- A non-exclusive license lets the seller license the same data to other buyers; an exclusive license does not.
- Exclusivity usually commands a premium because the buyer gains data its competitors cannot get.
- Time-limited, field-limited or first-access exclusivity often gives most of the value with less lock-in.
- Evaluation sets are usually licensed exclusively, because sharing them destroys their value.
The options
| Option | What it means | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Non-exclusive | Seller can license to anyone | Broad data, many buyers |
| Exclusive | One buyer only, for the term | Rare data, high price |
| Time-limited exclusive | Exclusive for 6 to 24 months, then non-exclusive | Balances premium and future revenue |
| Field-of-use exclusive | Exclusive in one use or sector | Data with several distinct uses |
| First access | Buyer sees and buys first, no lock-in | Ongoing data flows |
How to decide
Count the realistic buyers. If only one or two teams will ever want the data, exclusivity costs you little. If many could use it, non-exclusive deals may earn more over time. Exclusivity also increases the buyer's leverage on other terms, so trade it for price, payment timing or narrower use.
Questions
How much more is exclusivity worth?
There is no standard multiple. It depends on how many other buyers exist and how much the data would help competitors.