Licensing Trade
Licensing trade is a kind of international trade in which one country grants a company in another country permission to produce, distribute, and sell a specific product or service. The company, often referred to as the licensee, pays the licensor, a royalty or fee to use the licensor’s intellectual property or other distinctive features that are unique within the industry. This type of traded goes beyond just goods and services and includes trademarks, technology, patents, brand names and other type of intellectual property rights that can be sold and used in overseas countries.
Licensing agreements are often used when a company wants to gain an immediate presence in another country, but do not have the resources, understanding, or contacts to do so on their own. It is a way of more quickly doing business in other countries and providing products or services more efficiently. This type of trading also has the potential for great return on investments and can aid companies in entering foreign markets if done correctly.
Licensing agreements are formed for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it allows a company to operate in a foreign country, often making less of an investment than otherwise needed. This can be incredibly beneficial when a company aims to reach customers in other countries and have a legal footing to do so, often in a situation where the company does not have all the necessary assets or contacts needed. It can also help to support the local economy, as the company pays royalties to the licensor. This can encourage the licensing of more products or ideas, helping to further diversify the global marketplace as a whole.
One example of licensing trade is the agreement between Apple and the Chinese company Foxconn regarding production of the iPhone. Apple had long been looking to expand the market for the iPhone beyond its base in the United States and other developed countries. After several discussions, a licensing agreement was formed where Foxconn was given the right to manufacture and sell iPhones in China, while Apple received a significant royalty for each device produced. This agreement was beneficial for both companies, as Apple was able to enter the Chinese market more quickly, and Foxconn was able to use its resources more efficiently with the licensed iPhone.
Overall, licensing trade is a very effective method for expanding a company’s operations into foreign markets. Companies can quickly gain an international presence and have the potential to make a great return on their investments. Licensing trade also has the added benefit of aiding the local economy, as businesses are able to use local resources to help manufacture and distribute products in other countries.