First published by License Global on May 18, 2026
International Literary Properties (ILP), a company that invests in, acquires and manages literary estates, is exhibiting at Licensing Expo 2026 for the first time. The company is seeking collaborators and licensees to extend its portfolio of writers, authors, playwrights and lifestyle thought leaders into new consumer products and experiences.
The ILP team, led by Michael Barra, chief executive officer, theatrical and global franchise management, will host meetings at its booth at Licensing Expo (Q225-13.)
“At ILP, not only are we the stewards tasked with protecting these timeless works, but we also strive to amplify their impact globally to ensure they continue to connect with audiences for generations to come,” says Barra. “We look forward to collaborating with category leaders around the world to assist ILP and our partners in achieving this mission.”
ILP’s portfolio includes Tennessee Williams, one of the foremost playwrights of 20th-century American drama known for “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” The company also represents Langston Hughes, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance known for his poetry, novels, plays and essays that depicted Black lives and promoted equality.
“The Westing Game,” a children’s mystery novel by Ellen Raskin that is currently in development as a major studio motion picture, is part of the portfolio. ILP also represents James M. Cain, the American novelist known for noir classics “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity.” The company has created Fashion Noir, a designer collection of fashion apparel and accessories inspired by Cain’s work.
ILP’s lifestyle properties include Robin Sharma’s “The 5 AM Club,” a bestselling self-help book from 2018 that presents a framework for personal mastery and productivity, and Hal Elrod’s “The Miracle Morning,” a bestselling book that has been translated into over 35 languages.
Also representing ILP on site will be ILP Theatrical Chairman Tom McGrath, senior vice president, global franchise management Kent Nicholson and consumer products and brand licensing consultant Elie Dekel of Dekel Brands.
