Art Licensing: Navigating Terms for Artists and Licensees

At JOEN, we create original surface patterns and illustrations designed to elevate your products and collections. Licensing our designs gives your brand access to distinctive artwork, ready to use across packaging, homewares, stationery, textiles, and lifestyle products, without the complexity of creating everything in-house.

This guide explains how surface pattern licensing works, what to consider, and how we can work together to bring your ideas to life.

What is Surface Pattern Licensing?

Licensing is a legal agreement that gives your brand the right to use a designer’s artwork for specific products, periods, and territories. The designer retains ownership, while you get the benefit of professional, ready-to-use designs.

Benefits for your business:

• Access unique, high-quality designs without starting from scratch.

• Ensure legal protection and clarity over usage.

• Enhance your product offering with creative, commercial-ready artwork.

• Scale your collections efficiently while maintaining brand consistency.

Types of Licenses We Offer

Exclusive License

• Your brand is the only one to use the design.

• Perfect for signature collections or hero products.

• Higher investment, but maximum brand differentiation.

Non-Exclusive License

• The design can be licensed to multiple brands.

• Affordable option for seasonal ranges or test products.

Royalty-Based License

• Pay a percentage of sales for use of the design.

• Flexible and performance-linked, often suited for larger distribution.

One-Time Fee License

• Single payment for a fixed use period.

• Simple, predictable costs, ideal for short-term campaigns or smaller runs. 

Custom Design License

• Work with JOEN to create a unique pattern exclusive to your brand.

• Can be licensed exclusively or non-exclusively, depending on your needs.

• Perfect for collections that require a distinctive, brand-specific look.

Key Terms to Clarify

Before licensing, it’s important to define:

• Scope of Use: Which products, packaging, or marketing materials the design can appear on.

• Territory: Where your products will be sold.

• Duration: How long the license lasts.

• Exclusivity: Whether other brands can use the design.

• Modifications: Can the design be adjusted for your brand?

• Credit: Will the designer be acknowledged?

How to Work With JOEN

1. Share Your Needs: Tell us about your product, target market, and vision.

2. Choose Your Design & License: Select a design and agree on license terms.

3. Sign the Agreement: Simple and clear contracts protect both sides.

4. Bring Designs to Life: Apply patterns to your products, packaging, and marketing.

5. Review & Grow: Monitor results and explore additional designs for future collections.

Why Choose JOEN?

• Original, Ready-to-Use Designs: We create patterns with commercial appeal, ready for production.

• Flexible Licensing Options: Exclusive, non-exclusive, or royalty-based agreements.

• Strategic Design Partnership: We help your products stand out while staying true to your brand.