LIMA to expand internationally

LIMA (International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association), a worldwide trade organisation for the licensing industry, is all set to expand its reach internationally by appointing License India as its first official Indian representative. License India is a part of Asia’s leading franchise solution company, Franchise India and its task will be to create educational and networking opportunities for the licensing industry as well as promoting the Indian market to the LIMA membership globally.

Commenting on this, Gaurav Marya, President, Franchise India says, “We are very happy to represent LIMA in India, as now we have a bigger role to play. LIMA in India would not only focus on building awareness of the concept of licensing, but will also liaise with Indian government bodies, authorities and agencies for multiple issues and concerns pertaining to licensing like IP protection, infringements and so on.”

License India excels in the licensing space with its strategic and knowledge based verticals – Publication, Portal and Events. Being a well known licensing media service company, License India publishes India’s leading licensing publication, Branding Licensing, has a portal www.licenseindia.com and conducts extensive multicity licensing shows, brand licensing and merchandising shows. The upcoming flagship show, Brand Licensing India 2010 will be held on 11th and 12th December, 2010 in New Delhi.

Sharing his views on this, Charles Riotto, President of LIMA says, “We are very excited to appoint License India as our representative in the country, to build awareness of licensing as a way of expanding and extending brands and businesses. Licensing is a very important model for operating globally, and thus with License India, our efforts would be focused around developing the industry in the region."

Licensing in India is a budding industry with fashion and entertainment licensing already well established. Character licensing sales were estimated at $100 million in 2009 and sports licensing is the fastest growing category. Not only will the partnership help to develop this industry domestically but will spread knowledge about the opportunities in India amongst the global LIMA membership. It is estimated that in the next two to three years, some 40 per cent of the major global licensing players will enter this market and LIMA is hoping to play a significant role.