Licensering

Licensering is the act of granting, administering, and enforcing permission to use property or rights owned by another party under a license. The license owner is the licensor; the recipient is the licensee. Licenses can cover intellectual property such as software, music, literature, trademarks, or patents, as well as physical assets or proprietary processes. The terms of a license specify the scope of use, geographic area, duration, and any restrictions, and may include royalties or fees, reporting obligations, and conditions for sublicensing or modification.

Common license types include exclusive licenses (the licensee is the sole user in a defined field or territory), non-exclusive licenses (the licensor may grant similar rights to others), perpetual vs term licenses, and revocable vs non-revocable licenses. Open licenses and public licenses, including Creative Commons or permissive/open-source software licenses, provide standardized terms that facilitate reuse and distribution.

Licensing arrangements are a core tool for monetizing intellectual property, enabling rights holders to monetize assets while allowing others to use them legally. Business models include upfront payments, royalty-based models, or subscription licensing. Licensering also involves compliance, record-keeping, audits, and enforcement against unauthorized use, including termination of the license and potential legal remedies.

The practice operates within a legal framework that includes national laws and international treaties, as well as industry norms and licensing bodies such as performing rights organizations for music and patent licensing networks. Licensering emphasizes the formal process of granting and regulating licenses, including negotiation, documentation, and ongoing governance of license terms.