What is a Per-Use License?

A per-use license is a type of licensing agreement in which permission is granted to use a copyrighted work for a specific instance or limited number of uses. Instead of covering a broad catalog or unlimited usage, the license applies only to the particular use defined in the agreement.

In the music industry, a per-use license might be issued for situations such as using a specific song in a film scene, advertisement, or video project. The license usually specifies how the work can be used, where it will appear, how long the use is allowed, and what fee must be paid.

Per-use licenses are commonly used for synchronization licenses, sample clearances, and other targeted uses of copyrighted material. They provide a more precise and controlled way to grant permission compared to broader licensing structures like blanket licenses.