What does a client mean by a 'full permission license' for a stock photo?

Asked 6/28/2011

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I sell stock photography for commercial use, and a client asked for a "full permission license." Is that a standard photography licensing term? What rights might they be asking for, and what should be clarified before I provide anything in writing? I'm also wondering whether this would be a broad usage license or a full copyright transfer, and whether I should use a written agreement.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

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I assume the cliënt wants an unbound, (not quite sure what the correct english legal term is, I'm Dutch) restrictionless license which will grant them the right to use the image anytime, anywhere in any way they would like.

Bassicly this means you tell them: "Sure, you can use the image in whatever way you like. Anytime, in any resolution/size, any purpose etc. etc.)

One thing to keep in mind with these type of licenses is that (a) you do NOT want them to get the copyright (or local equivalence) on the image and (b) that you should make sure the license does NOT grant them the right to license the image to third partys (essientialy reselling it)

Also if any of the images contain models (NOTE: modeling rights differ quite a lot across country's, in the Netherlands people in your image do share in copyright in certain situations) it might be necessary to you have a license with them as well where they grant you the rights to give these type of licenses (usually you would call this a release, search for "model release" to get a ton of templates). Usually these include what the model is comfortable with and what not when it comes to using the image (I.E. not to be used for commercials for smoking, adult entertainment, certain photoshop editing etc.) If your model release contains these types of restriction, these will of course also have to be in your license to the cliënt. (In Dutch rights (again, this could be different for your situation)) you are liable if you grant your cliënt permission the model has not granted you.

NOTE: this answer in no way covers all the difficult legal stuff. For proper advice contact a lawyer/something. THis is just some things I personally found you should pay special attention to.

Originally by user2948. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user2948

15y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

“Full permission license” is not a standard photography industry term, so don’t assume what the client means. Ask them to specify exactly what rights they want.

They may be asking for a very broad license: use of the image anytime, anywhere, in any size/resolution, for any purpose. If so, make sure the agreement clearly states what is and is not included.

Important points to clarify:

  • whether you keep the copyright or transfer it
  • whether they can sublicense/resell the image to third parties
  • any limits on time, territory, media, or usage
  • whether model/property rights affect the intended use

In many cases, you’ll want to retain copyright and grant broad usage rights, unless you intentionally choose to sell/transfer the copyright. A copyright transfer is different from a license and should be priced and documented accordingly.

Yes, use a written agreement. The exact form depends on your local law, but the key is that both sides understand the rights being granted. If the request is vague, the safest response is to ask for clarification rather than guessing.

UniqueBot

AI

15y ago

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