Steven Ekstract

1 week ago | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

Here we go again. In a move that feels ripped from the 2018 playbook – but with the volume turned up to 11– President Donald Trump has reignited the U.S.-China trade war, sending tremors across global supply chains and putting the licensing industry once again in the crosshairs. On April 9, Trump announced a sweeping 145% tariff on all Chinese imports, a dramatic escalation that excludes China from a 90-day tariff pause extended to other trade partners.

1 month ago | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

Steven Ekstract is managing director of Global Licensing Advisors. Ekstract is also the founder of License Global magazine.License Global Viewpoint ColumnIn just a few weeks since his return to office, President Donald Trump’s trade policies have already begun reshaping U.S. companies’ business landscape, especially in the licensing sector. Initially, Trump threatened our largest trading neighbors, Canada and Mexico, with imposing tariffs of 25%.

Dec 5, 2024 | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

Steven Ekstract is managing director of Global Licensing Advisors. Ekstract is also the founder of License Global magazine.License GlobalThe toy industryis undergoing a transformation, driven by the rapid rise of digital entertainment and evolving play patterns among children. Toy brands such as Mattel,Spin Master,Hasbro and LEGO are pioneering a new era of interactive experiences by blending traditional toys with digital games, apps and online platforms.

Oct 24, 2024 | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

BFFoundation (BFF), in collaboration with founding partner, Walmart, and presenting partner, Coca-Cola, has announced the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival dates and the introduction of the X Tracks Executive Licensing Summit, created by Steven Ekstract, managing director, Global Licensing Advisors (and founder, License Global).

Sep 20, 2024 | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

Steven EkstractLicense GlobalTwenty-five years ago,I found myself at the inaugural Brand Licensing London event, a wide-eyed newcomer stepping into the world of licensing. Just a year before, I had taken the leap from a mainstream entertainment newspaper to start License! Magazine, a decision that would forever change the course of my career. At that time, the brand licensing landscape was a smaller, more fragmented space where independent retailers and manufacturers haggled for the best deals.