June 22, 2021 - The Top Global Licensors 2021 report identifies the world's top IP owners that drove the consumer product business forward during 2020 – a year unlike any other.

The annual report, which showcases the world's most powerful brands based on prior-year sales of licensed merchandise, is once again topped by The Walt Disney Company, which reported $54 billion in retail sales worldwide of licensed and direct-to-consumer products, slightly less than the $54.7 billion the company reported in 2019. The latest report also includes a number of newcomers such as the United States Postal Service at No. 63 with $200 million in retail sales of licensed consumer products.

Unlike previous editions of the report, which has touted a ranking of the most powerful 150 brands around the world, the 2021 report hones in on 75 companies to ensure all retail sales listed are accurately reported and estimated in a systematic and accountable way

"This year's report may look different; however, it is arguably the most important one yet," says Amanda Cioletti, content director, License Global. "As the year presented forced retail closures and brand consolidation, the latest report not only highlights trends that surfaced from the chaos of 2020, but the companies that have been able to find success in weathering such storms."