How to Write a License
Care must be taken when writing a license. You want to be concise and clear, while simultaneously making sure all contingencies are covered.
This material presented on this page is excerpted from Licensing Photography, Chapter 4, “Effective Licensing Agreements,” by Richard Weisgrau and Victor Perlman. Used by permission.
License Examples:
Advertising Rights Granted
One-time, non-exclusive usage by (client) as (¼-page, ½-page, full-page, or spread) image for (consumer or trade) ad, limited to (number) insertions for (national or regional) circulation in (color, b&w), as (define media and applications types) for (number of months, years, or unlimited). Subject photograph is of (description) and is copyrighted by (photographer). All rights are reserved except those noted on this invoice.
Annual Report or Brochure Rights Granted
One-time, non-exclusive usage by (client) in (title of annual report or brochure), limited to a print run of (number) as (cover or inside), used no larger than (page, spread, or wraparound) in (color or b&w). Subject photograph is of (description) and is copyrighted by (photographer). All rights are reserved except those noted on this invoice.
Magazine Rights Granted
One-time, non-exclusive (e.g., English, French) language rights for editorial usage in (name of magazine), with a printed circulation of (number), for (month or edition and year) for distribution in (country or region), to be published only as (cover or inside, portion of page, number of pages). Subject photograph is of (description) and is copyrighted by (photographer). No rights granted for advertising or promotion of cover or inside pages. All rights are reserved except those noted on this invoice.
(Note: Define if media is print, electronic or both.)
Factors that should be included in a license:
- Copyright rights involved
- Media use
- Specific application
- Geographic Limits
- Quantity Limits
- Time limits on rights
- Size and placement of work