Compulsory License
/ˌkɒmpəlˈsɔːri ˈlaɪsəns/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal authorization permitting use of a patented invention or copyrighted work without the consent of the rights holder, typically under statutory conditions.
The government issued a compulsory license to produce the patented drug during the public health emergency.
- (n.) A license granted by a court or authorized body to use intellectual property when voluntary licensing is refused or unavailable.
The court granted a compulsory license to the manufacturer after the patent holder declined to negotiate.
Forms
- compulsory license
- compulsory licenses
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Compulsory licenses often arise in patent law and copyright law contexts; drafting statutes requires clear conditions for issuance and scope of use to balance rights holders' interests and public access.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.