))
The Business of Licensing – Breaking Down the Deals
Manage episode 471691020 series 3644618
Content provided by David Born. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by David Born or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
When I started in licensing back in 2007, I quickly realized that explaining what licensing is depends entirely on who you’re talking to. In my last episode, I broke it down for my mum, focusing on characters, stories, and why licensing is everywhere.
This time, I take you back to a different conversation - this one with my dad. He wasn’t interested in the fun or creativity of licensing. He wanted to know how the deals actually work.
Sitting on the couch watching an Australian Rules Football match, we dove into the mechanics of licensing. What do brands like Disney charge to use Mickey Mouse? What happens if the product doesn’t sell? How do these deals even start?
In this episode, I explain the nuts and bolts of licensing, covering:
• Royalty rates and minimum guarantees—how licensors make money
• Deal memos and contracts—why they matter in every agreement
• Style guides and approvals—how brands protect their identity
• The real value of licensing—why companies are willing to pay for IP
If you’re curious about the business side of licensing, this episode is for you.
And if you have a burning question about licensing, I want to hear from you! Episode 10 will be a special Q&A where I answer listener questions—so send yours to [email protected], and I’ll do my best to include it in the show.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite podcast platform.
🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born
🔹 Learn More about Born to License
🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships
👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!
📩 Contact: [email protected]
🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!
Chapters
1. How Licensing Appeals to Different People (00:00:00)
2. Licensing - What does that Actually Mean? (00:02:48)
3. The Basics - What Are Royalties & Minimum Guarantees? (00:03:33)
4. Deal Memos & Contracts – How Licensing Agreements Begin (00:04:49)
5. The Role of Style Guides – Protecting the Brand’s Identity (00:05:31)
6. Final Thoughts & What’s Next - The Art of Negotiation (00:06:32)
8 episodes
Share
