was still an amazing year for brand licensing – and here at License Global, we covered it all! As the licensing industry’s thought leader, we brought you cover stories on brands, insights into trends and changes, special reports and our popular in-house reports.  

Our Top List of Cover Stories 

Our cover stories in 2021 included a look at how Grogu (aka, Baby Yoda) made it to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and how this was just one part of how Funko has become a household name. Our November issue celebrated the centenary of the iconic Le Mans race. In April, we delved into the gaming industry with Xbox and “Halo.” Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary celebration featured in our August issue. And in June, we looked at how The Kraft Heinz Company extends its brands into adjacent categories through licensed product programs. 

Our Top List of Insights 

Our insights focused on the licensing journeys of global companies, including Beanstalk, Kraft Heinz and Squishmallows. In March, we explored Mattel’s legacy and how the global toy giant continues to foster innovation, imagination and inspiration among new generations more than 75 years after its inception. We delved into the ways Bravado and Universal Music are connecting fans with their favorite bands through retail, music and merchandise. We showed you how The Black Lives Matter Licensing Movement has made its way to the industry thanks to a group of Black licensing professionals and founder, Saphia Maxamed. We took a deep dive into Asmodee’s expanding portfolio of games and discovered how "Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout" became gaming's wholesome hero. 

The Top Special Reports from the Year 

Our special reports provide a detailed look at a broad range of topics tied to the brand licensing universe. Our November report explored heritage licensing in the U.K. Licensed apparel and backpacks were in focus in our Back-to-School report. In June, we covered Pride licensing and how the LGBTQ+ community is supported through branded products. In March, License Global examined how social media, COVID-19 and other influences shaped Generation Alpha and how this segment’s views impact retail's future. Our March Watch List for 2021 highlighted new titles, upcoming studios, masterclass animators and breakthrough consumer products bringing European entertainment to the world in 2021. 

Our Top In-House Reports 

License Global’s in-house reports included exclusive Top Global Licensors and Top Global Licensing Agents reports as well as a list of the leading licensees in North America spanning multiple categories. Our annual The Influentials report recognized innovative companies driving initiatives that are changing the face of their organizations in ways that influence and shape others on a human level. Our December Year in Review looked at some of the biggest stories from the past year. And our BLE and LEV Trend Reports covered the biggest trends in the industry.