Licensing brings well-loved brands closer to more Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - What is a business that could potentially bring in more business? “It’s licensing,” says Wallace Tay, a Singaporean who is one of the three major partners in Pacific Licensing Studio (PLS) who have earned more than 55 years in licensing business all over the world.

Pacific Licensing Studio (PLS) has announced its partnerships with The Smiley Co., Hasbro (Littlest Pet Shop and Play-Doh), Bang On The Door in addition to its current appointment as licensing representative for Warner Bros. Consumer Products in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

PLS is a licensing and brand management agency with headquarters in Singapore and offices throughout Asia specializing in consumer products licensing, retail solutions and promotional/sponsorship opportunities for world class brands. 

With its aggressive sales strategies and extensive network in Asia, PLS aims to sign up product licensees and partners in a wide spectrum of licensed categories including apparel, accessories, stationery, gifts, novelties, branded food, personal care to publishing and promotion licensing.

PLS is confident in creating a powerful impact for all the brands it represents and bringing exciting and innovative licensed products to all its consumers and fans across Asia.

But what exactly is licensing? Tay says it’s about good product and promoting it. To become a licensee of known brands is just as easy as registering one’s business. For one, Tay said that an applicant has to have the capability   in financing and promoting the product. “They should have distribution channels,” Tay indicates. The licensing business in the country is more than a $10-million business and it keeps on expanding, says Tay.

“We can license everything under the sun, from head to toe,” he says. He said they can give a license to such products as apparel, bags, houseware, footwear, toys, chairs and tables to name a few.

This is the reason why big names such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Jollibee, Shakeys and McDonald’s are under PLS licensing contract. “It gives additional character to the company,” says Tay, adding that licensing can help increase the company’s revenue by at least 20 percent.

Tay also said that PLS has a working arrangement with big retail stores in the country such as the SM Group, Robinson’s, Rustan’s, Landmark and others to ensure that only legitimate licensee are selling the products.

To make sure that all customers are buying the ''real product,'' Tay says that buyers must look for a ''legal line'' at the back of the item. The ''legal line'' indicates that the item is a licensed product.