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how much to charge for licensing rights for a design?

3647 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  birdman
Hey all, I have a question regarding licensing. I recently sent a little "flipbook" of designs (I've made the designs, but can't afford to print them right now, or even in the perceivable future) to a large online retailer and, much to my surprise, they responded saying they would like to buy the rights to one of my designs (not even one that I was at all considering trying to print myself). My big dilemma lies in the fact that I have no idea how much to ask for the rights to the design. I haven't even had the chance to ask them if they mean the exclusive rights or if they just want to be allowed to print and sell it themselves, with no regard as to whether I am doing the same. Any advice would be, as always, most appreciated. You guys somehow always seem to know just about everything :) Thanks again!
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Re: how much for rights?

Im not sure, but dont sell yourself short on the price. Remember a big retailer can afford alot more than you might be able to. And always leave room to negociate a lesser amount if they dont go for your first price.
Re: how much for rights?

Congrats on the offer!

If it were me, I would still want the rights to the design, or atleast credit somewhere just as a matter of pride in my work. But my guess is that they are not going to want to sell it along with you, but never hurts to ask.
Thanks, Lauerja

I thought the same thing too, but on their website they do give credit to designers that have their own shop and sell the same designs, so I know that at least in some cases they share rights with other retailers. It's kind of confusing.
birdman said:
I haven't even had the chance to ask them if they mean the exclusive rights or if they just want to be allowed to print and sell it themselves, with no regard as to whether I am doing the same.
I would think this would be a lot easier if you just talk to them and find out exactly what they want to do (exclusive rights, or licensed, or etc.), then think about it.

Then it will be a smaller dilemma. :) Good luck!
Just found this website that might help you get some answers to your licensing questions: http://www.licensing.org/

There's also licensing magazine: http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/
Sweet! Thanks, Rodney :) I'll try and check those out
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