Which of the following is a potential risk associated with licensing?

Licensing can lead to lower profit margins and increased competition potential, making this the correct answer. When a company licenses its products or technology to another entity, it often receives a royalty fee, which can provide income but typically at a lower profit margin than if the company were managing production and sales directly. Furthermore, providing licenses may foster competition, as licensees can develop similar products or even improve upon the original patented technology, leading to an increased number of players in the market.

This scenario underscores the importance of strategic planning in licensing deals; while they can enhance product reach and visibility in various markets, they can also dilute profit margins because the licensing entity must share revenue with licensees. Therefore, understanding and managing these trade-offs is essential for companies engaged in licensing agreements.