# licensee

/ˌɫaɪsənˈsi/ (US) · /lˈaɪsnsiː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/licensee
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. holder of a legal permit

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a person or business that has been given a legal permit to do something, such as selling alcohol or operating a business.

For teachers: the recipient of a licence; an individual or entity granted legal permission by a competent authority to engage in a specific activity.

- The licensee must display their permit clearly behind the bar.
- The local council conducted a review to ensure the licensee was complying with all safety regulations regarding the sale of alcohol.

Usage: The term is often used in contrast with 'licensor', the person who grants the permission.

### 2. intellectual property user

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a company that pays for the right to use another company's brand, invention, or software.

For teachers: a party that has been granted the right to use intellectual property under specific terms and conditions.

- The toy company is a licensee for the popular movie characters.
- Under the terms of the agreement, the licensee is permitted to manufacture and distribute the patented technology within the European market.

## Examples

- The licensee must follow all safety rules.
- As the primary licensee, the restaurant owner is legally responsible for ensuring that no alcohol is served to minors on the premises.
- Under the terms of the agreement, the licensee is permitted to manufacture and distribute the software globally, provided they pay a fixed percentage of all gross sales to the original developer.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.