How InventHelp Changed the Invention Game During This Year’s Licensing Expo

SEO Boss Ahad
14 min readOct 5, 2024

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Inventors often dream of seeing their ideas become actual products on store shelves. Getting your ideas on paper and out into the real world is a complicated but possible process, and events like the Licensing Expo with InventHelp can make it easier.

The Licensing Expo is the world’s largest trade show. It was created to help inventors and brands get the licenses and brand extensions they need to succeed. If you are also in need of services like these, get to know the Licensing Expo and InventHelp- one of the exhibitors this year.

How the Licensing Expo Began

The Licensing Expo, in a nutshell, is a place where dreams become reality- literally. It is a yearly event where people, brands, and businesses who create new inventions meet others interested in selling new inventions. Think of the Licensing Expo as a marketplace for ideas and possibilities. Those who attend are eager to find the next best item, and everyone is willing to go after those items should the right one present itself.

At the Licensing Expo, creativity meets commerce, and ideas turn into marketable products.

Starting as a modest event, the Licensing Expo has expanded dramatically over time. Each year brings together a diverse group of exhibitors and attendees, making it a key date on the industry calendar.

Just how big is the event? Let’s take a glance at the stats. This year’s Licensing Expo saw:

  • More than 12,000 international attendees from all categories
  • Over 5,000 brands represented on the show floor
  • 106 first-time exhibiting brands
  • A whopping 35% increase in qualified retailers, hitting a record high

The expo’s growth mirrors the expansion of the licensing industry itself. From its inception, the expo has consistently set new benchmarks, growing in size and scope. It’s become a hub for brands and inventors to connect and collaborate, driving innovation across various sectors.

Today, licensing touches nearly every industry, from entertainment and fashion to technology and home goods. This means it’s very likely that your work would benefit from the Licensing Expo and its exhibitors.

The Licensing Expo 2024: Brands at Play

In May of this year, the Licensing Expo took place in Las Vegas, Nevada with the theme “Brands at Play.” From the 21st through the 23rd, inventors, companies, and leaders across multiple industries connected with their playful side in an effort to increase creativity and strengthen their brands.

Under the theme “Brands at Play,” the expo celebrated the concept of play and its power across all age groups. The theme underscored the creative potential that play unlocks in brand building, an idea that resonates deeply with inventors and established brands alike.

Anna Clarke, a senior VP of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, put it this way: “To celebrate the concept of play, we are dedicating 2024 to Brands at Play, a theme that will run as an undercurrent across BLE and Licensing Expo to spotlight the incredible innovations in play, the power it holds in every stage of life and the creativity it allows when building brands.”

Major players in the licensing world, including Paramount, Hasbro, Funko, and Pokémon, held exhibitions, showcasing the breadth and depth of the licensing industry. These industry giants, with countless other exhibitors, presented a panorama of licensing opportunities spanning various sectors and demographics.

Brands at Play is opening up new ways to think about inventions. Instead of thinking of inventions as purely products, they can also be imagined as complex experiences! Many brands are diving headfirst into the realm of providing experiences through a variety of methods, including:

  1. Video games
  2. Board games
  3. Real-world experiences
  4. Immersive shows
  5. Sports and esports
  6. Toys for kids and adults alike (yep, “kidults” are a thing!)

The expo also showcased how brands are playing in new spaces, building groundbreaking new extensions, and bringing the brand licensing business to life in increasingly creative ways.

Major Exhibitors at the 2024 Licensing Expo

The Licensing Expo attracts a diverse crowd, and big names are no strangers to it. Some important players that have taken part in the expo over the years include Paramount, Hasbro, and Pokémon, as well as smaller companies seeking fresh ideas. These major participants set the stage for what’s next in licensing and have offered a glimpse into the future of brand extension.

The Licensing Expo of 2024 saw people from 100 different countries attend exhibits from some of the biggest companies in the world. The list is impressive and includes names such as:

  1. LEGO
  2. Warner Bros. Discovery
  3. Coca-Cola
  4. The Walt Disney Company
  5. Beanstalk
  6. Mattel
  7. Crunchyroll
  8. Amazon MGM Studios
  9. CD Projekt Red
  10. Airstream
  11. Riot Games
  12. NASCAR
  13. Nintendo
  14. BBC
  15. SONY

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

These names always bring a lot of hype to the Licensing Expo. SEGA and Hasbro stole the show this year by unveiling never-before-seen and unreleased products. SEGA’s newest games and Hasbro’s latest toys created a lot of excitement and drew big crowds eager to check out these exclusive products.

Paramount, BBC, and SONY debuted new movie posters for their upcoming 2024 and 2025 releases. Attendees got a sneak peek of upcoming blockbuster movies, creating an exciting movie vibe and building up anticipation for these highly awaited films.

The expo had special anniversary events and partnerships that showcased unique collaborations and exclusive products. The exhibit also offered insights into the latest innovations and strategies in brand licensing, thus offering an all-around joyous experience for everyone in attendance.

The Licensing Expo provides a platform for companies to discover numerous new ideas in one location, which is what every industry needs to thrive. The expo gives inventors the chance to make the company deals they have been looking for while learning about new developments and building their list of contacts. It goes without saying that the Licensing Expo is the place for making connections.

InventHelp: A Leading Exhibitor at the Licensing Expo

A key player in this year’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas was InventHelp, a company that has helped creative inventors turn their ideas into real products since 1984.

InventHelp has built a reputation for integrity, comprehensive service, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by modern inventors. With over 40 years assisting others take their inventions from paper to reality, InventHelp is now known for being what every invention needs for success.

Think of InventHelp as your Swiss Army knife for inventing, covering the entire spectrum of the creation process. The pros at InventHelp offer a wide range of services, including:

  1. Patent Help: Patents can be tricky. InventHelp knows the ins and outs and guides you through the whole process.
  2. Prototype Creation: Got an idea but not sure how to make it real? InventHelp helps you create a prototype (AKA a working model of your invention).
  3. Marketing Support: Coming up with an idea is one thing. Getting people to notice it is another. InventHelp knows how to get your invention in front of the right eye.
  4. Company Connections: InventHelp has a huge list of companies that are always on the lookout for new inventions. This list is gold for inventors!
  5. Advice and Strategy: They’ve seen it all in their 40 years. InventHelp helps you make smart moves while avoiding common mistakes.

InventHelp’s data bank of companies interested in new inventions has become an invaluable resource for inventors like you. Countless individuals, their transformative ideas, and businesses ready and eager to invest have found their way to each other because of the data bank.

The impact InventHelp has made in the world of inventions and their creators is much too large to quantify. The success stories are endless, and they speak volumes about the possibilities for up-and-coming products.

For instance, one inventor turned a simple idea for a kitchen gadget into a product sold in major retail stores. Another inventor developed a new type of safety equipment that is now used by workers in various industries. InventHelp turns these kinds of great ideas into marketable products everyone can enjoy.

Their mission is simple: to assist everyday inventors in bringing their ideas to life.

To mark its 40th anniversary, InventHelp hosted special events at the expo of 2024, including appearances by their mascot, Cavey.

Cavey joined the Character Parade, alongside beloved characters like Bluey and the Kool-Aid Man, adding a festive touch to the celebration.

VIBE at Licensing Expo 2024

One of InventHelp’s most groundbreaking contributions to the field of inventions is the Virtual Invention Browsing Experience (VIBE). This advanced platform is a big step forward in how inventors present their creations to potential licensees and manufacturers.

VIBE’s success comes from its ability to connect inventors and industry, allowing companies to find their next big product confidentially and in an engaging way. The platform utilizes large touch screens to display 3D models and detailed descriptions of inventions. This immersive experience allows company representatives to explore new ideas in a private, efficient manner. VIBE also makes it easy for companies and investors to check a ton of inventions quickly, which gets more products on the radar.

At this year’s Licensing Expo, VIBE took center stage at InventHelp’s booth (G-188). Many companies took advantage of the resource to review new inventions, and, of course, the first fifty companies enjoyed their complimentary Starbucks gift card.

VIBE helped connect creators to the companies they’ve been dreaming of, and this can be your reality, too. Imagine your invention spinning in 3D on a big screen and catching the eye of a big company rep. That’s the power of VIBE, and it’s what your product needs.

Events and Highlights of the Licensing Expo 2024

The Licensing Expo this year was nothing short of amazing. It featured a packed schedule of events, roundtables, and parades, and the highlights included keynote speaker Paris Hilton who spoke on brand building and scaling intellectual property.

There were numerous networking opportunities, live demonstrations, and surprise pop-ups, keeping the energy high and opportunities flowing.

Keynote Speeches and Panel Discussions

Utilizing customer insights, engagement data, and market research, three days of live programming were presented throughout the expo’s agenda. Advancements in technological, sustainable, and forward-driven thinking were a main focus, and they ranged from:

  1. An artificial intelligence (AI) keynote by Zack Kass, former go-to market lead at OpenAI.
  2. A discussion on new franchise origins with podcasting giant Guy Raz and Wondery’s Nicole Blake.
  3. An exclusive look into the 2024 global licensing industry with Maura Regan, President of Licensing International.
  4. Insights into the future of sustainable retail with Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO of Products of Change.
  5. A brand licensing forecast with Ben Roberts, Content Director of License Global.
  6. The first-ever Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) panel, featuring executives from Toys“R”Us, ALDO, and Spin Master.

Networking Opportunities

The Licensing Expo is renowned for its networking opportunities, and this year was no different. The dedicated Meetings Platform facilitated a record-high 8,500 pre-booked meetings across the three days. This platform ensured that attendees could connect with the right people.

One of the most anticipated networking events at the expo was the annual opening night party at Daylight Beach Club. Held at the close of day one, this year’s performers included country music vocal group, Chapel Hart, and R&B/hip-hop musician, CeeLo Green.

As the sun set outside Daylight Beach Club, the Licensing Expo debuted a 500-light drone show. The display focused on the theme of the event- providing experiences over simple products- and it brought brand awareness to IPs and consumer products. The show closed with a vibrant performance by Loud Luxury at the elite MGM Grand’s Hakkasan Las Vegas nightclub.

Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media

The keynote speaker, Paris Hilton, shared personal stories about the growth of her brand and the exciting new projects to which she has devoted much time and energy. One of her most recent projects is a global media brand and IP company, 11:11 Media, that she has built with co-founder Bruce Gersh. Paris also spoke about the recent launch of her new kid-friendly animated series, “Paris & Pups”!

Impact of Licensing Expo on Inventors and Brands

The expo provides unmatched exposure, putting inventions in front of industry giants, and that is indeed what occurred this year. Previous expos have proven incredibly useful for inventors, and inventors this year enjoyed connecting with companies both large and small across an array of industries.

The latest Global Licensing Industry Study shows that the licensing industry is booming. Here are some key takeaways:

  • The Entertainment/Characters segment grew 6.9% to reach $147.6 billion in revenue.
  • Music licensing grew by 16.4%
  • Location-based entertainment/themed attractions grew by 13.5%
  • Sports licensing grew by 5.6%

If you’re an inventor with an innovative idea, the chances of success are better than ever! The expo gets you right in front of the opportunities you need.

For brands, the expo offers a wealth of networking opportunities and insights into the latest trends. It’s a launchpad for long-term success.

The Global Licensing Industry Study also showed that e-commerce is becoming increasingly important, now accounting for 37% of global licensing sales. This means brands are looking for inventions that work well in the online space.

The event attracted top industry professionals and decision-makers, providing a unique platform for brands to showcase their products and services, make valuable connections, and discover new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Invention Licensing

If you’re an inventor, it’s vital to know what licensing is and how to do it. Essentially, licensing is how you get your products produced efficiently.

Licensing your invention is basically like renting your ideas to a company that will make and sell your idea. They do the hard work for you while giving you a cut of the earnings.

This is a good way for inventors to get their ideas out there without having to make everything themselves.

Types of Licenses

Understanding the different types of licensing agreements is important for inventors to make informed decisions about how to best leverage their intellectual property.

Exclusive Licenses

An exclusive license grants one licensee the sole right to produce and sell the invention. This agreement can often command higher royalty rates due to the exclusivity provided.

Non-Exclusive Licenses

A non-exclusive license allows multiple companies to produce and sell the invention simultaneously. This can increase the invention’s market penetration but may result in lower royalty rates per licensee.

Co-Licensing Agreements

Co-licensing involves multiple licensees working together to develop and market the invention. This can combine the strengths of different companies, such as manufacturing expertise and distribution networks.

Cross-Licensing Agreements

In a cross-licensing agreement, two parties exchange licenses to use each other’s inventions. This can be beneficial when each party holds valuable intellectual property that the other needs.

How to License an Invention?

When you are ready to license your invention, you should know about the process and the steps involved. The process can differ based on many factors, but it normally happens like this:

  1. Have a Good Idea: Come up with something new and useful.
  2. Check If It’s New: Make sure no one else has already invented your idea.
  3. Protect Your Idea: This might mean getting a patent.
  4. Make a Prototype: Create a sample of your product.
  5. Find Interested Companies: Look for businesses that might want your invention.
  6. Show Your Invention: Present your idea to companies.
  7. Negotiate a Deal: Talk about how much money you’ll get.
  8. Sign an Agreement: If everyone’s happy, you make it official with a contract.

InventHelp can help with all of these steps. With their experience, they know what companies are looking for, and they can help you connect with the right ones for your invention.

Benefits of Licensing an Invention

There are many reasons why an inventor may want to license their ideas, and the benefits are clear. You might want to license your invention for:

  1. Reduced Financial Risk: Licensees handle the costs of manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.
  2. Access to Expertise: Licensees often have established market presence and expertise.
  3. Steady Revenue Stream: Royalties provide ongoing income as long as the invention is sold.

Challenges with Licensing an Invention

Despite the benefits of securing a license for your idea, there are some drawbacks. You should be aware of the following potential challenges:

  1. Finding the Right Licensee: Identifying a company that is a good fit for your invention can be challenging.
  2. Negotiating Favorable Terms: Ensuring that you receive fair compensation requires negotiation skills and market knowledge.
  3. Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Even with a patent, enforcing your rights can be complex and costly.

How InventHelp Helps with Licensing

InventHelp makes licensing your creations simple while keeping you safe from potential setbacks during the licensing process. Ultimately, InventHelp makes your chances of success higher and your experience better.

Finding Potential Licensees

InventHelp has extensive industry connections and helps inventors identify and contact potential licensees. Their database of companies actively seeking new inventions significantly speeds up the licensing process.

Preparing Presentations

InventHelp assists in creating professional presentations and prototypes that effectively showcase the invention’s potential. This increases the likelihood of attracting interest from licensees.

Negotiating Terms

InventHelp’s experienced team guides inventors during negotiations, thus making sure they have a thorough grasp of the terms of their potential license.

Legal Support

While InventHelp does not offer legal advice, they can refer inventors to patent attorneys who specialize in intellectual property law. This ensures that inventors’ rights are protected throughout the licensing process.

What’s Next for Inventing and Licensing?

New inventions make their debut every day, and the industry of licensing continues to grow because of it. The advancements seen in the licensing industry are incredible. Here are some of the latest and greatest:

  1. Digital Showcasing: Tools like VIBE are becoming the new normal for showing off inventions. Get ready for more high-tech ways to present your ideas.
  2. Eco-Friendly Focus: People want products that are good for the planet. If your invention is green, you might have an edge.
  3. Global Reach: It’s easier than ever to license your invention in other countries. Your idea could go worldwide!
  4. Rapid Prototyping: 3D printing and other new tech are making it faster to create prototypes. This means you can test and improve your ideas more quickly.
  5. Smart Products: The Internet of Things is opening up new possibilities. Could your invention connect to the internet in a cool way?
  6. Customization: People love products that feel custom-made just for them. Think about how your invention could be personalized.
  7. Subscription Models: Some inventions are now being licensed as services, not just products. Could your invention work as a subscription?
  8. Virtual and Augmented Reality: These technologies are creating new ways to experience products. Maybe your invention could use VR or AR in a cool way?
  9. Sustainability: Brands are looking for inventions that help people live more sustainably. If your idea saves energy, reduces waste, or helps the environment, you might be onto something big.
  10. Health and Wellness: With more people focusing on their health, inventions in this area are hot. Think about how your idea might help people live healthier lives.

InventHelp keeps inventors like you ahead of changing trends by offering support and staying informed. They help you think about how your invention fits into these new areas, giving you that edge you need.

License your Invention with InventHelp

Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at it for years, the expo is a golden opportunity. With InventHelp’s support, you’ve got a strong partner in your corner.

Licensing an invention can be a rewarding path for inventors, offering reduced risk and increased access to established market channels. However, the process has multiple challenges that require care, which is where InventHelp comes in. InventHelp’s exhaustive support services help inventors crush these challenges and license their inventions.

Remember, every great product started as someone’s idea. Maybe your invention will be the talk of the next Licensing Expo. Keep thinking, keep creating, and don’t be afraid to show the world what you’ve come up with. With the right help and a bit of luck, your idea could be the next big thing!

If you’re ready to take the next step in bringing your idea to market, contact InventHelp today to learn more about how they can assist you.

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