Born to License

2026 could be the most transformative year in licensing history. From the potential Netflix-Warner Bros. mega-merger to one of the most stacked theatrical lineups we've seen in years, the licensing landscape is about to change dramatically.

In this episode, David Born breaks down everything you need to watch in 2026: the consolidation dominating headlines, the exodus of licensing talent reshaping the competitive landscape, and the massive theatrical releases that will drive consumer products - from Super Mario Galaxy and Toy Story 5 to Avengers Doomsday and Narnia.

Plus, David explores the trends that will define the year ahead: AI's impact on licensing, the explosion of characters in advertising, retailers desperate for differentiation, and the continued power of nostalgia brands. Whether you're a licensor, licensee, or retailer, this episode gives you the strategic insights you need to navigate 2026 successfully.

Key Topics:

• Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery deal and consolidation ripple effects
• The biggest theatrical releases of 2026 and their licensing implications
• Where displaced licensing talent will land—and how it will reshape the industry
• AI, digital licensing, and emerging trends you can't ignore
• Public domain chaos, dynamic royalty models, and emerging markets
• Major licensing events and why you need to be there

Mentioned in this episode: Super Mario, Pixar's Hoppers, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Mandalorian & Grogu, Masters of the Universe, Toy Story 5, Supergirl, Moana (live-action), Spider-Man, Narnia, Avengers Doomsday, and more.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: [email protected]

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We're wrapping up 2025 with our best bits from the year. 

The moments that made us think differently about licensing, the stories we're still talking about, and the insights you need heading into 2026.

This year, we sat down with some of the industry's most influential voices. From Lucy Salisbury explaining how Funko sifts through thousands of licensing pitches when "everyone says it's the next biggest movie," to Charlotte Payne revealing how Care Bears has stayed relevant for 45 years, to Michelle Ahern sharing what it's really like to manage the hottest preschool brand on the planet - these are the conversations that define what great licensing looks like.

Here's what you'll hear in this compilation:

Lucy Salisbury (Funko) - How Funko uses Google Trends, TikTok searches, and Amazon data to cut through the noise when every licensor promises "the next big thing."

Julia Kamoda (Hasbro) - Why McDonald's Monopoly has succeeded for 30+ years and how iconic IP like Peppa Pig cuts through crowded retail aisles.

Simon Kay (AT New Media) - The urgent warning about digital licensing's future: UGC, Web3, reverse merchandising, and why "you've got no time—don't wait anymore."

Jenna Chalkley (Product Development) - Why product development professionals aren't celebrated enough and how the industry shifted from "just slapping brands on products" to valuing creativity.

Michelle Ahern (The Wiggles) - Managing the hottest kids brand with licensing agents as the "first line of defense" and why "what's in it for the kids?" drove every decision.

Charlotte Payne (Care Bears) - The 45-year formula: staying "relevant for today" while honoring nostalgia, with surprise collaborations like Hello Kitty, Barbie, and Wicked.

David Schnider (Legal) - Contract traps that cost hundreds of thousands and the auditor who in 25 years never found less than 5% discrepancy in licensing audits.

Sharon Weisman (Future Trends) - Why wellness is hitting 115 billion by 2028 and personalization is the next frontier in licensed merchandise.

Annabel Rochfort (Location-Based Entertainment) - The LBE hotspots: competitive socializing and resort destinations, plus why location matters more than brand strength alone.

Jasmine & Vincent (Fira X Wear) - Why being fans of the IP you're licensing is "of the utmost importance" and how authenticity shows in every product.

Caleb (The Collab King) - The biggest brand mistakes: fearing the secondary market and overproduction killing hype—the Beanie Baby effect.

Whether you're negotiating your first license or your five-hundredth, whether you're launching a product line or a theme park - these are the moments that will make you better at what you do.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

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🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: [email protected]

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Disney just invested $1 billion in OpenAI, opening up Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar for AI-generated fan content on Disney+. The twist? Months ago, Disney was suing AI companies for IP infringement. This pivot from litigation to integration changes everything for licensing.

In this episode David Born breaks down why Disney's move gives the entire industry permission to embrace AI, how Warner Bros., Hasbro, and other IP owners will likely respond, and what this means for licensing operations moving forward. When the 800-pound gorilla moves, everyone follows - and Disney just went all-in on AI.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

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🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: [email protected]

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Just 3 days after Netflix's historic offer, Paramount launched a stunning $108.4B hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery—bypassing the board and going directly to shareholders. David Born breaks down the all-cash offer, the political implications, and what this means for the licensing industry.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

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🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: [email protected]

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After 11 years in business, 2025 became Born's most successful year ever. In this special year-end episode, the entire Born team comes together to share the untold stories behind the record-breaking achievements.

Featured Team Insights:

Born Licensing Team (Amber & Alberto):
- The Garfield groundbreaking billboard campaign
- Google Pixel's first Christmas campaign (2-month turnaround!)
- BFG returning to Sainsbury's for year two
- Candy Crush Solitaire's first-ever licensing partnership

Born to License Team (Alyssa G, Alyssa C, Jenna, Brinna):
- How Keepsake's 600-card Invincible collection came together
- The Disney personalization revolution with Hippo Blue
- Plum Deluxe x Peanuts selling out before Christmas
- Steven Singer's Wicked jewelry success story
- Managing 500+ submissions

Born to License Business Development (Michelle & Matt):
- Why companies from 40+ countries are reaching out
- The surprising industries entering licensing (museums to video games)
- What Licensors really want in 2026

Media & Education (Eduardo, Juliana, Vini):
- Creating 20+ podcast episodes and cinematic trailers
- Launching the Born in Action vlog
- Building Learn to License education platform

Plus: Major 2026 Announcement David introduces Born Legal with sister Emma, expanding into promotional law and marketing compliance.

Whether you're a brand owner, licensing professional, or industry observer, this episode provides an authentic behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a global licensing agency at scale.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Learn More about Born Licensing

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

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🔹 Check out thedavidborn.com

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 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!

EMERGENCY EPISODE: Netflix has just won the bidding war to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platforms and legendary IP portfolio in an $82.7 billion deal - but what does this mean for the licensing industry?

In this urgent episode, host David Born breaks down the deal that's sending shockwaves through Hollywood and explains why no one is talking about the biggest question for the licensing industry: What happens to billion-dollar evergreen brands like Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and DC Super Heroes when they're handed to a company with less experience managing year-round licensing programs?

David opens with a story from his time at Warner Bros. that perfectly captures why licensing is always the "little monkey on the big gorilla's back" - an afterthought in major entertainment decisions. He then walks through:

• How we got here: The timeline from Skydance's Paramount acquisition to Netflix's winning $82.7B bid
• The three scenarios: Why Netflix is the best option compared to Paramount or NBCUniversal (and why it's still risky)
• What's at stake: The massive Warner Bros. portfolio - from Harry Potter to Friends to The Flintstones
• Netflix's track record: Why they're brilliant at tentpole licensing (Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters) but untested with evergreens
• The consolidation concern: Job losses, reduced resources, and what it means for our industry
• The big questions: Theatrical releases, retailer impact, and whether Skydance will disrupt the deal

This is a 12-18 month regulatory process, and anything can happen. But one thing's certain: the licensing landscape is about to change in a massive way.

Full disclosure: David's business works with several companies discussed in this episode. All information shared is based on public knowledge and personal analysis - no confidential information is disclosed.

Don't miss Monday's holiday wrap-up episode featuring the Born to License team!

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

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🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: [email protected]

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2025 was our best year EVER after 11 years in business.

In this special wrap-up trailer, get a sneak peek at our record-breaking achievements, groundbreaking campaigns, and what's coming in 2026 for Born Licensing, Born to License and Learn to License.

Full episode drops December 12th and features the entire Born team sharing untold stories from the year.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

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🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: [email protected]

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🎬 BIG Announcement: Born in Action Vlog Series Is Here!

Exciting news for the Born to License community! We're launching a brand-new vlog series called Born in Action that takes you behind the scenes of running a global licensing agency.

Want to see what licensing looks like in the real world? Not just theory and interviews - but actual deals, industry events, remote team management, and even glimpses into my personal life (like marathon training).

Episode 1 is live RIGHT NOW on the Born to License YouTube channel. Episode 2 drops soon.

No scripts. No filters. Just authentic, day-to-day reality.

👉 Watch Episode 1: https://youtu.be/k1gR28qDT3Q 

👉 Subscribe so you don't miss future episodes 

👉 Comment and let me know what you want to see next!

This is licensing like you've never seen it before. Let's go behind the curtain together.

#BornInAction #LicensingIndustry #BehindTheScenes #Vlog #Entrepreneurship"

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Learn More about Born Licensing

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

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🔹 Check out thedavidborn.com

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 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!

Simon Kay has spent 30 years at the forefront of digital licensing, watching it evolve from simple console games to today's complex ecosystem of Roblox, Fortnite, Web3, and beyond.

In this comprehensive conversation, Simon reveals:

The Evolution Journey:

- How he became one of the first to focus on gaming licensing 30 years ago
- The progression from full game development to content integrations
- Why mobile gaming changed everything for IP owners

Current Opportunities:

- Platform breakdown: Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and emerging spaces
- The gambling gaming goldmine (and its jurisdictional challenges)
- Telegram gaming and micro-content opportunities
- How brands are making millions without developing games

Strategic Insights:

- Why IP recognition drives 3X more downloads
- The difference between promotional vs. paid licensing models
- How to navigate cross-territorial licensing complexities
- Building authentic gaming partnerships vs. forced integrations

Future Predictions:

- The UGC and Web3 revolution in licensing
- How AI will transform IP management
- The "reverse merchandising" opportunity
- Why waiting means missing out entirely

Simon shares candid insights about working with major studios, the mistakes brands make entering gaming, and why the next 5 years will be more transformative than the last 30.

Essential listening for brand managers, licensing professionals, game developers, and anyone interested in the intersection of IP and interactive entertainment.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Learn More about Born Licensing

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

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🔹 Check out thedavidborn.com

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 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!

One statistic is reshaping the entire gaming industry: Players are 3X more likely to download games with IP they recognize.

In this trailer, licensing expert Simon Kay (30 years of experience) reveals how this single fact is driving billions in revenue and creating massive opportunities for brands and developers.

🔔 Subscribe for the full conversation
⏰ Full episode: 12/01/2025

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License 

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Learn More about Born Licensing

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

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🔹 Check out thedavidborn.com

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 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!