Set out copyright permissions before your work is used

A licence is usually the right route when the copyright owner wants to allow use of the work but keep ownership. That often happens with creative content, brand assets, software-related materials, training resources or media used in campaigns, platforms or ongoing commercial relationships. An assignment is different because it transfers ownership itself. If the commercial deal is really about permission, limits and control over use, a licence agreement is often the better fit. The drafting then needs to define exactly what the other party can and cannot do with the work.

The key clauses usually identify the works, confirm ownership, define the licensed rights, and set out whether the licence is exclusive or non-exclusive. The agreement will also often cover territory, duration, payment or royalty terms, restrictions on use, sublicensing, attribution, termination and what happens to copies or materials after the arrangement ends. Depending on the deal, it may also address edits, derivative works, approval rights and warranties about ownership. The exact mix depends on the document and the commercial context behind the licence.

Important details include what the work is, who created it, whether any third-party material is embedded in it, how the licensee wants to use it and how much control the owner wants to keep. The drafting may look different for photographs, website copy, software documentation, videos, educational materials or branded assets. We also consider whether the use is limited to one campaign or forms part of a longer commercial arrangement. If an authority or regulated setting is relevant, approval depends on that body and requirements can vary by jurisdiction.

Straightforward matters are often completed within about one to two weeks once we have the key details of the works, the proposed use and any commercial terms already agreed. Timing can be longer where there are multiple works, layered permissions, comments from the other party or uncertainty about ownership history. We will review the background information, prepare the draft agreement or mark up the existing version, and work through the included amendment round. Any external approval or third-party sign-off will follow that party's own timing, not ours.

No. This service covers the copyright licence agreement itself and advice connected to that document. It does not include regulator approval, third-party decisions, tax advice, ongoing representation or broader enforcement action if a dispute later arises. If another party is heavily negotiating the wording, or if the matter develops into an infringement issue, that may require separate scoping. Where an authority is relevant, approval depends on that authority, and Where an external authority is involved, we will help you understand what may be needed for your situation..

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