For those looking to extend their IP past traditional broadcast deals, KidScreen Summit’s Consumer Product Forum was the place to be on February 15.

Moderated by David Jacobs, president of HiHat Media, the discussion featured a panel of industry vets who offered IP owners a primer on navigating the snakes and ladders game that is the consumer products space.

‘I wish there was less slicing and dicing of licenses in the marketplace,’ said Kate Klimo, VP and publisher for Random House Publishing, explaining that the duplication of certain publishing rights creates confusion in the market.

On the apparel front, Maureen Duffy, head of licensing for Millennium Apparel Group told the crowd she is more apt to bite on an IP if the owner comes to her with an understanding of the retail landscape and more than just one-off products.

‘Is there a stable of brands that will follow the initial release?’ she said. ‘That’s what we are looking for.’

Herb Mitshele, VP of international sales and marketing for Playmate Toys, said that his company is necessarily getting into the creative process at earlier and earlier stages.

‘The traditional licensing deals are going to go on, but for us, we are going to have to move into IP at an earlier stage,’ he said. ‘That is just the reality of the marketplace. We can’t wait for the golden idea to come to us anymore. It’s time we control our destiny.’