Licensing in the smartwatch and wearables sector is starting to evolve. In this segment’s early days, licensors typically have forged focused deals with consumer electronics or watch companies that specifically authorize the development and production of a line of smartwatches and/or other wearables. This tactic continues today. But announcements from this year’s Baselworld, a trade […]
Archive | Consumer electronics
Power Up
Consumers have become reliant on batteries, back-up power packs, and chargers to keep their mobile phones, tablets, and other electronics—and their lives—up and running. It follows, then, that the battery category has become the focus of an increasing number of licensing deals. These may be standalone agreements focusing on batteries and chargers or, more often, […]
A Glimpse into a 3D Future?
Licensing has become an important tool in the emergence of 3D printing as a consumer technology, with a variety of 3D printing companies using licensing as a means of standing out in a crowded market. Recent agreements help attract customers to different facets of the industry, including: Online personalization and ordering. Source3, a 3D printing […]
Wearables as Playthings
Licensed wearable devices for children represent a small but growing sector of the toy, accessories, and electronics industries. Their positioning and functionality often differ somewhat from the typical adult-skewing licensed wearable; namely, they focus less on fitness and more on play. A few examples: Disney’s Playmation, a line of connected toys developed with Hasbro and […]
Up To Their Own Devices
Smartphone- and tablet-related licensing activity has mostly been focused on accessories, such as protective cases and ear buds, and content in the form of streaming video or apps. When it comes to the devices themselves, consumers have typically made their purchase decisions based on the strength of the device maker’s and/or the service provider’s brand. […]
Beyond Fitness Bands
Much of the initial interest in the wearable-technology category, when it comes to licensing, has been focused on fitness bands. But smart watches and smart accessories (e.g., smart bands and smart bracelets) have caught up quickly as an area of activity. Like fitness bands, these devices often monitor exercise accomplishments, calories expended and taken in, […]
Wearables: Think Content, Not Just Devices
Most of the emphasis in the growing fitness tracker category, when it comes to licensing, has been on branding the devices. Fashion-related labels (such as Tory Burch and Swarovski) have brought a dash of design to the technology, while athletic brands (such as Skechers and Bally Total Fitness) have lent an element of performance, to […]
Batteries and Bandwidth
Much of the buzz at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, at least from a licensing perspective, has been about wearables such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, which are starting to emerge as opportunities for property owners. Brands ranging from Montblanc and Under Armour to Guess? and Swarovski are touting their new wearable devices (some […]
Calling All Designers
Electronics retailers are starting to take a step into fashion licensing by forging exclusive deals with designers and celebrities to raise their reputations when it comes to style. Best Buy has highlighted two such ventures during the fourth quarter. It is exclusively carrying a line of 50 Kate Spade New York-licensed tech accessories, ranging from […]