At the Asian Licensing Conference, some 30 representatives from the global licensing sector engaged in profound discussions on industry hot topics

Issues raised included the ever-evolving global industry trends, sustainable development, the empowering potential of generative AI, the emergence of new forces in licensing, and innovative marketing strategies.

Young brands featured through the Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme, while MS FATTY maker Plastic Thing Limited was showcased

The curtains fell on the annual flagship event of Asia's licensing industry, Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), today after the three-day event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), drawing over 320 exhibitors and showcasing an extensive array of more than 550 brands and licensing projects.

At the concurrent Asian Licensing Conference (ALC), some 30 esteemed global licensing leaders engaged in profound discussions on industry hot topics, including the ever-evolving global industry trends, sustainable development, the empowering potential of generative AI, the emergence of new forces in licensing, and innovative marketing strategies. The two events provided a platform for business development across regions and industries, creating business opportunities for participants and promoting the development of IP trading in the region.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau said: “Under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has been supported by the Central Government to develop into a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre. As an international business hub and sourcing platform, Hong Kong has been a trading centre for all types of IPs for many years, helping to promote the development of IP trading in the region. Licensing is an important part of IP trading and Hong Kong is one of the most developed and mature licensing markets in Asia. We are pleased to see that licensing has a wide range of applications and product categories, including not only the traditional characters, but also different areas such as arts, cultural and creative industries, sports and lifestyle sectors. Development of AI technologies will expand the quantity of creative digital content and generate enormous demand for and supply of branded, licensed content, further accelerating the already rapid growth of the industry.”

This year ALC focused on legal risks brought by generative AI and the sustainable development of IP licensing.

HKILS launched a new initiative “Reimagining The Classics”, which mesmerised attendees with the harmonious fusion of creative IP projects and renowned Hong Kong brands. Dr Lau emphasised that classic brands hold profound cultural value, and through strategic licensing partnerships, vitality can be injected into these iconic entities. “Reimagining The Classics” aimed to reignite boundless imagination for these timeless brands.

Hong Kong as a key brand licensing platform

The Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme also returned to HKILS this year, featuring 45 local brands with creative designs. On the other hand, Plastic Thing Limited, a Hong Kong-based company specialising in IP licensing, showcased their unique perspective as vibrant young brands.

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