What is the term for a company that produces products under a designer's name and compensates the designer for their work?

The term for a company that produces products under a designer's name and compensates the designer for their work is "licensee." In this context, a licensee enters into a contractual agreement with the designer (the licensor) to use the designer's brand and create products that reflect the designer's style. This arrangement typically involves the payment of royalties or fees to the designer based on the sales of the products.

A licensee benefits from the established reputation and branding of the designer, allowing them to market and sell products that might be more appealing to consumers due to the designer's recognized name. This relationship enables designers to expand their reach in the market without directly handling production and distribution, while licensees gain access to a reputable brand that can enhance their product offerings.

The other terms have distinct meanings in the business context. A franchisee typically operates a business under the franchisor's brand and system, which is different from the licensing model. A distributor is responsible for the marketing and selling of products but does not typically produce them. A manufacturer is primarily involved in the creation of the product, not the licensing relationship with a designer. Understanding the specifics of these roles is crucial for grasping the dynamics of apparel and accessories marketing.