Sometimes the biggest licensing mistakes happen before the deal is even signed. In this episode of Born to License, I break down the most common pitfalls that trip up companies - and how to avoid them.

Join me at the kitchen table as I walk through a late-night conversation that turned into a full-blown breakdown of what not to do in licensing. From mismatched IP to unrealistic timelines and hidden costs, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons every brand should hear.

We’ll cover:

• Why licensing is a partnership - not just a logo placement

• The danger of choosing IP based on fame instead of fit

• How poor planning can derail your product launch

• The financial traps that turn licensing deals into losses

If you’re thinking about licensing—or already deep in it - this episode could save you from an expensive mistake.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and make sure your next licensing deal is built for success.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingMistakes #SmartLicensing

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

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

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

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

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!

When a licensing deal really works, it’s not because of star power or nostalgia alone. It’s because it feels right. In this episode of Born to License, I dive into the one ingredient that separates forgettable partnerships from truly great ones: authenticity.

Join me in a New York City boardroom as I walk a top advertising agency through iconic campaigns featuring He-Man, Buddy the Elf, and Donatello from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - each one a masterclass in getting the details right. From voice casting to character behaviour to the smallest design elements, every choice matters.

We’ll cover:

• Why authenticity makes or breaks a licensing campaign

• Real-world examples of campaigns that got it right

• The hidden details that audiences instantly notice

• How to ensure licensed characters enhance your brand - not distract from it

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a licensed ad, product, or experience truly resonate, this episode reveals the answer.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and remember, audiences know when it’s not real.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #AuthenticityInAdvertising

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

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

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

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

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!

When most people think of licensing, they picture products on store shelves - t-shirts, toys, and collectibles. But some of the most powerful licensing opportunities don’t involve physical products at all.

In this episode of Born to License, I take you inside the world of non-traditional licensing - where brands extend into advertising campaigns, theme parks, live events, and digital experiences. I’ll share the story of a creative collaboration between the Powerpuff Girls and Volkswagen, and how licensing outside of retail can drive massive brand engagement.

We’ll cover:

• Why licensing isn’t just about merchandise

• How advertising, theme parks, and live events keep brands alive

• The power of emotional storytelling in licensing deals

• Why a strong licensing strategy is about more than products—it’s about brand expansion

If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite characters end up in unexpected places, this episode pulls back the curtain.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform—and stay curious, because licensing is everywhere.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

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

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

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!