Rightsmanaged

Rights-managed licensing, often referred to as rights-managed, is a model for granting permission to use a creative work under specific, negotiated terms defined in a contract. In this arrangement, the license does not transfer ownership; instead, rights are granted for a defined use within limits such as purpose, territory, duration, media format, and the number of reproductions or impressions. The terms may also specify whether the license is exclusive or non-exclusive and whether sublicensing is allowed.

Typical terms include geographic territory (where the work may be used), duration (how long the license is valid), media and format (print, digital, broadcast, etc.), and the number of impressions or views. Additional constraints may apply, such as audience size, publication date, language, or restrictions on modifications. Licenses are often tailored to the buyer’s needs and can cover multiple assets or campaigns at a negotiated price.

Pricing and procurement are usually customized and can be higher than alternative models because the licensor limits usage and distribution. Licenses are negotiated with the rights holder or a licensing agency, and payment is typically upfront or upon delivery. The contract clarifies ownership, attribution requirements, archival rights, and renewal or extension options.

Rights-managed licensing is common in stock photography, illustration, video, music, and fonts where precise control over use and distribution is important. It contrasts with royalty-free licensing, which generally allows broader reuse for a single upfront fee. In practice, rights-managed enables monetization of high-value, narrowly scoped uses, while requiring careful contract management and compliance.