(Filed Under Licensing News). Knockout Licensing has been named by NBC Universal International Television Production to launch and manage the licensing program for the Downton Abbey entertainment brand in the US and Canada.

“Audiences around the world have connected with Downton Abbey and the reaction from American viewers has been incredible,” said Brad Wald, chief commercial officer, NBC Universal International Television Production. “The Knockout team understands the Downton Abbey brand and we are looking forward to working with them to develop a strong licensing program that brings to life the Downton experience.”

“I’ve been a Downton Abbey fan since the first season,” said Knockout co-presidents Carole Postal. “I love the writing, the fashions, the décor, and everything else about the story and setting that makes Downton Abbey such a compelling brand for licensing.”

Downton Abbey is the Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe award winning British television series entering its third season. The era around WWI is explored in the drama, produced in association with Masterpiece Theatre and airing on PBS in the U.S. It is also transmitted in more than 200 other territories around the world. According to Knockout, “In February 2012, 5.4 million viewers watched the final episode of Season Two making Downton Abbey PBS’s most-watched program since the Ken Burns documentary “National Parks” premiered in 2009. Season Three of Downton Abbey is scheduled to debut on PBS in January 2013.

“Downton Abbey has a large, loyal and very enthusiastic fan base,” explained Knockout co-president Tamra Knepfer. “We have already spoken to some potential licensees and retailers who are extremely enthused about being a part of Downton Abbey by offering products that bring to life the look, the feel, sensibility and humor of the show.”

Knockout Licensing is actively seeking manufacturing and retail partners to launch the brand into U.S and Canadian markets via key product categories including apparel, accessories/bags, health & beauty aids (including fragrance), jewelry, social expressions, gift & novelty, checks, and promotional tie-ins. The agency will also be exploring costumes, puzzles/games, collectibles, housewares, kitchenware, bed & bath, good (tea, jams), home furnishings, home décor, and other appropriate products.

Knockout Licensing is a full-service licensing agency for big-name brands. It was formed as a joint venture in 2012 between Carole Postal, president of CopCorp Licensing, and Tamra Knepfer, president of TK Brand Group.

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Published 06-06-2012 by -