Does a Video License Agreement allow me to use licensed videos for commercial purposes?

Hi. If the Creative Commons License that you mentioned (CC BY-NC 4.0) does not allow for commercial usage, using that content commercially would violate the license. If you tranform the work sufficiently, you could potentially use it without violating the terms of the license.

You will have to explain why the state of Florida is involved in this matter? I suggest you write a letter to National Practitioners Database to explain the matter clearly and provide proof of you licensing.

Hello! My name is Dolan and I'm happy to answer this question and I'm sorry to hear about your situation. The short answer to your question is that it depends very heavily on what's in the agreement. A well-drafted agreement would have information about what a party can do if the other party breaches the agreement. Here, you said they weren't providing regular reports or paying the royalties, which is a breach, but it does not automatically mean you have a right to terminate the agreement. What you can do for sure is threaten to sue. The reason is that this is a breach of contract. A breach of contract simply means that one party was obligated to perform and they have either not performed or have said that they will not perform. (Restatement (Second) of Contracts.) This applies regardless of whether the agreement was written or done orally. Typically, the aggrieved party is entitled to be returned to the same position they were in before the breach. What you could do in the interim is suspend any licensing of course; however, the more immediate option is to send a demand that they perform their obligations. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Yes, you can transfer rights to your photos, but the type of agreement you use determines what rights the client actually receives. A standard Photography License Agreement typically gives the client permission to use your photos under defined terms while you retain ownership of the copyright. If your client is asking for full ownership, that requires something more: a written copyright assignment. Licensing vs. Copyright Transfer When you license your photos, you’re giving the client a right to use them for specific purposes—say, for a website, in print ads, or across social media. You still own the images and can license them to others unless the license is exclusive. A license can be narrow or broad. For example, you might grant a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide license for all commercial uses, or limit it to a single use in a single country for one year. Everything depends on the terms you set. This is the most common arrangement in freelance photography because it preserves your ability to earn future income from the same work. Transferring the copyright, on the other hand, means giving up your legal ownership altogether. The client becomes the new copyright owner and gains the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, modify, or even re-license the work. You can no longer use or sell the photos yourself unless you retain certain rights in the agreement. A copyright transfer must be in writing and signed by you under 17 U.S.C. § 204(a). If the client wants full ownership, you either need a standalone Copyright Assignment Agreement or include a clearly written assignment clause in your contract. Key Clauses for Either Option Regardless of whether you're licensing or assigning rights, your agreement should be explicit about what’s being granted. First, clarify the scope of rights by identifying what the client can and cannot do with the images. List permitted uses such as commercial, editorial, or personal, as well as the geographic territory, time limits if any, and whether the client may modify or sublicense the photos. Next, define the compensation structure, whether it is a flat fee, based on royalties, or conditional on specific uses. Then address any rights you intend to retain. For example, even in a full copyright assignment, you might include a license-back clause that allows you to use the images in your portfolio, marketing materials, or for competition entries. Don’t overlook technical details. List exactly what the client will receive: number of photos, file formats, resolution, editing level, and delivery method. If you're not providing RAW files, say so. If delivery is contingent on payment, make that clear too. Red Flags and Special Situations Be cautious about contracts that include “work for hire” language. Under U.S. law, a freelance photographer’s work doesn’t qualify as a work for hire unless it meets specific statutory categories and there’s a written agreement that uses that exact term. Otherwise, you're the default copyright owner. Clients sometimes insert the "work for hire" clause by default, but agreeing to it without understanding the implications can strip you of your rights from the moment the photo is created. If you're considering a copyright transfer, ask yourself whether you’re comfortable never using those images again, even for your own marketing. If the answer is no, consider negotiating a broad license instead, or insist on a license-back provision. You can always charge more for a full transfer since you're giving up long-term control and potential revenue. And remember, copyright assignments are permanent unless otherwise stated. If the client doesn’t use the images or disappears, you don’t automatically get the rights back. You’d need to build in a reversion clause if you want the rights to return to you after a certain period or under certain conditions. If you're navigating a licensing agreement or copyright transfer and want legal guidance, the attorneys on Contracts Counsel can help you get it right.

Why is the lien fraudulent? Here are some options: How to remove a property lien You'll need to file a lien release form in order to sell or transfer your property. A lien release form can remove a property lien, or a claim a creditor has against your property for a debt you owe. Property lien removal process A lien against your property will prevent you from selling it until that debt is paid. Here are the steps to take to remove the claim of the lien holder against your property. Make sure the debt the lien represents is valid. If you don't believe you owe the debt to which the lien is attached, you may want to consult with an attorney. Pay off the debt. If the debt is valid, pay the creditor in full. If you work with an attorney, you may be able to negotiate a lower payoff amount. Fill out a release-of-lien form. You can often find lien release paperwork online. If not, try the county clerk's office or an attorney, if you have one. Make sure the form includes your name, the lien holder's name, proof and amount of the debt paid, and a description and address for the property. Have the lien holder sign the release-of-lien form in front of a notary. The lien holder needs to sign the document in the presence of a notary public. File the lien release form. You'll usually file the lien release at the county recorder's office, at which point it becomes public record. You may have to pay a small fee to file. Ask for a lien waiver, if appropriate. A lien waiver is a document from a contractor showing that you have paid for the work in full and waiving all future lien rights of the contractor in the work or equipment. Keep a copy. You'll want to have a copy of the release form for your records. Other ways to avoid or remove a lien Court order. If you believe the lien exists due to bad faith, coercion, or fraud, you may be able to obtain a court order lifting it. The lien is a result of a money judgment issued by the court. I encourage you to engage an attorney with knowledge and expertise to assist you with this matter. All the best, Donya