rettshandler

Rettshandler is a term used in Norwegian and Danish-speaking contexts to describe a broker or intermediary who handles the licensing, transfer, or monetization of rights in various intellectual property domains. The word combines rett, meaning right or law in these languages, and handler, indicating a practitioner who negotiates or trades. The term is not widely standardized and is mainly found in industry discussions rather than as a formal job title.

In practice, a rettshandler acts as an intermediary between rights holders (such as authors, publishers, film studios, or music labels) and potential licensees (such as broadcasters, streaming platforms, game developers, or merchandising partners). Their responsibilities typically include identifying rights that can be licensed, assessing ownership and encumbrances, negotiating terms, drafting or coordinating licensing agreements, and tracking royalties and expirations. They may work within publishing houses, media agencies, production companies, or as independent consultants.

Key competencies include knowledge of copyright and contract law, familiarity with market norms for rights pricing, and strong negotiation and project-management skills. Ethical considerations include avoiding conflicts of interest, ensuring accurate representation of rights, and safeguarding confidential information.

Usage and recognition vary by market. The role is closely related to the concepts of a rights broker, licensing agent, or rights management professional, but a rettshandler is typically described within Scandinavian contexts and may carry different legal implications depending on jurisdiction.

See also: Intellectual property licensing, Rights broker, Licensing agent, Rights management.