Intent Media, publisher of eight leading trade publications, has today launched the first ever dedicated online news and networking resource for the European licensing community.

The new site, called Licensing.biz, will cover all key sectors - such as toys and gifts, food and beverages, movies, sport, apparel, publishing, video games and design.

It will also boast a daily email news service, as well as recruitment services, opinion, key brand spotlights and event updates. ‘Web 2.0’ features such as real-time trade comments and forums will also be included.

Samantha Loveday, with over 10 years’ experience in the entertainment trade press, has been appointed editor.

“Apart from one quality global licensing title based in the US, there is very little in the trade area that is either modern in execution or of genuine value for today’s wider licensing community.

"We have responded to the demand for a window on the European business, which will be of huge value to licensees, licensors, retailers, media and investors,” said Intent Media managing director and Licensing.biz publisher Stuart Dinsey

Licensing.biz launches just ahead of the Brand Licensing Europe event in London next month. It has a targeted readership of over 8,000 licensing professionals, retailers and relevant executives from all key licence holders.

Launch sponsors include industry heavyweights such as Nickelodeon, Kilogram, Start Licensing, Entara, Hit Entertainment and Target.

“It is clear that in a global, fast-moving business like licensing, something new is required,” continued Dinsey.

“Traditional UK-based low-circulation print titles that appear infrequently are not the way forward. It’s not just about flogging ads around trade shows. The licensing sector deserves more than that.”.

Intent Media is an independent media company specialising in trade magazines, B2B websites and events for entertainment and technology markets.

It already publishes eight market-leading publications, servicing markets such as toys, video games, home computing, mobile entertainment, cycling, musical instruments and professional audio.

For more information contact publisher Stuart Dinsey, or visit www.Licensing.biz