sublicense: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, legal, technical
Quick answer
What does “sublicense” mean?
To grant a license to a third party for rights originally licensed to oneself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To grant a license to a third party for rights originally licensed to oneself.
In a legal context, the act of permitting another entity to use, distribute, or commercially exploit intellectual property (e.g., software, patents) under terms specified in the primary license agreement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The noun form is spelled identically. The verb is conjugated the same way.
Connotations
Neutral legal term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sublicense” in a Sentence
[Entity A] sublicense [rights/technology] to [Entity B][Entity A] sublicense [rights/technology] under [terms/agreement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sublicense” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The distributor sought permission to sublicense the software to regional partners.
- The contract expressly forbids the licensee to sublicense any rights.
American English
- The company plans to sublicense its patented technology to manufacturers.
- Does the agreement allow you to sublicense the content to streaming platforms?
adverb
British English
- [The term is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [The term is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- [The term is not used as a standalone adjective.]
American English
- [The term is not used as a standalone adjective.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in contracts involving software distribution, franchise operations, and media rights.
Academic
Used in law and intellectual property studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in legal, software development, and entertainment industry documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sublicense”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sublicense”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sublicense”
- Using 'sublicense' interchangeably with 'license' without the context of a prior licensing agreement.
- Incorrect spelling: 'sub-license' (hyphenated form is less common in American legal writing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a verb: 'to sublicense rights'. As a noun: 'grant a sublicense'.
'License' is the initial grant of rights from the owner. 'Sublicense' is a subsequent grant made by someone who already holds a license, passing on some or all of those rights to a third party.
No. It is only permitted if the original license agreement explicitly grants the right to sublicense. Often, it is prohibited.
It is most common in software, biotechnology (patents), publishing, film/TV distribution, and franchising.
To grant a license to a third party for rights originally licensed to oneself.
Sublicense is usually formal, legal, technical in register.
Sublicense: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈlaɪ.səns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈlaɪ.səns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUB-LICENSE. A license UNDER another license. Like a subcontractor works under a main contractor.
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGHTS ARE A COMMODITY THAT CAN BE RESOLD (under specific conditions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary condition for someone to 'sublicense' a right?