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Simple English definitions for legal terms
proprietary license
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A quick definition of proprietary license:
A proprietary license is a permission given to someone to use something that would otherwise be illegal. It usually applies to software and restricts the user's ability to copy, distribute, or modify the software. The license can be revoked at any time. It is different from an open-source license, which allows users to freely copy, distribute, and modify the software. A shrink-wrap license is a type of proprietary license that is printed on the outside of a software package and binds the user to the license terms by opening the package.A more thorough explanation:
A proprietary license is a permission given by the owner of a software or intellectual property to use, copy, or modify their work. This license is usually revocable and restricts the user's ability to distribute or modify the software.
For example, Microsoft Office is a proprietary software that requires a license to use. The license agreement restricts the user from copying or distributing the software to others. Another example is the BSD license, which allows users to incorporate the source code into proprietary products as long as the original creator's name is not used to endorse or promote the products without permission.
Proprietary licenses are different from open-source licenses, which allow users to copy, distribute, and modify the software freely.