The most typical terms and conditions contained within a licence agreement are listed below.
The most important include how you can use the content, what you can’t do with the content and who owns the intellectual property of the content.
A content licensing agreement outlines the terms between you (the licensee) and the copyright holder (licensor) for using their content.
Key terms in content licensing agreements
A content licensing agreement is a contract that outlines what the licensee can and can’t do when they license a piece of content. The terms typically include:
What you get: The licensor grants you permission to use specific content on your approved platforms for a certain period (usually defined in the term sheet).
How to use the content:
- You can only publish the content as-is, without any changes.
- You must attribute the content to the licensor according to their instructions.
- You can’t use the content in any way that hurts the licensor’s reputation.
- Don’t try to make it seem like you wrote the content or endorse any products in it.
What you can’t do:
- Change, copy, translate, or sell the content in any way.
- Use the content outside of your approved platforms.
- Use the licensor’s trademarks without permission.
Fees: You’ll pay the licensor a fee as agreed upon in the term sheet.
Termination: This agreement can be terminated by either party under certain conditions, like if you break the rules or the licensor insists you stop using their content.
Additional legal provisions in content licensing agreements
Agreements are usually governed by English law (or US law if your business is in the US). The most important legal variables in content licences are:
- The licensor owns all intellectual property rights to the content.
- Each new agreement supersedes any previous agreements between you and the licensor.
- You can’t assign the agreement to another party without the licensor’s permission.
- There are limitations on the licensor’s liability (how much they can be held responsible for issues).
Definitions in a content licence agreement
There are a few definitions in agreements that you need to know and understand.
- Term sheet: A separate document outlining specific details of your agreement with the licensor.
- Attribution instructions: The licensor’s guidelines on how to credit them for their content.
- Intellectual property rights: Legal rights protecting things like articles, logos, and inventions.
Contenseo always recommends consulting with a lawyer if you have any questions about content licensing agreements.
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