licence

A licence is an official document or permission issued by a competent authority that allows the holder to engage in a restricted activity or to use a resource that would otherwise be unlawful or restricted. In British English, licence is the noun, while license is the verb (to licence something).

Licences are usually granted on conditions, may be time-limited, and can be revoked or suspended for failure to comply with the rules or standards set by the issuing authority. They are a tool for regulating activities to protect public safety, health, welfare, and economic interests, while allowing controlled access to resources or opportunities.

There are many kinds of licences. A driving licence authorises the holder to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. A business licence or professional licence certifies that an individual or entity meets regulatory requirements to offer goods or services. Other common licences cover fishing or hunting, selling or serving alcohol, broadcasting, radio spectrum use, or construction and planning permissions. Some licences concern occupancy or use of land or facilities and are distinct from leases, as they may be revocable and do not transfer ownership or exclusive rights.

In the domain of software and intellectual property, a licence (often spelled license in American usage) grants permission to use, modify, or redistribute a work under defined terms. These terms specify rights, restrictions, fees, and duration, and may range from proprietary licences to open-source licences that encourage reuse and collaboration.

Open licences, such as Creative Commons or various open-source licences, emphasise reusability and redistribution under specified conditions, balancing authors’ rights with public access.