Process and timescale to license a work
Understand the steps and timings involved in licensing a work, from start to finish.
How licensing works
1. Use our artist search to check if we represent the artist or rights holder.
2. Use our image search to check if we have an image of the artwork you need.
3. Use licensing request form or speak to our team on +44 (0) 20 7780 7550 about sourcing specific images.
4. We provide a quote and let you know how long it may take. Some copyright owners ask to be consulted, and may only allow use according to the situation. Find out how licensing pricing works.
5. We’ll set up a licensing agreement for you. We keep in touch with you throughout the process, negotiate with the copyright holder on your behalf, and do our best to fit your timescales.
6. You then contact the copyright holder to request the high-resolution image file for the artwork(s) you have licensed through DACS. Or we can supply the high-resolution image file if we have it.
Timescale
Allow at least 10 working days to obtain a licence. We respond to requests made using the DACS licensing request form within 24 hours, and let you know at that point how long it may potentially take.
Some artists, beneficiaries and estates ask us to consult them whenever a licence is requested, this takes time.
Time required for the process also depends on how contactable the artist or estate is, and where they are located in the world.
How it works for artists, beneficiaries and estates
When you join our DACS Licensing service, you sign a membership agreement that explains clearly how we’ll manage the licensing of your work. Here is an outline of the process from your side:
- Clients use our online licensing request form to get in touch with us about licensing your work. If requests come to you directly, send them on to our Licensing Team to take forward for you.
- We negotiate the terms of the request and agree a royalty fee, based on the reach and commerciality of the use.
- After you have approved these, we arrange a licence with the client, making the terms of the use clear and obtaining their agreement.
- We invoice the client and collect the royalty fee due to you.
- DACS pays out licensing royalties 4 times a year. You’ll receive a statement each time we pay you.