Glossary A–ZLetter L
Licence (right of use)
A licence is the rights holder's permission to use a protected work, such as a photo, a video, music or a typeface, in a particular way.
It can be restricted by purpose, place, time and scope.
What matters most for screen networks is whether public display on screens is permitted. Licences from stock libraries, agencies or photographers often distinguish between web, print, advertising and out-of-home use, and some limit the term or the number of locations. Typefaces, music and films have their own licence terms too. A distinction is made between non-exclusive licences, which may also be granted to others, and exclusive licences held only by the licensee.
Operators should read the licence terms before use and record for every file which rights exist and until when. When a licence expires, the content must disappear from all screens. A common misunderstanding is that a purchased image may be used without limit; in fact only what has been agreed applies. When commissioning agencies, it should be agreed in writing that use on screens is included.