Licensors

A licensor is a person or organization that grants permission to use rights it owns or controls, typically through a licensing agreement. The licensor retains ownership of the asset, while the licensee gains defined rights to use, reproduce, distribute, or adapt it under specified conditions. Licenses cover intellectual property such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, as well as know-how, software, franchises, brand usage, and distribution or manufacturing rights. In addition to IP, licensors may control other assets like media rights or regulatory licenses.

Licensing agreements set key terms that define the grant and use of the asset. Common terms include the scope of the license, the field of use, the territory, and the duration. Licenses can be exclusive, non-exclusive, or sole. Agreements may also specify sublicensing rights, royalty payments or upfront fees, reporting requirements, quality control standards, and performance milestones. Ownership of improvements or derivative works can be held by the licensor or licensed back to the licensee, depending on contract provisions.

Open licenses and open-source licenses form a related category, where licensors permit broader use under predefined conditions. Enforcement and termination provisions allow the licensor to revoke or suspend rights for breach, with remedies such as damages or injunctions. Typical licensing relationships occur in software, media, franchising, manufacturing, and brand licensing, underscoring the importance of careful negotiation, clear terms, and due diligence to protect asset value and brand integrity.