The fragrance industry was early in brand licenses.
Coco Chanel and her perfume are a textbook case. Christian Dior Parfums and cosmetics were at the starting point of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH.
Even today the new Coty CEO mentions licensed brands Gucci, Burberry, Hugo Boss and Adidas first. Her newest stars are Kylie (Jenner) Cosmetics and Kim Kardashian’s KKW.
Reportedly, Blackberry, also known as Research in Motion or RIM, found a new licensee, Onward Mobility.
The previous one, TCL, did not renew the license, which expired in 02/2020.
British accessories brand Mulberry has an eyewear license.
The licensee is the UK subsidiary of De Rigo.
The collection of optical glasses and sunglasses is scheduled for 2019.
As reported here by LicenseGlobal, BMW has signed a brand license for watches and smart watches.
The licensee is Fossil Group, which holds a broad portfolio of brand licenses already. A license had been with the Ball Watch company before.
The territory is worldwide.
First products are expected in 2019, the agreement runs through 2023.
Distribution will be via BMW retail channels and the retail network of Fossil.
Philips has extended its license with TPV, licensee for TV and monitors.. The additional category is audio and video, as reported here.
The license started on June 1, 2018 and runs until December 31, 2023, with renewal options.
Previously, the license has been with Gibson Innovation. The parent, Gibson Brands, filed for Chapter 11. Thus, Philips explored other options.
According to this article, Winnebago Industries Inc., proprietor of the RV brand Winnebago, has acquired Chris-Craft.
The seller is Stellican Ltd., which has owned Chris-Craft since 2001, and also owns the famous boat brand Riva.
With Chris-Craft Winnebago enters into the marine industry. It sees both, RVs and boats, as part of the outdoor lifestyle market.
Winnebago wants to invest in Chris-Craft. It also wants to expand and improve the dealer network, enter into new boat categories and sizes, and extend the brand by licensing. Chris-Craft dates back to 1874. And Winnebago started licensing its own brand a few years ago.
As reported here, Valentino has signed a license agreement for fragrances and beauty products.
The licensee is L’Oreal. Before, fragrances were licensed to Puig Beauty & Fashion Group S. L. with labels like Valentino Donna, Valentino Uomo, and Valentina.
The territory is worldwide. The license will start January 2019.
As reported in various media, Starbucks signed a license with Nestle for its off-trade / retail business generating US§ 1.8 bn in sales.
Nestle will pay $7.1bn for the rights to sell Starbucks.
The license only applies to Starbucks’ packaged products and doesn’t include ready-to-drink coffee, tea or juices.
Starbucks will receive the cash payment plus revenue from product sales and royalties.
Longchamp, originally best known for its iconic handbags and luggage, has signed a brand licensing agreement for the development, production and distribution of Longchamp eyewear collections.
The licensee is Marchon, the territory is global, licensed product will be optical frames and sunglasses.
Distribution will be through Longchamp boutiques, specialty retail, multi-brand fashion channels, and travel retail locations.
Since take over and relaunch of Mini, the parent company BMW has engaged in brand extensions.
According to W+V (in German), a new property for live and work is in development under the sub label “Mini Living” in Shanghai.
Partner is the Chinese developer Nova Property Investment.
A former paint factory will be transformed into office – and residential space with apartments, shared and individual office space, as well as cultural and leisure space.
