What does 'licencing' copyrighted work to someone else mean?

Licensing copyrighted work to someone else means granting permission for that individual or entity to use the work under specific conditions defined by the copyright holder. This often includes the ability to exploit the work temporarily or for the duration of the copyright, depending on the terms of the license agreement.

In this context, exploitation refers to the various ways the work can be used, which may include reproduction, distribution, performance, or public display. The key aspect is that the license typically has defined limits, allowing the licensee to use the work while still respecting the rights of the original copyright owner.

This contrasts sharply with the other options, where implied rights extend beyond the standard bounds typically set in a licensing agreement. For instance, being able to distribute the work indefinitely suggests an open-ended use that is not commonly granted in most licenses. Similarly, having the freedom to modify the work without restrictions also exceeds the typical boundaries, as modifications usually must be agreed upon within the licensing terms. Lastly, the ability to resell the work without restrictions often breaches copyright laws since the original creator retains the rights to control the distribution and sale of their work.