Steven Ekstract

New York, United States

Managing Director at Licensing International

Managing Director at License! Global

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Articles

Two New Tools Aim to Demystify Brand Licensing

1 day ago | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

Steven Ekstract is managing director of Global Licensing Advisors. Ekstract is also the founder of License Global magazineLicense Global Viewpoint ColumnAs the licensing industry gathers once again in Las Vegas for Licensing Expo 2025, two landmark educational resources are launching to empower newcomers, business partners, and global brands looking to break into the licensing space. Together, they represent the most accessible and practical learning tools the industry has ever seen.
How Licensing is Navigating Trump’s 145% China Duties

1 month 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.
How is the U.S.-China Trade War Reshaping Licensing?

2 months 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%.
Toys Brands Expand into Mediums

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.
Bentonville Film Festival Announces 2025 Dates and Launch of X Tracks Licensing Summit

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).
The Evolution of Brand Licensing

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.
The 2024 Licensing Landscape

May 16, 2024 | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

Steven EkstractLicense GlobalGlobal ChallengesThe war in Ukraine has led to a massive refugee crisis, disrupted agricultural production and has threatened the sovereignty of Eastern European NATO members. Similarly, the war in Gaza threatens civilian populations and major shipping routes, promoting regional instability. China’s expanding dominance in the Asia-Pacific region, coupled with accusations of social media disinformation through TikTok, fuels global fears.
Exploring the Trends at Kidscreen

Mar 1, 2024 | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract

Steven EkstractLicense GlobalThe Kidscreen Summit stands as an annual beacon in the ever-evolving landscape of children’s entertainment, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of content creation, distribution and licensing. This year’s iteration, held in San Diego, not only marked a geographical shift from its traditional Miami locale but also spotlighted the transformative power of licensing in shaping the realm of children’s media.
The Changemakers: The Natural History Museum

Feb 29, 2024 | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract |Jane Neal |McKenna Morgan

Maxine Lister.The Natural History MusuemThe licensing industry has global influence; consumers flock to buy the products the industry creates, and the revenue driven at retail is a substantial driver in a brand’s power to implement change. Some executives harness the power of their position to become what License Global calls a changemaker, meaning that to create the change they want to see in the world, they are uncovering licensing’s potential as a catalyst.
Hunter Price Partners with DreamWorks Animation for ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’

Feb 29, 2024 | licenseglobal.com | Steven Ekstract |Jane Neal

Collaboration includes hair accessories, reusable bags, gifting, hats, gloves, scarves and umbrellas.