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Content Licensing

Are international content licensing agreements valid in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia recognizes international copyright laws and treaties, such as the Berne Convention. However, if a dispute arises in Georgia, local courts will apply Georgian procedural law and specific provisions of the "Law on Copyright and Related Rights." It is highly recommended to have your standard international licensing agreements reviewed and adapted by a local lawyer to ensure they are fully enforceable and cover specific local jurisdictions.

Do I need to register a license for it to be effective?

In Georgia, copyright arises automatically upon the creation of the work, and licensing agreements do not generally require state registration to be valid between the parties. However, for certain types of industrial property or specific commercial transactions, creating a formal paper trail is advisable. The written contract serves as the primary legal instrument proving the transfer of usage rights.

What taxes apply to royalties paid to foreign licensors?

When a Georgian entity pays royalties to a non-resident licensor (individual or company), the payment is typically subject to withholding tax at the source in Georgia. The standard rate can vary, but double taxation avoidance treaties between Georgia and your country of residence may significantly reduce or eliminate this tax. We advise consulting on tax structuring before signing the licensing deal.

How can I ensure my content isn't used beyond the agreed scope?

The key is a tightly drafted licensing agreement that specifies the "Scope of Use" in detail—limiting usage by territory, duration, medium (e.g., digital-only vs. print), and purpose. Including penalty clauses for unauthorized use and audit rights allows you to check compliance. For digital content, we also recommend implementing technical protection measures (DRM) where feasible.

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Content Licensing is one of the most in-demand areas of intellectual property law in the digital age. This service involves transferring the rights to use copyrighted materials—texts, photos, videos, graphics, databases. Every media outlet, website, marketing agency, or educational platform needs legal content to operate. Licensing allows the author (creator) to generate revenue from the distribution of their work without losing ownership, while enabling the user to legally utilize high-quality material. Content licensing is particularly relevant in the online space, where rights infringements are common. A properly drafted license defines the scope of use (where, how, and for how long the material can be used) and protects parties from copyright disputes.

What Does Content Licensing Service Cover?

Lawyers assist in managing rights for both digital and physical content:

  • Licensing Agreements: Defining terms for using photos, videos, articles, etc. (e.g., single-use, multi-use, exclusive).
  • Syndication Agreements: Rights to distribute news and articles to other media outlets.
  • Stock Photography & Footage Licenses: Regulating relationships with photo/video banks, preparing Model Releases.
  • Educational Material Licensing: Rights to use books, tests, and courses for E-learning platforms.
  • Digital Rights Management (DRM): Consultation on technological protection measures and their legal status.
  • User Generated Content (UGC) Policies: Drafting rules for platforms on how they can use content uploaded by users.

Real-World Scenarios Where You Need This Service

Content licensing is part of daily business activities:

  • Online Media: A news portal wants to use photos by a famous photographer in its articles.
  • Advertising Campaign: A company creates a commercial and needs drone footage shot by another operator.
  • Educational Course: A training center creates an online course and wants to use translated chapters from a foreign textbook.
  • Social Media Influencer: A brand commissions a post from an influencer and wants the right to use that photo on a billboard later.
  • Database: An analytics company buys access to a statistical database to use the data in its reports.

Georgian Legal Framework and Regulations

The main regulatory act is the Law of Georgia on Copyright and Related Rights. The law details the rules for transferring economic rights. It is important to remember that the author's moral rights (right to be named, integrity of the work) are inalienable, although specific usage regimes can be established via license. The law also regulates the rights of database makers. When using content in a digital environment, the Law on Personal Data Protection (if the content contains images of people) and the Law on Electronic Communications are also relevant.

Service Process Step-by-Step

The content licensing process typically includes:

  1. Rights Clearance: Verifying if the seller truly has the right to sell the content (e.g., does the photographer have a model release?).
  2. Defining Scope of Use: Where the material will be used (web, print, TV), in what territory, and for how long.
  3. Pricing: Agreeing on royalties or a flat fee.
  4. Signing the Agreement: Drafting a written document that clearly regulates the rights and obligations of the parties.
  5. File Transfer: Delivering high-resolution files in the agreed format.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

The world of digital content is full of legal landmines. Legal.ge gives you access to media law and copyright experts who will help you legally acquire or sell content. Our specialists ensure that your creative work is valued and your business is protected from copyright disputes.

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