Licensing
Copyright
The automatic legal ownership a creator holds over original work, controlling copying, distribution, and adaptation.
What it means in practice
Copyright generally arises when original expression is fixed in a qualifying form, with ownership and formalities varying by jurisdiction and employment context. A license grants selected permissions, while an assignment transfers the covered ownership interest.
Why it matters
The party controlling copyright determines who can authorize reproductions, edits, distribution, and further licensing.
How it is used
A brand confirms copyright ownership before obtaining permission to repurpose a creator's footage across campaign channels.
Related terms
- License TermThe defined start and end dates during which a brand may use the licensed content.
- Work for HireAn arrangement where commissioned content is legally owned by the hiring party from creation, subject to jurisdictional requirements.
- Sync LicensePermission from music rights holders to synchronize a recording with moving images in a specific project.