LIMA Annual Survey Shows Growth for Licensing Industry

The report presents a detailed Breakdown of the US$262.9B industry by property type, product category and geography, indicating a 4.4% growth from the previous year.

NEW YORK -- The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has released the full findings of its Annual Global Licensing Industry Survey. Commissioned by LIMA, the leading trade organization for the worldwide licensing business, and conducted by Brandar Consulting, LLC, the third annual survey provides in-depth analysis and detailed breakdowns of the US$262.9 billion global licensing industry -- a 4.4% growth from the previous year. The report quantifies worldwide royalty revenue and corresponding retail sales by product category, property type and geographic region. It also covers the latest trends and offers forward-looking analysis and other features that capture the scale of licensing around the world. Topline results from the survey were released during the 2017 Licensing Expo.

“We are pleased to provide the latest edition of LIMA’s global report, with in-depth analysis on the state of the industry that will help guide licensing professionals in making their best strategic decisions,” said LIMA President Charles Riotto. “We’re also delighted to note that, since the survey went global in 2015, we have seen consistent worldwide growth of sales of licensed products in virtually all geographic regions.” Character and Entertainment continues to be the top property type, accounting for $118.3 billion in retail sales, a 45% share of market. Corporate Trademarks follow in second place with $54.6 billion in retail sales for a 21.0% share of the total.

In addition, the survey shows that the U.S. and Canada remain the largest global markets for licensed merchandise, with retail sales of $152.3 billion last year, up 5% for a 58% share of the market. Retail sales of licensed goods outside the U.S. and Canada totaled $110.6 billion, up 4.8% from the previous year. The next largest global region was Western Europe -- with the U.K., Germany and France as the three largest markets -- where revenues totaled $52.4 billion, a 20% share. Northern Asia, which includes China, followed with revenues of $24.5 billion, a 9% share.

Apparel led all product categories with $39.3 billion in revenue, which is 15% of total global licensed retail sales, followed by Toys at $35.1 billion (13% share), and Fashion Accessories at $29.6 billion (11% share).

The full LIMA Annual Global Licensing Industry Survey is available free to LIMA members and priced at $975 for non-members. Click here for more information and to order a report.

Source: LIMA