Intellectual Property Licenses

Type of Intellectual Property

Software Licenses

Proprietary Licenses: Restrict access to source code and limit usage rights.

Examples: Microsoft EULA, Oracle License.

Open Source Licenses: Allow users to view, modify, and distribute source code.

Permissive: Minimal restrictions (e.g., MIT, BSD) .

Copyleft: Requires derivative works to use the same license (e.g., GPL) . Wikipedia

Creative Works Licenses

Creative Commons (CC): Standardized licenses for creative content.

Variants: CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-NC, etc. . Wikipedia

Patent Licenses

Exclusive Licenses: Only the licensee can use the patent.

Non-Exclusive Licenses: Multiple entities can use the patent.

Compulsory Licenses: Governments allow use without the patent holder's consent under specific conditions.

Trademark Licenses

Franchise Agreements: Allow use of trademarks under specific business models.

Merchandising Licenses: Permit use of trademarks on products.

By Degree of Openness

Closed/Proprietary: Restrictive; limits access and modification.

Shared Source: Limited sharing under specific conditions.

Open Source/Public Domain: Free to use, modify, and distribute.

By Intended Use

Commercial Licenses: For profit-driven activities.

Non-Commercial Licenses: Restrict use to non-profit activities.

Educational Licenses: Tailored for academic institutions.

Government Licenses: Specific to public sector usage.

By Licensing Model

Royalty-Free: No ongoing payments required.

Rights-Managed: Fees based on usage parameters.

Sublicensable: Allows licensees to grant licenses to third parties.