License or sell: what to know before a data deal
The structure of a deal matters as much as the price. Know the difference before you sign.
Data deals come in different shapes. Understanding the basic structures helps you compare offers and ask the right questions.
Licensing
A license grants a buyer the right to work with your records under defined terms. Ownership stays with you. Depending on the terms, you may be able to license the same records to more than one buyer.
Outright sale
In a sale, ownership transfers. This is more common when a company is shutting down and wants to wind down its assets. It usually ends your involvement after a single payment.
Terms worth reading closely
Look at exclusivity, duration, what file types are covered, how anonymization is handled, and any restrictions on what the buyer can do. Small clauses can change the value of a deal significantly.
Get advice
We are not lawyers, and this is not legal advice. Every data deal deserves review by your own counsel before you sign. Sakuya helps you get to a quote and understand the shape of an offer; your attorney should confirm the final terms.
Our average deal size is between $250K and $1M. Find out what your records are worth in a few quick questions.
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