Question
Can I license data from a company I no longer own?
By SourceX Editorial · Updated
Short answer
Generally no, unless you kept the rights. After a sale, data usually belongs to the buyer of the business. Check the purchase agreement: some sellers retain specific data rights, but without them you cannot license it.
Part of: How licensing works
Explanation#
Asset and stock sales treat data differently; counsel should review.
The new owner may be able to license it instead.
Rights and privacy#
- Confirm customer, vendor and employee agreements allow the use
- Remove or de-identify personal details before anything leaves the company
- Approve the final dataset and permitted uses in writing
How licensing works#
A business describes its data, buyer demand is assessed, scope and permitted use are proposed, the data is prepared and de-identified, an agreement is signed, and the approved dataset is delivered. See data licensing for detail.
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General information, not legal advice. Editorial policy.
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- GlossaryNon-exclusive license
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