NEW YORK – Licensing International, the leading trade association for the $369.6+ billion global brand licensing industry, has announced an endowment for its Scholarship Program through the generous support of Gail Munn, a trailblazer in the global brand licensing industry.

This $500,000 endowment reflects Munn’s career-long commitment to empowering the next generation of professionals by providing financial support to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong interest in pursuing a career in licensing. Through this endowment, Munn aims to give back to the licensing community and foster opportunities for future leaders.

The endowment will support Licensing International’s broader Scholarship Program, which awards grants between $5,000 and $10,000 (or local equivalent) to deserving individuals who are interested in a career in brand licensing seeking education in business, eCommerce, marketing, design, engineering, entrepreneurial studies and other brand licensing industry-related programs. The program is part of Licensing International’s mission to inspire the next generation of talent while advancing the understanding of licensing in society.

A groundbreaking figure in the licensing world, Gail Munn was one of the first female executives in the industry as Director of Licensing at King Features Syndicate. Munn built a distinguished career that spanned decades with executive roles at companies including Hanna-Barbera, Marvel Comics, and Filmation before founding her own company in 1988, GM Licensing Group—a well-known consulting firm that assisted licensees in acquiring major brands to grow their businesses through licensing. Through this endowment, Munn extends her legacy by further investing in the industry she helped to build.

“When I took the position at King Features Syndicate in 1962, little did I know that for the next 58 years I would have such an amazing career in a very creative and entrepreneurial industry. I’ve seen it grow from a small, non-organized business to a well-organized, major industry force,” said Munn. “Licensing International is responsible for unleashing the power of licensing worldwide and I feel we all have to do our part in contributing to its continued influence and professionalism. My sincerest wish is that my Endowed Scholarship Award helps others to find their place in this dynamic industry.”

“We are honored to partner with Gail on this initiative,” said Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. “This commitment reflects her ongoing work to uplift the next generation of licensing professionals and is a reflection of her decades of excellence and innovation in this industry.”

About Licensing International
Licensing International is the leading trade organization for the $369+ billion global licensing industry. Licensing International’s mission is to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large. Founded in 1985, Licensing International members in over 40 countries enjoy access to an array of benefits, including extensive educational programming and worldwide networking events. Visit LicensingInternational.org for more information and to utilize licensing’s definitive online resource.