Licensing Fundamentals

Usage rights breakdown

What you can and can't do with licensed artwork. Understanding usage rights helps both artists protect their work and buyers use it legally.

What you CAN do

Commercial products and merchandise
Marketing and advertising materials
Social media content with attribution
Print publications and editorial use
Website and app design elements
Presentations and business documents

What you CAN'T do

Reselling the artwork as-is to others
Claiming the work as your own creation
Using beyond the licensed scope (e.g., extended use on standard licence)
Sub-licensing to third parties
Using in illegal or defamatory contexts
Modifying then registering as trademark

Licence scope matters

Geographic

UK only, Europe, or worldwide usage rights

Duration

Time-limited or perpetual licence terms

Exclusivity

Non-exclusive, exclusive, or sole licence

Always check your licence

Usage rights vary by licence type. Always review the specific terms of your licence before using artwork. When in doubt, contact the artist or our support team.

Explore Licence Types Back to Learn Hub