Understanding Usage Licenses

At Oliver Doran Studios and Photo Solutions Dubai, we believe in transparent and fair licensing agreements that protect both the client’s needs and the photographer’s rights. Below is a simplified breakdown of our licensing optionsand key industry terms.

Standard & Extended Licensing Options1. Standard Usage License (Dubai, One Year)

✔ Exclusive usage in Dubai for one year across all advertising & promotional media.
✔ Photographer retains self-promotion rights.
✔ Client has the first option to renew the license.

Extended License (GCC, Two Years)

✔ Exclusive usage across the GCC (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait) for two years.
✔ Unlimited use across all media.
✔ Photographer retains self-promotion rights.

Extended License (International, Two Years)

✔ Exclusive global usage for two years across all advertising and promotional platforms.
✔ Higher cost due to broader reach.
✔ Photographer retains self-promotion rights.

4. Unlimited Usage License

✔ Lifetime exclusive rights for advertising and promotional use worldwide.
✔ Images may not be resold as stock.
✔ Higher investment due to unrestricted use.

5. Total Copyright Buyout

✔ Full ownership of the images, including copyright transfer.
✔ Photographer relinquishes all future rights.
✔ Typically 900%+ of the original shoot fee, as photographers rarely sell full copyright.

Key Licensing Terms

✔ Timeframe: Defines how long the images can be used (e.g., one year, two years, unlimited).
✔ Quantity: How many times the images can be used within the timeframe (limited vs. unlimited).
✔ Exclusivity: Determines whether the photographer can resell or reuse the images.
✔ Geographic Region: Local (Dubai), Regional (GCC), or International usage.
✔ Market Type: Consumer (advertising), Trade (B2B), Editorial (magazines, news).
✔ Usage Type: Advertising, promotional, corporate, editorial, or PR.
✔ Media: Where the images will appear (print, digital, billboards, social media, etc.).

Important Considerations

✔ Avoid Copyright Buyouts Unless Necessary – Many agencies push for full buyouts, but this is often unnecessary and unethical. In Germany & the U.S., forced buyouts are banned.
✔ Renewal Rights – Clients have the first option to extend their license before it expires.
✔ Photographer’s Self-Promotion Rights – The photographer and agency retain the right to use images for their portfolio and marketing.

For more details or to discuss a custom licensing agreement, get in touch. Protect your investment and ensure fair usage with a transparent agreement.