Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group has partnered with Licensing International to launch a new educational program for both newcomers and seasoned professionals working in the consumer products industry. 

The Licensing Unlocked program retails for US$250 and features eight learning modules, consisting of more than 50 instructional videos (six hours of content) and 17 downloadable resources that participants can use to apply their new skills. The modules cover key areas including breaking down different types of licensing agreements, translating a brand into a new collection of licensed products, and forging partnerships with agents and manufacturers. 

Kicking off the series and available for free, The ABC’s of Brand Licensing is taught by Lightbulb Licensing founder Susan Bolsover, who has more than 24 years of experience working in the consumer products industry. Nine other leading experts have lent their voices and knowledge to the program, including Licensing International founder Maura Regan, Global Licensing Group SVP Anna Clarke and Brandgenuity MD Andrew Topkins. 

The launch of Licensing Unlocked comes at a time of market opportunity. The global licensing industry generated more than US$356 billion in 2023 retail sales, according to Licensing International, which was up by 4% from the previous year. And the entertainment and characters segment accounted for US$147.6 billion of this annual take, with anime, video games and social media emerging as key drivers of growth.