A licensing agent is a person who deals with requests for permission to use work, branding, and other copyrighted materials legally. Licensing is how a number of businesses with valuable copyrights make money, and a licensing agent is in charge of negotiating deals and managing existing contracts. Licensing agents can work for individual companies or represent them through licensing agencies that handle a variety of copyrights and brands. There are no specific qualifications for working as a licensing agent, but many have prior advertising and legal experience. These skills are ideal for people who deal with licensing requests.
Controlling how and where the material protected by copyright is used is part of the value of owning a copyright. Selective licensing can strengthen a brand while also generating revenue for the copyright holder. Everything from allowing companies to manufacture copyrighted products to allowing a person’s image to be used in an advertising campaign is covered by licensing. A licensing agent is usually used by people and companies who control major copyrights.
If someone wants to use a copyright for a campaign or product, they must first seek permission from the licensing agent who manages that copyright. Permissions are usually negotiated on a case-by-case basis, and fees and royalties are usually included. Licensing a well-known brand can be expensive, so people do their homework ahead of time to ensure that the investment will pay off.
Licensing agents do not exist in a vacuum. They promote the copyrights they represent in addition to processing requests. This includes informing people who might be interested about licensing opportunities, actively seeking out companies with which to form licensing agreements, and being proactive in detecting unauthorized copyright use. If unauthorized uses are discovered, a deal can be made after the fact, or the case can be taken to court to demand that the use stop immediately.
Knowledge of an industry, the ability to make and maintain contacts, an interest in copyright law, and excellent communication skills are all required for this type of work. Licensing agents must be able to negotiate favorable terms on behalf of the people and businesses they represent, which may necessitate demonstrating the licensing agreement’s benefits to both parties. Licensing agents are usually paid a percentage of the final agreement, which creates an incentive for them to negotiate lucrative deals for their clients.