Sony’s $450M acquisition of Peanuts shocked a lot of people — but for those who understand licensing, the $1.1B valuation makes perfect sense.

In this episode of Born to License, David Born breaks down why Peanuts is worth over a billion dollars, what that valuation really means inside the licensing industry, and how evergreen IP is built, protected, and monetized at scale.

Using real-world examples — from Snoopy T-shirts to small businesses like Plum Deluxe — this episode pulls back the curtain on licensing approvals, brand protection, and why the systems behind billion-dollar IP exist for a reason.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Sony’s Peanuts acquisition validates the power of evergreen IP
• What a $1.1B valuation actually means operationally in licensing
• How Peanuts generates $3.2B in retail sales across 1,200+ licenses
• Why licensing approvals take time — and why that’s a good thing
• How small brands can successfully license billion-dollar IP
• Why Peanuts continues to resonate with Gen Z without blockbuster films

This episode is essential listening for anyone curious about brand equity, licensing strategy, IP protection, or how iconic brands like Peanuts stay culturally relevant for over 75 years.

🎧 Next episode: David shares his movie predictions for 2026 — and which theatrical releases will (and won’t) drive licensed product sales.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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2026 could be the most transformative year in licensing history. From the potential Netflix-Warner Bros. mega-merger to one of the most stacked theatrical lineups we've seen in years, the licensing landscape is about to change dramatically.

In this episode, David Born breaks down everything you need to watch in 2026: the consolidation dominating headlines, the exodus of licensing talent reshaping the competitive landscape, and the massive theatrical releases that will drive consumer products - from Super Mario Galaxy and Toy Story 5 to Avengers Doomsday and Narnia.

Plus, David explores the trends that will define the year ahead: AI's impact on licensing, the explosion of characters in advertising, retailers desperate for differentiation, and the continued power of nostalgia brands. Whether you're a licensor, licensee, or retailer, this episode gives you the strategic insights you need to navigate 2026 successfully.

Key Topics:

• Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery deal and consolidation ripple effects
• The biggest theatrical releases of 2026 and their licensing implications
• Where displaced licensing talent will land—and how it will reshape the industry
• AI, digital licensing, and emerging trends you can't ignore
• Public domain chaos, dynamic royalty models, and emerging markets
• Major licensing events and why you need to be there

Mentioned in this episode: Super Mario, Pixar's Hoppers, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Mandalorian & Grogu, Masters of the Universe, Toy Story 5, Supergirl, Moana (live-action), Spider-Man, Narnia, Avengers Doomsday, and more.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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We're wrapping up 2025 with our best bits from the year.

The moments that made us think differently about licensing, the stories we're still talking about, and the insights you need heading into 2026.

This year, we sat down with some of the industry's most influential voices. From Lucy Salisbury explaining how Funko sifts through thousands of licensing pitches when "everyone says it's the next biggest movie," to Charlotte Payne revealing how Care Bears has stayed relevant for 45 years, to Michelle Ahern sharing what it's really like to manage the hottest preschool brand on the planet - these are the conversations that define what great licensing looks like.

Here's what you'll hear in this compilation:

Lucy Salisbury (Funko) - How Funko uses Google Trends, TikTok searches, and Amazon data to cut through the noise when every licensor promises "the next big thing."

Julia Kamoda (Hasbro) - Why McDonald's Monopoly has succeeded for 30+ years and how iconic IP like Peppa Pig cuts through crowded retail aisles.

Simon Kay (AT New Media) - The urgent warning about digital licensing's future: UGC, Web3, reverse merchandising, and why "you've got no time—don't wait anymore."

Jenna Chalkley (Product Development) - Why product development professionals aren't celebrated enough and how the industry shifted from "just slapping brands on products" to valuing creativity.

Michelle Ahern (The Wiggles) - Managing the hottest kids brand with licensing agents as the "first line of defense" and why "what's in it for the kids?" drove every decision.

Charlotte Payne (Care Bears) - The 45-year formula: staying "relevant for today" while honoring nostalgia, with surprise collaborations like Hello Kitty, Barbie, and Wicked.

David Schnider (Legal) - Contract traps that cost hundreds of thousands and the auditor who in 25 years never found less than 5% discrepancy in licensing audits.

Sharon Weisman (Future Trends) - Why wellness is hitting 115 billion by 2028 and personalization is the next frontier in licensed merchandise.

Annabel Rochfort (Location-Based Entertainment) - The LBE hotspots: competitive socializing and resort destinations, plus why location matters more than brand strength alone.

Jasmine & Vincent (Fira X Wear) - Why being fans of the IP you're licensing is "of the utmost importance" and how authenticity shows in every product.

Caleb (The Collab King) - The biggest brand mistakes: fearing the secondary market and overproduction killing hype—the Beanie Baby effect.

Whether you're negotiating your first license or your five-hundredth, whether you're launching a product line or a theme park - these are the moments that will make you better at what you do.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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Disney just invested $1 billion in OpenAI, opening up Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar for AI-generated fan content on Disney+. The twist? Months ago, Disney was suing AI companies for IP infringement. This pivot from litigation to integration changes everything for licensing.

In this episode David Born breaks down why Disney's move gives the entire industry permission to embrace AI, how Warner Bros., Hasbro, and other IP owners will likely respond, and what this means for licensing operations moving forward. When the 800-pound gorilla moves, everyone follows - and Disney just went all-in on AI.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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Just 3 days after Netflix's historic offer, Paramount launched a stunning $108.4B hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery—bypassing the board and going directly to shareholders. David Born breaks down the all-cash offer, the political implications, and what this means for the licensing industry.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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After 11 years in business, 2025 became Born's most successful year ever. In this special year-end episode, the entire Born team comes together to share the untold stories behind the record-breaking achievements.

Featured Team Insights:

Born Licensing Team (Amber & Alberto):
- The Garfield groundbreaking billboard campaign
- Google Pixel's first Christmas campaign (2-month turnaround!)
- BFG returning to Sainsbury's for year two
- Candy Crush Solitaire's first-ever licensing partnership

Born to License Team (Alyssa G, Alyssa C, Jenna, Brinna):
- How Keepsake's 600-card Invincible collection came together
- The Disney personalization revolution with Hippo Blue
- Plum Deluxe x Peanuts selling out before Christmas
- Steven Singer's Wicked jewelry success story
- Managing 500+ submissions

Born to License Business Development (Michelle & Matt):
- Why companies from 40+ countries are reaching out
- The surprising industries entering licensing (museums to video games)
- What Licensors really want in 2026

Media & Education (Eduardo, Juliana, Vini):
- Creating 20+ podcast episodes and cinematic trailers
- Launching the Born in Action vlog
- Building Learn to License education platform

Plus: Major 2026 Announcement David introduces Born Legal with sister Emma, expanding into promotional law and marketing compliance.

Whether you're a brand owner, licensing professional, or industry observer, this episode provides an authentic behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a global licensing agency at scale.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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EMERGENCY EPISODE: Netflix has just won the bidding war to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platforms and legendary IP portfolio in an $82.7 billion deal - but what does this mean for the licensing industry?

In this urgent episode, host David Born breaks down the deal that's sending shockwaves through Hollywood and explains why no one is talking about the biggest question for the licensing industry: What happens to billion-dollar evergreen brands like Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and DC Super Heroes when they're handed to a company with less experience managing year-round licensing programs?

David opens with a story from his time at Warner Bros. that perfectly captures why licensing is always the "little monkey on the big gorilla's back" - an afterthought in major entertainment decisions. He then walks through:

• How we got here: The timeline from Skydance's Paramount acquisition to Netflix's winning $82.7B bid
• The three scenarios: Why Netflix is the best option compared to Paramount or NBCUniversal (and why it's still risky)
• What's at stake: The massive Warner Bros. portfolio - from Harry Potter to Friends to The Flintstones
• Netflix's track record: Why they're brilliant at tentpole licensing (Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters) but untested with evergreens
• The consolidation concern: Job losses, reduced resources, and what it means for our industry
• The big questions: Theatrical releases, retailer impact, and whether Skydance will disrupt the deal

This is a 12-18 month regulatory process, and anything can happen. But one thing's certain: the licensing landscape is about to change in a massive way.

Full disclosure: David's business works with several companies discussed in this episode. All information shared is based on public knowledge and personal analysis - no confidential information is disclosed.

Don't miss Monday's holiday wrap-up episode featuring the Born to License team!

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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2025 was our best year EVER after 11 years in business.

In this special wrap-up trailer, get a sneak peek at our record-breaking achievements, groundbreaking campaigns, and what's coming in 2026 for Born Licensing, Born to License and Learn to License.

Full episode drops December 12th and features the entire Born team sharing untold stories from the year.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

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

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