Local character Charging Buddies Take Fly at Licensing Show

Participating in Hong Kong International Licensing Show led to Charging Buddies’ collaboration with Park Central in creating a Summer Inflatable Playground.

Mall events are a good way to interact with the public.

The business and media tours during HKILS ensured more exposure for participating IPs.

Commodification is part of Charging Buddies’ future plans.

 24 September 2019

<div align="justify"><strong>A successful cartoon character can instil positive energy in its fans, as is the case with Charging Buddies, a 100% Hong Kong-born character that is charming the licensing market with its bright and affectionate image and pragmatic battery-charging service, bringing its “charging spirit” into the licensing field. </strong></div><br /><div align="justify">The six members of the Charging Buddies family possess supernatural powers like wind, fire, water, electricity, gas and magic, and can even absorb the negative aura of human beings. In fact, cheering up the overwhelming pessimism in society is the key motivation that gave birth to this fictional character, according to Leo Ng, representative of Charging Buddies Studio. “Modern lives evolve around mobile phones, spreading prejudices and negativity like an epidemic. It is our hope that Charging Buddies can bring more positivity to the world!”</div><br /><h4><strong>Expanding business opportunities at the Licensing Show</strong></h4><div align="justify">Newly launched in August 2018, Charging Buddies has already been exhibited at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), the largest licensing show in Asia, in January 2019. Charging Buddies was alongside other 40 new local IPs at DLAB’s Hong Kong Pavilion, a supporting scheme initiated by The Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA) and supported by CreateHK. The experience was very fruitful, resulting in a direct cooperation with Park Central this May to June, where they installed an indoor inflatable playground and had live shows, such as a Mascot parade for families in Hong Kong. <br /><br />This is only one of the many other successes that Charging Buddies encountered at HKILS: Authorised as the charging service provider at the show, it gained excellent exposure, especially through activities like mascot parades; they also acquired essential first-hand knowledge regarding latest licensing and IP trends by attending the concurrent Asian Licensing Conference. “For example we understood how an IP is born and the law differences in various markets. These equipped us with the knowledge to grow an IP and tackle foreseeable challenges in the future,” said Leo. <br /><br />To Leo, there are too many competitors in the market, and while HongKongers generally prefer foreign brands, it is not granted that a local IP can stand out from the crowd, making the international business network and contacts gained during HKILS more important. “Mobiles need to be charged when out of battery, it’s the same for people. The outstanding message of Charging Buddies to spread positivity via charging services and story-telling, made it easier to reach both young and mature audiences, form partnerships and further collaborations. It was lucky that we were subsidised by DLAB, as marketing requires enormous resources and investment. An international event such as HKILS granted us wonderful opportunities in business matching, locating licensees and manufacturers, which were essential for us to take the next step. There is no doubt that we will participate next year as well,”said Leo.</div><br /><h4><strong>Explore different licensing options</strong></h4><div align="justify">Hong Kong and the mainland market will be their priority, focusing on charging services, green education and licensing businesses. Charging Buddies is already invited by Hong Kong Guide as charging partner, set to provide complimentary charing services throughout 100 locations in Hong Kong, including shopping malls, supermarkets and restaurants from Q3. For a green education partnership with Shenzhen’s main environmental institution, Charging Buddies is also the green ambassador in primary and secondary school materials like picture books, animations and video games etc. Mall exhibitions and complimentary charging services in the Greater Bay Area are also in progress. <br /><br />“Licensing enhances brand recognition and credibility, and is the most efficient way to reach different consumer groups and guarantee returns. In the future we also plan to launch various Charging Buddies products on online platforms, and to work with mainland credit card issuers to introduce Charging Buddies to greater audience - a good way to promote the Hong Kong brand.”</div>

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