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 This protection is available to both published and unpublished works.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.
Nassau New York License for the Use of a Copyright: A Comprehensive Overview In Nassau, New York, there exists a specific license for the use of a copyright, ensuring that individuals and businesses can rightfully protect their creative works and control how they are used. This license allows copyright holders to grant or restrict specific permissions to others, ensuring fair and legal use of their intellectual property. Types of Nassau New York License for the Use of a Copyright: 1. Exclusive License: This type of license grants the licensee (the individual or entity using the copyrighted work) the exclusive right to use the copyrighted material for a specific period and within defined parameters. The copyright owner cannot grant this license to any other person or entity during the agreed-upon validity period. 2. Non-Exclusive License: Unlike the exclusive license, this type of license allows the copyright owner to grant permission to multiple licensees simultaneously. They retain the right to use the work themselves and can still grant further licenses to other parties. However, the copyright owner may impose restrictions on how the work is used, ensuring control over its distribution and exploitation. 3. Sublicense: A sublicense allows the licensee to grant specific rights to a third party without seeking direct permission from the copyright owner. This arrangement often occurs when the initial licensee wants to delegate specific rights to another individual or organization. Nevertheless, sublicensing terms and limitations must be in line with the original license agreement. 4. Creative Commons License: While not exclusive to Nassau, New York, the Creative Commons License is a popular choice for creators who want to grant others certain rights to use their work. Different Creative Commons licenses exist, each defining the allowed uses of the copyrighted material. These licenses may range from allowing unrestricted use to non-commercial use only or requiring attribution to the original creator. 5. Fair Use: Although not precisely a license, the concept of fair use is vital to understand in relation to copyright. Fair use provides some flexibility, allowing others to use copyrighted material without explicit permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, research, or educational use. Fair use guidelines determine whether a specific use falls within the boundaries of this exception. It is crucial for copyright holders and potential licensees in Nassau, New York, to navigate the intricacies of copyright licensing carefully. Seeking legal advice or consulting copyright law professionals can help ensure compliance with both state-specific regulations and federal copyright laws, thereby protecting the rights of creators and fostering fair and transparent use of copyrighted works.