British Library in landmark agreement with ARTiSTORY

The British Library and ARTiSTORY form a landmark partnership for global licensing agreements. This is the first agency contract the British Library has signed for global IP licensing rights. The agreement will see a range of global British Library branded products and event collaborations celebrating the Library’s extensive collection, facilitated by the global team at ARTiSTORY.

With a collection of over 170 million items, including artefacts from every age of written civilisation, the British Library cares for the nation’s archive of printed and digital publications, adding around three million new items to their collection every year. As the national library of the United Kingdom, the institution gives access to the world’s most comprehensive research collection and provides information services to academic, business, research and scientific communities. Their collection features a variety of material resources, from books and newspapers, to sound recordings, patents, prints, drawings, maps and manuscripts. 

ARTiSTORY Founder and CEO, Yizan He outlined his excitement: “The British Library is a hugely respected, leading cultural institution on a global scale, with such a vast collection of artefacts. We aim to help them grow and expand their licensing projects in a variety of new markets and industries. We are thrilled to be establishing this partnership with the British Library, providing us the exciting opportunity to share their extensive collection with an international audience.”

The British Library’s Head of Commercial Services, Caroline Brown, said: “The British Library has been collaborating with ARTiSTORY on IP licensing in the China market and we are excited to strengthen this partnership by expanding our brand licensing offer in the global market. The Library’s rich and varied collection is for everyone and we are looking forward to sharing it with more people across the world through these creative products and innovative projects.”