GreenLight FAQ

Why do I need clearances?
Simple… You need clearances in order to protect yourself or your client against legal claims for the use of certain rights, such as intellectual property rights (films, music, books, artworks, etc.), publicity rights of individuals (living and deceased), property rights, or trademarks.
When do I need to obtain clearances?
This is a legal determination made by each client based upon their intended use of the rights in question. Companies may evaluate risk in different ways, and different laws may apply in different territories. However, it is particularly important to consider risk and the possibility of obtaining clearances if your use is of a commercial nature (e.g. advertising or promoting goods or services, or use as or in a retail or entertainment product).
How does GreenLight work?
GreenLight provides clients with consultation to determine the potential rights issues for a specific project. Our Client Mangers use our extensive database of rights holders, and relationships with those rights holders, to obtain clearances for our clients. Once clearances have been obtained, we issue a license and indemnity to the client.
Does GreenLight offer an indemnity if rights holders can not be found or clearance obtained?
No. While some clearance agencies will offer to indemnify clients in certain of these cases, GreenLight does not feel that this offers clients the full protection that they need against potential claims. GreenLight will only indemnify clients when we have obtained the proper releases and licenses.
Do I have to obtain clearances of GreenLight’s represented properties?
Yes. GreenLight exclusively represents the estates and people on our roster. Any commercial use of their name, likeness, quotations (i.e. their “persona”), trademarks or copyrights requires clearance and a license from GreenLight. Each request is evaluated on case-by-case basis to determine if it conflicts with existing licenses and/or is a good “fit” for the brand, and all requests are ultimately reviewed and approved (or disapproved) by the estate or property representative.
Why choose GreenLight?
GreenLight is a Corbis Holdings company owned by Bill Gates, with over 20 years of experience in the rights clearance business. We have offices, researchers, and client managers in the United States, Europe, and Asia, which allows us to work with clients and rights holders around the world, on their time and in their local languages. Our staff has the experience and knowledge, based upon doing thousands of clearances over many years, to guide your project and obtain the clearances you need correctly and quickly. Our strong relationships with many prominent rights holders (film studios, music publishers and record labels, talent agencies, and celebrity estates) allows us to have a strong position when negotiating license fees. And lastly, we back up our work with a solid legal indemnity.
Any other questions?
Please feel free to contact us with any further questions about your project, our processes, or general rights questions. We love to talk about this stuff, and we’re happy that you would consider GreenLight as the solution to your rights clearance issues.