A license is a privilege entitling the licensee to do something that he would not be entitled to do without the license. To license or grant a license is to give permission. A license authorizes the holder to do something that he or she would not be entitled to do without the license.
A Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:
" To reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords;
" To prepare derivative works based upon the work;
" To distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;
" To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
" To display the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work; and
" In the case of sound recordings*, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission.
Wyoming License for the Use of a Copyright: Explained In the state of Wyoming, a license for the use of a copyright refers to the legal permission granted by copyright holders to others, allowing them specific rights to use, distribute, or modify their copyrighted works. This license ensures that the copyright holder's rights are protected while granting certain permissions to those who wish to use their creations in various ways. There are several types of licenses that Wyoming copyright holders can grant, based on the specific terms and conditions they set: 1. Non-Exclusive License: This type of license allows the licensee to use the copyrighted material while retaining all rights for the copyright holder. This means that multiple parties may obtain the same license, and the copyright holder can continue to grant licenses to others. 2. Exclusive License: An exclusive license grants sole permission to use the copyrighted material to one licensee. The copyright holder cannot grant this same license to others during its term. With an exclusive license, the licensee exercises more control over the copyrighted work. 3. Commercial License: A commercial license is granted specifically for commercial purposes. It permits the licensee to use the copyrighted material for profit-making activities, such as selling, trading, or using it in advertising campaigns. 4. Creative Commons License: A Creative Commons license allows the copyright holder to share their work with certain conditions and permissions. There are several subtypes of Creative Commons licenses, each specifying the type and extent of usage rights and restrictions. 5. Royalty-Free License: This type of license permits the licensee to use the copyrighted work without paying royalties. It is often used for stock photos, music, or videos, allowing widespread usage without ongoing financial obligations. 6. Limited License: A limited license grants permission to use the copyrighted material for a specific purpose, usually within a defined timeframe or geographical area. This type of license restricts usage rights beyond the specified scope. It is crucial for individuals or entities seeking to use copyrighted material in Wyoming to obtain the appropriate license, ensuring compliance with copyright laws and avoiding potential infringement. Copyright holders can draft licenses tailored to their requirements, specifying the permitted uses, restrictions, and duration of the license. Furthermore, it is advisable to consult legal professionals well-versed in copyright law to ensure proper understanding and adherence to licensing regulations in Wyoming.