Welcome to our AI exploration into the potential of brand licensing. We had the pleasure of attending the Licensing Expo in London, a hub of creative and commercial promise. For this article, we've used DALLE-3 from OpenAI to generate images that accompany our own 16 product concepts for some iconic brands. While the images are AI-generated, the concepts are purely our own imaginative work. Just to be clear, we are not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned—this exercise is solely for fun and inspiration. If you're a brand owner or potential licensee looking to make a splash in online marketplaces, we are more than open for collaboration. Now, let's explore the limitless possibilities that come with a dash of creativity and the power of AI!
Aardman – Shaun the Sheep Sleeping Toy We love Aardman and all of their creations. But Shaun the Sheep? He’s in a league of his own. Imagine this: a cute, fluffy Shaun the Sheep toy that doubles as a sleeping aid for babies. It would play gentle white noise to help your little one drift into dreamland. There’s incredibly high demand for this product that is not currently met with any licensed IP. A golden opportunity!
Liverpool, Chelsea & AC Milan – Children’s Reward Chart For some children, football is life. So why not turn good behavior into a game too? Our idea is a children’s reward chart featuring top football clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and AC Milan. Every good deed earns your kid a star—or maybe even a little football. It’s a win-win; your kids learn responsibility while celebrating their favorite team. We have a little experience in this field with the best-selling Jungle/Safari themed reward chart that we’ve also included below.
These charts are incredibly popular with parents, and there aren’t many licensed brands in the space. The problem for the product is finding the broad range of appeal; a Liverpool fan won’t want to play with a Chelsea reward chart, for example. This creates a clear ‘block’ from a large number of customers and makes competing for broad terms on marketplaces difficult, but not impossible.
Acmanr Fans – Bing Sleeping Clock We love Bing; and as parents, we all wish we were a little bit more like Flop (if you know, you know). Bing is a lovable bunny and is a godsend for parents, teaching kids life lessons while keeping them entertained. So what about a Bing-inspired sleep training clock? It changes color to let kids know when it’s okay to get up and start the day or when it’s time to stay in bed. It’s simple, it’s useful, and kids will love it.
BBC Earth – Fossil Discovery Kit Science toys are all the rage, and BBC Earth is a brand parents trust. How about a fossil discovery kit that lets kids play archeologist for a day? Dig up your own fossils and learn about ancient life on Earth. National Geographic has already paved the way with their kits. Our version? Just as educational, twice as fun, and available as an Amazon exclusive.
These charts are incredibly popular with parents; and there aren’t many licensed brands in the space. The problem for the product is finding the broad range of appeal; a Liverpool fan won’t want to play with a Chelsea reward chart for example. This creates a clear ‘block’ from a large number of customers and makes competing for broad terms on marketplaces difficult, but not impossible.
We love Bing; and as parents we all wish we were a little bit more like flop (If you know, you know).
Bing is a lovable bunny and is a godsend for parents, teaching kids life lessons while keeping them entertained.
So what about a Bing-inspired sleep training clock? It changes color to let kids know when it’s okay to get up and start the day, or when it’s time to stay in bed. It’s simple, it’s useful, and kids will love it.
Science toys are all the rage, and BBC Earth is a brand parents trust. How about a fossil discovery kit that lets kids play archeologist for a day? Dig up your own fossils and learn about ancient life on Earth.
National Geographic has already paved the way with their kits. Our version? Just as educational, twice as fun and available as an Amazon exclusive.
June 2023
Who doesn’t adore the ‘Blocks’ universe? Not only is it vibrant, colorful, and easily recognizable, but it’s also a marketer’s dream. It bridges the gap between ‘my children love it’ and ‘this is good for my children,’ something even bigger IP’s may struggle with.
Given Numberblocks’ success with counting toys, we propose a spinning wheel spelling toy for their Alphablocks series.
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For many of us, the name CapCom instantly conjures up ‘retro gaming.’ Initially, we thought a retro game emulator would be the perfect match, until we discovered a clever team already has one in the works—and yes, we’ve pre-ordered one too!
So, let’s think bigger. How about a CapCom-themed arcade? With the goal of reviving the high street in mind, we took inspiration from our recent trip to Singapore, where we encountered sprawling arcades in high-traffic areas. Imagine a CapCom-themed arcade where £15 grants you unlimited gameplay. Would you visit?
Who hasn’t dreamt of holding a Guinness World Record? Imagine a board game that not only entertains but also gives you the chance to actually break a world record. This game would offer a dual experience: first, it has to be fun, and second, it should offer a shot at real-world records with the components in the box.
Quick note: Guinness World Records already has some great games out, so we’re aware we’re not breaking entirely new ground here
Konami is a powerhouse in the video game industry, boasting classics like Frogger and modern hits like Metal Gear Solid. To do justice to these immersive worlds, we suggest something equally immersive—a Metal Gear Solid-themed escape room.
The game’s stealth elements translate perfectly into this format.
This might already be available in Japan!
Pokemon has pretty much every angle covered, making it hard for new folks to get in on the action. So, we’re thinking outside the box—like, way out. How about an Anatomy Coloring Book featuring Pokemon organs?
Who wouldn’t want to color in, say, a Bulbasaur’s liver?
So there we go, we’ve journeyed through 16 ideas and some AI-generated images that show the the exciting potential of brand licensing. Drawing inspiration from our experience at the Licensing Expo in London, we’ve paired iconic brands with imaginative products, all visually brought to life by DALLE-3 from OpenAI.
While we’re not affiliated with these brands, we hope this article sparks new ideas for brand owners and potential licensees. Thanks for joining us on this fun ride, if you’re interested in turning any of these concepts into reality, we’re all ears!
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