License — in plain language

Plain language

official permission to do, use, or have something that you otherwise would not be allowed to

• official permission
• a granted right to use something
• permission to do something

What to watch for

• A license grants permission to use, not ownership; a plain rewrite should keep that the user does not own the thing, only the right to use it under the stated terms.
• Licenses can be exclusive or non-exclusive and are often revocable or time-limited; do not imply a license is permanent or sole unless the document says so.
• Distinguish a license (revocable permission) from an assignment or transfer (handing over the right itself); they are different and a plain version should not blur them.

Permission, Not Ownership. The heart of a license is that it gives permission to use something while the owner keeps ownership. A plain rewrite should make clear the licensee is borrowing a right under conditions, not buying the thing itself. Treating a license as a sale changes the legal relationship entirely.

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive, and Revocable. Licenses vary: an exclusive license is granted to only one party, while a non-exclusive one can be given to many; many licenses are revocable or limited in time or scope. A simplified version should reflect these limits when the document states them, rather than implying the permission is total or permanent.

Common Misunderstandings by Non-Lawyers.

• "If I have a license to use something, I own it." (No — a license is permission to use; the owner keeps ownership.)
• "A license lasts forever." (Often not — many licenses can be revoked or expire after a set time.)
• "A license and selling the rights are the same." (No — a license grants use; selling or assigning hands over the right itself.)

Legal definition

Official permission to do, use, or have something that would otherwise not be allowed. A license does not transfer ownership — it grants a right to use within set limits. In intellectual property, a license lets someone use a copyrighted work, patent, trademark, or piece of software, often for a fee. In property law, it is personal permission to enter or use land that the owner can usually take back. Governments also issue licenses, such as professional or business licenses, to allow regulated activities.

Meanings by context

intellectual property: permission to use someone's creative work or invention, often for a fee

property law: permission to enter or use someone's land that the owner can usually take back

Examples

Where you'll see it

• software and content licenses
• patent and trademark agreements
• government permits and professional licenses
• permission to use property

Related terms

• licensor
• licensee
• permit
• easement
• royalty
• clearance

Word details

Pronunciation

LY-suhns

Part of speech

noun

Origin

Latin — from 'licentia' (freedom, permission), from 'licere' (to be allowed) — permission granted

Domains

intellectual property, property law, contract law, regulatory and administrative law

Frequency

very common

Formality

moderate