Lisensioinnin

Lisensioinnin, often translated as licensing, is the practice whereby a rights holder (the licensor) grants permission to another party (the licensee) to use a protected asset under defined terms while retaining ownership. The arrangement enables monetization of intellectual property or exclusive rights without transferring ownership, and it can apply to software, music, film, patents, trademarks, databases, and know‑how. Licensing can be voluntary, negotiated between the parties, or influenced by statutory regimes in some sectors, such as compulsory licensing or spectrum allocation.

Types of licenses include exclusive licenses (the licensee is the only one allowed to use the asset in a defined scope), non‑exclusive licenses (the licensor can grant similar rights to others), and sole licenses (the licensee is the only one allowed in a defined context while the licensor retains some rights). Licenses may also authorize sublicensing, transferability, or use in specific fields of use and geographical territories.

Key terms typically cover: scope of use, field of use, territory, duration, payment structure (upfront fees, royalties, milestones), performance obligations, quality controls, disclosure requirements, and remedies for breach or infringement. Licenses may include audit rights, termination clauses, and conditions for renewal or renegotiation.

Legal framework and considerations include contract law, intellectual property law, and applicable national regulations. Licensing agreements are often guided by broader policy and competition laws, especially for exclusive rights, to prevent anti‑competitive practices. International frameworks and organizations, such as WIPO and TRIPS, influence cross‑border licensing practices and dispute resolution. Open‑licensing models, such as open‑source licenses, represent an alternative approach that emphasizes user freedoms and defined obligations.