Nolan Heimann at Licensing Expo 2025: Insights from the Show Floor

Partners David Schnider and Gregory Pan represented Nolan Heimann LLP at Licensing International’s Expo 2025, where the global licensing community gathered to navigate the evolving intersection of brand, content, and commerce.

Despite ongoing uncertainty around tariffs, David observed, “As Steven Ekstract said to me on the show floor, ‘We are an optimistic industry.’ The energy was electric and people were looking to make deals.”

Gregory added, “Tariffs cast a real shadow—retailers are cutting deals to keep shelves stocked, while licensors hold firm. Companies are seeking opportunity, but it’s clear the economic pressure is intensifying.”

Among Gregory’s key takeaways:

• 📉 Tariffs are compressing profits across the board.

• 🎮 Mobile game brands boast massive audiences but lack matching merch strategies.

• 🎢 Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) is gaining traction, but execution remains complex.

• 🔍 Major licensors are increasing audit activity to recapture lost royalty revenue.

• 🧸 An influx of “cute” character-based IP from China and Korea is targeting Western markets.

The Licensing Lawyers Meet-Up, now an annual highlight, underscored the sense of community and shared purpose.

From walking the floor to engaging in strategy, David and Gregory’s presence reflected Nolan Heimann’s position at the forefront of IP monetization, licensing law, and creative dealmaking.