Creating a photo licensing agreement is an excellent way to protect your work and ensure you’re compensated fairly for your efforts. It can also help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Start by establishing the scope of the agreement. You’ll want to clarify the parties involved, what image you are licensing, the type of license the agreement is for, and what the license cost will be.
This agreement is hereby entered into by and between [Licensor.FirstName] [Licensor.LastName] , also known as the "Licensor" and [Licensee.FirstName] [Licensee.LastName] , also known as the "Licensee," collectively referred to as the "Parties," on [Document.CreatedDate] .
2.1 Image ID: (state the official image ID assigned by the Licensor)
2.2 Image description: (insert a detailed description of the Licensed Photograph)
2.3 Image Size: (state the image size)
2.4 Image Format: (state the image format)
The Licensor grants the Licensee a (state the specific license type) license to use the photograph set forth above ("Licensed Photograph") as per the terms of this agreement.
The (state the specific license type) license includes:
(Insert specific rights granted by the Licensee) (Insert specific rights granted by the Licensee) (Insert specific rights granted by the Licensee) (Insert specific rights granted by the Licensee)4.1 The Licensee agrees to pay the Licensor a one-time license fee of (state the amount) for the use of the Licensed Photograph.
4.2 The payment has to be made using (state your preferred payment method) and cannot be refunded.
When entering a photo licensing agreement, it’s essential to ensure that both parties understand the terms of the agreement. The “Permitted Use Under License” and “Restrictions and Limitations” sections help to outline what the Licensee can and can’t do with the image.
5.1 The Licensee may use the photograph(s) only for (state the specific purpose).
5.2 The Licensee may (insert here the word "not" if you don't want the Licensee to have those rights) modify, alter or create a derivative work of the photograph(s).
5.3 The Licensee may (insert here the word "not" if you don't want the Licensee to have those rights) resell, republish, redistribute or otherwise make the photograph(s) available to any third party.
6.1 This agreement and its terms are non-negotiable.
6.2 The Licensor retains all rights not explicitly granted to the Licensee in this agreement.
6.3 This agreement constitutes the agreement between both Parties, and no additional terms or conditions shall be binding upon either Party unless agreed upon in writing by both Parties.
6.4 The Licensee may renew this agreement on a (state the basis) basis with written consent from the Licensor.
6.5 The Licensee agrees to not use the photograph(s) in any defamatory, libelous, or pornographic manner.
6.6 The Licensee shall not transfer the license to any other person or entity without the written consent of the Licensor.
If you intend to use the image you’re licensing to the Licensee, it’s always good to include a simple copyright notice in your agreement. It will help to protect you from any claims of infringement.
7.1 The Licensor reserves all rights, title, interest, and copyright of the photograph(s).
7.2 The Licensee acknowledges that it does not acquire any right, title, or interest in or to the photograph(s) owned by the Licensor.
7.3 The Licensor reserves all other rights, and no other use of the photograph(s) is allowed except as set forth herein.
The “Miscellaneous” section is an excellent place to list any other conditions that the Licensor may have which haven’t been mentioned elsewhere in the agreement.
The Licensor makes no warranty on the Licensed Photo's accuracy or suitability for any purpose.
The Licensee agrees that it shall indemnify and hold harmless the Licensor in the event of any claims, losses, or damages resulting from the Licensee's use of the photograph(s).
If any provision of this agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, such provision shall be severable from this agreement, and the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.
If the Licensee fails to follow any of the terms of this agreement, the Licensor shall be entitled to recover liquidated damages in the amount of $ (state the predetermined amount).
8.5.1 Any disputes or disagreements shall be resolved through friendly negotiations between both Parties and sealed with a written agreement.
8.5.2 If the Parties fail to negotiate a settlement, both agree that any dispute will be subject to arbitration under the rules of (state the arbitration method).
8.5.3 The arbitrator's decision and the award shall be binding and final.
This agreement shall be construed and governed by (state what the agreement shall be construed and governed by).
The “Term and Termination” section is necessary to protect both the Licensor and the Licensee from any potential disputes that may arise regarding the period in which the agreement will be valid. It also sets out the conditions under which the Licensor can terminate the agreement before it’s due.
9.1 This agreement will become effective from the date it's signed by both Parties and shall remain in full effect for (state the period) as long as the Licensee complies with the terms.
9.2 The Licensor may terminate this agreement if the Licensee breaches any of its terms or conditions upon written notice to the Licensee.
9.3 Upon termination, all rights granted by this Photo Licensing Agreement will immediately cease. The Licensee must immediately destroy any copies of the photograph(s) or remove them from their possession.
9.4 Upon termination, the Licensee agrees not to speak ill of the Licensor, the Licensor's work, or products.
By signing this Photo Licensing Agreement, both Parties agree that they have read, understood, and accepted all of its terms and conditions.
This agreement is effective starting on (Date).