Born to License’s Top 5 Licensed Products: Pokémon
At Born To License we’re passionate about licensing and its potential to create must-have products. We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting licensing collaborations from all over the world.
As inspiration for companies looking to make their first foray into licensing, we’ve asked a member of the Born To License team to highlight their favourite Top 5 licensed products from some of the most successful brands and Licensors in the biz. In this piece, Senior Licensing Executive Amber Cheung discusses her favourite Pokémon licensed products.
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Since its inception in the mid-90s, Pokémon has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. The franchise's merchandise line has expanded over the years, offering an array of licensed products that cater to Pokémon trainers and collectors alike. When I was growing up, Pokémon trading cards were all the rage so it’s a testament to the brand that Pokémon is still as popular as it was in the 90’s with the kids of today (including my 6-year old nephew). In this article, I delve into some of the best Pokémon licensed products available, ranging from catchy collectibles to practical and fun items for fans.
Clarks Footwear
The Clarks Pokémon collection features beloved characters like Pikachu, Squirtle, and Mewtwo on 10 classic shoes for kids. Licensing can have a reputation for lazy design, but I love the simplicity and sophistication of these designs where both the Clarks and Pokémon brand really complement each other. A detail I particularly like is that kids can make their mark on the playground or pitch with soles that stamp Poké Ball designs with every step. Adding further opportunity for customers to experience their favourite brand, UK customers received a free Pokémon trading card with purchase.
Van Gough Museum Partnership
In 2023, the Van Gogh Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark this milestone, Pokémon and the Van Gogh Museum launched an official collaboration aimed at introducing new audiences to the work of Vincent van Gogh. This very unlikely partnering turned out to be a huge success - almost too much of a success causing Pokémon pandemonium in the museum! Children could participate in the Pokémon Adventure at the museum, which introduced them to the Pokémon paintings and the stories behind Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces. The partnership was based on the shared link with Japanese art and culture: Pokémon is a Japanese pop culture icon, and Japanese prints were a significant source of inspiration for Vincent van Gogh. Pokémon activities included Pokémon paintings on view, Pokémon Adventure, Drawing Pikachu, and exclusive Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum merchandise.
OTL Technologies Headphones
Technology accessories is a competitive category. Licensing a popular brand like Pokémon can help your product to stand out from the crowd. I like this product as the iconic Poké Ball shape lends itself perfectly to OTL Technologies’ Tween Dome headphones, which are also available with different Pokémon characters like Pikachu, Squirtle, and Mewtwo, as well as the classic Poké Ball design. Children can play their favourite Pokémon video games whilst tuned in with these fan-favourite headphones.
Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream
Pokémon fans in Japan were treated to a delightful surprise in 2019 when Baskin-Robbins launched a limited-edition collaboration with Pokémon. The highlight was the adorable Pikachu ice cream cake, a fluffy sculpture crafted from whipped cream and chocolate, hiding a delicious mix of strawberry and Baskin-Robbins' signature "Popping Shower" ice cream – complete with electric-buzzing Pop Rocks. And it wasn't just cakes – a special Pikachu-flavoured ice cream, bursting with fruity flavours and electrifying Pop Rocks, became a must-try for fans.
Balmain Apparel
Balmain and Pokémon joined forces in a surprising but fitting limited-edition 2022 collaboration. This unique partnership celebrated both brands' boldness and innovation, offering a "Trainer Fashion Set" featuring Pikachu and iconic lightning bolt motifs across clothing, backpacks, and even digital assets in the Pokémon UNITE game. The collection blended Balmain's high fashion with Pokémon’s playful spirit, catering to both fashionistas and trainers alike. It’s an example of how licensing can create unique experiences for fans to engage with their favourite brands.
Pokémon's licensing success isn't just about Pikachu plushies. Instantly recognizable characters, a diverse fanbase spanning generations, and constant evolution make it a licensing powerhouse. From fashion to tech, Pokémon connects with audiences and keeps partners engaged with fresh content and themes.
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