Different types of License

[Stickman0_3]

OK, so I've only heard of Exclusive and Non-Exclusive licenses. I was browsing SyncR's website recently and came across a listing with a Perpetual license? What is that exactly?

[Eddy Deegan]

A perpetual license is one that never expires, although that doesn't necessarily mean you get free upgrades to the product. There are no fixed rules but usually a perpetual license means you get free updates until the next major version (or sometimes two).

[Drew Stephenson]

Or, if it's the other way round, you are handing over your rights forever.

[Stickman0_3]

OK, blinddrew, does it mean that I can no longer use the music I hand over, or can I still use the music for other purposes?

[Drew Stephenson]

That will depend on the exclusivity side of the contract. If it's perpetual and exclusive then the most extreme case is you're signing it over permanently and without any right to keep using it yourself. The exact details of what you can still do with it personally and non-commercially may vary according to the precise wording of the contract, but basically you're saying 'I will no longer make any money from this piece of work'.
If it's perpetual and non-exclusive then you're signing those rights over permanently but you can still do other stuff with it. Again, the precise details of that 'other stuff' will depend on the specifics of that contract.