Licenses

A license is an official permission granted by a licensor that authorizes a licensee to engage in activities or use property that would otherwise be restricted or prohibited. Licenses may be issued by government authorities or private organizations and typically delineate what may be done, by whom, where, and for how long.

A license sets terms and conditions, including scope, duration, territory, exclusivity, fees or royalties, and obligations such as compliance with laws, reporting, and quality standards. In many cases the licensor retains ownership of the underlying asset and can revoke or suspend the license for breach or noncompliance.

Common categories include government-issued licenses (for example driving, professional certification, or fishing rights) and civil licenses (permits for construction or business operations). Intellectual property licenses grant permission to use protected works, brands, or inventions under defined terms, without transferring ownership.

In software and digital media, licenses regulate use, modification, distribution, and attribution. Proprietary licenses restrict copying and sharing, while open licenses such as MIT, Apache, and GPL allow use and redistribution under stated conditions, with some requiring that derivative works carry the same license (copyleft). Creative Commons licenses govern reuse of content with varying degrees of freedom.

Licensing is governed by contract law. Licenses can be transferable or non-transferable, sublicensable or non-sublicensable, and may be revocable. Breach of terms can lead to termination and potential legal action, while proper licensing reduces risk and clarifies rights for all parties.