How does an AI data licensing deal work, step by step?
Short answer
It starts with a few lines describing what you have, no files. If a buyer is interested, they review a description or small sample under an NDA, you agree price and terms directly with them, and the records are transferred and cleaned under their licence. Nothing moves without your written OK.
The six usual steps
1. You describe what you have
A few lines, no files: what kind of firm, staff now and at peak, years of records, which kinds of records, and where they live.
2. An honest first read
Someone who knows what buyers look for tells you whether it fits, what probably qualifies, and what probably doesn't. With BlueprintWorth, that's me, and it's free.
3. An introduction, if you want one
If it fits and you agree in writing, you're introduced to a licensing buyer or broker. You can say no at any point. One "no" is enough.
4. The buyer looks closer, under an NDA
The buyer usually asks for a description of the archive, or a small sample, under a confidentiality agreement. This is where they work out what they can use.
5. You agree price and terms directly
Price, scope, use, exclusivity and payment are agreed between you and the buyer, in their licence. Have your own lawyer read it. See Licensing vs. selling your company's data for what to check.
6. Transfer and cleaning
The records move to the buyer under the licence. Buyers usually describe a cleaning step that removes personal and client information. You keep your originals and your ownership.
Who pays whom
- The buyer pays you for the licence.
- If a finder introduced you, the buyer or broker pays the finder a fee. Ask them to confirm in writing that it doesn't come out of your payment.
- You pay the finder no fees. No retainer, no setup fee.
Where a finder fits, and where not
A finder makes the match and the introduction. That's all. I don't negotiate for you, set prices, sign anything, or touch your files. The deal, the data and the decisions stay between you and the buyer.
Quick questions
Do I have to send files to find out if I qualify?
No. A fit check needs only a few lines about your firm and your records. Files only come into it after you've chosen a buyer and agreed in writing.
Who handles the transfer and cleaning?
The buyer, under their licence. Ask exactly how they move the data, who removes personal information, and where the copies are stored.
How long does a deal take?
It depends on the buyer and on how organised the records are. Ask each buyer for their usual timeline before you start.
Want an honest read on your own records?
Describe what you have in a few lines. I'll tell you whether buyers look for it. No files needed.
Ask for a free fit check You pay nothing · I never touch your files · Nothing happens without your written OK