Three finalists have been chosen in both the Character & Animation category and the Brand & Design category.

Brand Licensing Europe has announced six finalists for this year’s License This! competition following a record number of entries and an intense judging day last Friday in London.

For the first time in the competition’s 10-year history, there are two award categories: Character & Animation and Brand & Design. The final will take place in the BLE Brands & Lifestyle Theatre at 12:30 pm on Thursday 11th October.

Character & Animation category finalists

Gail Grisham – Gail Grisham is a vintage doll that posts regularly on social media about family life. Her observational comedy truths are relatable and funny, particularly to mothers.

Oddcats – Oddcats is a pre-school property from Zara Picken; a mob of mischievous creatures with a taste for adventure and socks. Cute and colourful, the Oddcats borrow odd socks to help them along on their globetrotting travels.

The Real Monster Show – Hailing from Argentina, the Real Monster Show is a world full of colourful monsters targeting 6-11 year olds with an anti-bullying and diversity message.

Brand & Design category finalists

Animals – Sarah Burman’s colourful and characterful animal designs have a unique patchwork texture, strong colours and a hint of retro.

Blubz -Blubz are funny, heartwarming blobs of fun illustrating great copy from Drew Bristow.

Pabuku – Vintage inspired imagery with a contemporary twist, Pabuku’s designs are high end and refreshingly unique.

This year’s two License This! winners will receive a free exhibition stand at BLE 2019, one year’s LIMA membership, PR support and advice from a panel of industry experts. For the first time, all finalists will receive legal consultation from competition sponsor Wynn-Jones. Previous entrants have also signed lucrative agent and licensing deals off the back of the competition.

LIMA UK managing director and License This! chair Kelvyn Gardner commented: “This year, we had the most entries we’ve ever had for License This!, which is testament to the growing appeal and importance of the competition. We were especially impressed by the diversity of the 2018 submissions and the clear depth of thought that the entrants had put in to their applications – we’re sure our shortlist will provide a compelling spectacle for the final at BLE next month.”