20-F: Phoenix New Media Extends Trademark Licensing Agreements with Phoenix Satellite Television

Phoenix New Media Limited extends trademark licensing agreements with Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited, granting rights to use trademarks and logos until December 7, 2026.

Summary

• Phoenix New Media Limited has extended its trademark licensing agreements with Phoenix Satellite Television Trademark Limited through Supplementary Agreements No. 3 and No. 7.
• These agreements grant Yifeng Lianhe (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. and Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou Network Technology Co., Ltd. the rights to use specific trademarks and logos.
• The agreements extend the term of the original agreements to December 7, 2026, with potential for further extensions upon written confirmation from the licensor.
• The licensees are permitted to reauthorize the licensed trademarks to their affiliated companies for content operation accounts on third-party platforms, but sublicensing is prohibited.
• The trademark license rights are valid within the countries and regions where the trademarks are registered.
• The supplementary agreements become integral parts of the original agreements, with the supplementary agreements prevailing in case of conflicts.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document is a standard legal agreement, indicating a neutral to slightly positive sentiment due to the continuation of business operations and brand protection.

Positives

• Ensures continued access to valuable trademarks and logos for Phoenix New Media's operations.
• Allows for reauthorization of trademarks to affiliated companies, supporting content operations on third-party platforms.
• Provides clarity and legal framework for trademark usage, minimizing potential disputes.

Risks

• Licensees are prohibited from sublicensing the Licensed Trademarks further.
• The display of the Licensed Trademarks outside the territories permitted due to the cross-border dissemination of the internet, does not constitute the use or indirect use agreed under this Article.

Future Outlook

The original agreements can be extended for a period which shall be separately confirmed by the Licensor and the Licensee through negotiation before the expiration of the New Term.

Industry Context

Trademark licensing is a common practice in the media industry, allowing companies to leverage brand recognition and expand their reach through partnerships and affiliated entities. This agreement ensures Phoenix New Media can continue using established trademarks for its content and services.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Comparable companies like Sina and Tencent also rely on trademark licensing agreements to protect their brand and content.
• The terms of this agreement, including the reauthorization clause, are consistent with industry standards for trademark licensing in the digital media space.
• The duration of the agreement, extending to 2026, is typical for such arrangements, providing long-term stability for brand usage.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders benefit from the continued brand recognition and operational stability provided by the trademark licenses.
• Employees can continue to leverage the established brand in their content creation and marketing efforts.
• Customers experience consistent branding and content offerings.

Next Steps

• Licensee to continue using licensed trademarks in accordance with the agreement.
• Licensor and Licensee to negotiate potential further extensions before December 7, 2026.

Key Dates

Keywords

trademark licensing, Phoenix New Media, Phoenix Satellite Television, Yifeng Lianhe, Beijing Tianying Jiuzhou, trademark, licensing agreement, intellectual property, content operation, subsidiary, reauthorization