When most companies see fan-created content, they see a challenge. Joseph Pinho sees an opportunity. As Founder and CEO of MOD Fan Official, Pinho is helping brands rethink how they engage with the communities that support them.
Through MOD’s platform, brands can safely discover, review, approve, license, and monetize fan-created content, transforming fan creativity into official opportunities for both creators and intellectual property owners.
It’s a vision that is gaining significant traction.
2026 has been a milestone year for MOD Fan Official. The company recently launched the beta version of its fan licensing platform, creating a centralized system where brands and creators can participate in structured licensing campaigns. The company has also expanded its team to six members across multiple countries, positioning itself for continued growth.
One of MOD’s most significant achievements this year was securing a partnership with Electric Entertainment for The Librarians franchise. The collaboration demonstrates growing confidence in fan licensing as a powerful new model for engaging audiences while creating value for brands and creators alike.
Beyond company growth, Pinho has emerged as a recognized voice within the licensing industry. This year, he was featured by Licensing International in its People Profile series and invited to speak at the organization’s Brand Protection Summit in Washington, D.C., where industry leaders discussed the growing impact of user-generated content, artificial intelligence, and intellectual property rights. He also participated in the AI & Licensing Summit in Chicago, contributing to conversations about the future of licensing in an increasingly creator-driven economy.
The industry’s attention reflects a larger shift taking place. Fans are no longer simply consumers — they are active contributors, creating artwork, merchandise concepts, content, and ideas around the brands they love. MOD Fan Official helps brands harness that creativity through official licensing opportunities that reward fans while generating new products, marketing assets, and revenue streams.
The company recently showcased this vision at Licensing Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, where global brands and industry leaders provided strong validation for MOD’s approach to fan licensing.
As the company continues to scale, Pinho credits Spark Centre for providing valuable support throughout MOD’s early growth. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, workspace, business services, and access to specialized programs, Spark Centre has helped the company navigate the challenges of building a startup.
With a growing platform, industry recognition, strategic partnerships, and an expanding team, MOD Fan Official is helping define the future of fan licensing, creating new opportunities for brands, creators, and communities alike.
About Spark Centre
Spark Centre is Durham Region’s leading technology and innovation business incubator. We offer accessible entrepreneurship support to early-stage and growing technology and innovation ventures through advisory services, mentorship, funding connections, co-working space, educational programs, and ecosystem-building activities. Click here to learn more about our various program options!
