Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
License
I need a software license agreement for a small business that allows for the installation of the software on up to 10 devices, includes regular updates and technical support for one year, and restricts the redistribution or resale of the software.
What is a License?
A License gives you legal permission to do something that would otherwise be prohibited - like using someone's trademark, operating a business, or selling specific products. In India, licenses come in many forms, from business permits issued by municipal authorities to intellectual property agreements between companies.
Think of it as an official green light with clear rules attached. When you get a license, you agree to follow certain conditions while exercising your permitted rights. Common examples include shop licenses under the Shops and Establishments Act, food business licenses from FSSAI, and software licenses that let you use copyrighted programs. Breaking these terms can lead to penalties or license cancellation.
When should you use a License?
You need a License when starting any regulated business activity in India. This includes opening a retail shop, running a restaurant, manufacturing goods, or using someone else's intellectual property. Getting the right licenses upfront protects you from legal troubles and heavy fines later.
Different activities require specific licenses - like an FSSAI license for food businesses, a factory license for manufacturing units, or a trade license for commercial establishments. The type depends on your industry, location, and scale of operations. Many licenses need regular renewal and compliance monitoring to stay valid under Indian law.
What are the different types of License?
- Freeware Software License: Permits free distribution and use of software while protecting creator rights. Often used by Indian developers for open-source projects and mobile apps.
- Unlimited License: Grants comprehensive usage rights without time, location, or user restrictions. Common in enterprise software deals and content licensing agreements across India.
- Government Licenses: Required permits from authorities for regulated business activities like trade, manufacturing, or food service.
- Intellectual Property Licenses: Agreements for using copyrights, patents, or trademarks owned by others.
Who should typically use a License?
- Business Owners: Need licenses to legally operate shops, restaurants, factories, or services in India. They must comply with specific conditions and renew permits regularly.
- Government Authorities: Issue and enforce licenses through bodies like municipal corporations, FSSAI, or industry-specific regulators.
- Software Companies: Create and manage software licenses to protect their intellectual property while allowing controlled use by customers.
- Legal Professionals: Draft, review, and help negotiate license agreements, ensuring compliance with Indian laws and regulations.
- Compliance Officers: Monitor license conditions, track renewal dates, and maintain necessary documentation for their organizations.
How do you write a License?
- Identify License Type: Determine which specific license you need based on your business activity and location in India. Our platform helps match you with the right template.
- Gather Business Details: Collect your company registration, tax documents, and proof of address. Different licenses need different supporting documents.
- Define Terms: Clearly outline usage rights, restrictions, duration, and renewal conditions. Our automated system ensures all essential elements are included.
- Review Requirements: Check specific local regulations and industry standards that affect your license terms.
- Document Preparation: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant license, customized to your needs while following Indian legal standards.
What should be included in a License?
- Parties Details: Full legal names and addresses of both licensor and licensee, including registration numbers for businesses.
- License Scope: Clear description of permitted activities, geographical limits, and usage restrictions under Indian law.
- Duration Terms: Start date, expiry date, and renewal conditions. Essential for enforcement under the Indian Contract Act.
- Payment Terms: Fee structure, payment schedule, and any royalty calculations with GST implications.
- Termination Rights: Conditions for cancellation, notice periods, and post-termination obligations.
- Governing Law: Explicit mention of Indian jurisdiction and applicable state laws.
- Signatures: Authorized signatories' details with proper attestation.
What's the difference between a License and an Acceptable Use Policy?
A License differs significantly from an Acceptable Use Policy in several key ways. While both documents govern how something can be used, they serve distinct purposes in Indian law and business practice.
- Legal Nature: A License grants specific legal permissions and rights, while an Acceptable Use Policy sets rules and restrictions for existing access.
- Enforcement Mechanism: Licenses are legally binding contracts that can be enforced in Indian courts, whereas Acceptable Use Policies typically work as internal guidelines or terms of service.
- Duration and Formality: Licenses usually have fixed terms and require formal execution, while Use Policies remain in effect indefinitely until changed by the issuing party.
- Consideration: Licenses often involve payment or other consideration to be valid under Indian contract law; Use Policies don't require this element.
- Scope of Control: Licenses grant positive rights to do something otherwise prohibited, while Use Policies primarily restrict actions within already permitted access.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.