Understanding the Correct Usage of "License" and "Licence"
In American English, "license" is the correct spelling for both the noun and the verb. In British English, "licence" is the noun and "license" is the verb. For example, in American English one would say "I need to renew my driver’s license" while in British English one would say "I need to renew my driving licence." The word is pronounced the same way in both dialects.
Key Points:
- If you’re American, use "license" for both noun and verb
- If you’re British, use "licence" for the noun but "license" for the verb
- Businesses that sell alcohol must have a license to do so
- Software licenses dictate terms of use and affect cost
The Possessive Form and Correct Usage
The singular possessive form of "license" is "license’s" with an apostrophe. To form a possessive noun, we add an apostrophe and "s" to the end of the noun, for example, "John’s license".
"Driver’s license" remains the standard form. "Driver’s license" is the true and correct form. However, "driver license" is also used.
Licensing Explained
Licensing provides legal permission to distribute or manufacture products belonging to another entity. It ensures fair transactions and protects rights of both parties. The first form of license fee is set while the second depends on the licensee’s productivity.
Licensing is an arrangement where one party has rights over information, process or technology protected by a patent, trademark, or copyright. This arrangement requires the licensee to pay the licensor to copy the protected information.
A license provides permission from an authority to do something otherwise prohibited. A physical document granting such permission may be called a permit.
Important Aspects of Licensing:
- Vehicle licensing is required to drive certain vehicle types in several countries.
- Being licensed means a service provider has met requirements set by the industry’s governing body. An unlicensed provider hasn’t met these standards but isn’t necessarily unqualified.