How should i handle a contract with a perpetual license for client work?

[Michael.J]

I just had a client ask me to sign a contract that includes a perpetual license for the work I deliver. I’ve never agreed to that before, and I’m not sure if it’s a standard request or if I’m locking myself out of future revenue from that design.

[Amelia.M]

I’ve had a client ask for a perpetual license too. That means they can use your work forever, which can lock you out of future royalties or reusing the design for other gigs. In my case I pushed back and asked for a separate one time fee for unlimited use, plus a defined scope and a potential renewal option for future versions.

[Gary_A]

From my experience, sometimes it’s pitched as standard, but I’ve found better practice to offer a limited license for the initial project and keep ownership or the right to renegotiate later. I specify the territory, channels, and duration, and I add a clause that I can revisit after a year.

[Alexander5]

Do you actually know how they plan to use the work? If the demand is broad like branding across products and markets, that changes the math. It might not be the right problem, or it might be the signal you need to rethink the rate.

[Evelyn.L]

One time I drifted off topic while reading a clause, wandered into the kitchen for coffee, and came back with a skimmed version that felt oddly more practical. I wrote in a rider that bounds use to this project and forces a payment bump if they cross into extra channels. It helped to feel the risk in real terms, even if I’m still unsure about the balance.