Licensing Advice from Chris Muggleton

Welcome to the Chris Muggleton Licensing Advice section, where we will be covering a range of topics throughout the year. If you have a specific question please e-mail us through the Contact Us page.

Hello and a happy 2009 to you all(Posted: 10-01-2009)

By Chris Muggleton

Hello and a happy 2009 to you all.

I am much honoured that Licensing World has asked if I would write a column discussing the Licensing Industry from a contractual and financial perspective.

Consequently over the coming months I will comment on some important areas of a standard Licensing Agreement pointing out those elements which are crucial, and hopefully, like those treasured “part works” will build into a handy reference tool. All this without the £7.99 price tag or having to hunt down the later issues as it will all be posted here at the start of each month. 

It would be great to hear from you and incorporate any questions or queries you may have.  As a guide I will cover the following areas in the upcoming months:

·         Deductions from the Royalty Base

·        Submissions and Payments

·         Audits & Records

·         Affiliates

·         Giveaways and Promotions

·         Assortments and Non Association

·         Territory

·         Sell Off

·         Ownership of the Property

·         Promotional Commitment

So to the Licensing Industry and 2009. It seems a day does not pass without the news channels predicting dire times for the year ahead.  However I hope with the ringing in of the New Year that it will finally lift the mood that world is going to end. Yes some retailers will fail but those will be the ones who do not move with the times or do not offer an exciting product range that bring customers through its doors.

We are lucky enough to work in a fascinating and captivating industry which is constantly changing and evolving, where a playground craze can generate millions of pounds in sales and bring employment to thousands who are involved in manufacturing and licensing of that product.

I hope that you find each month’s topic informative and enjoyable, and if you do have a question or query I can be contacted at chris@licensingadvice.com

Chris Muggleton