As AI-driven applications continue to grow, publishers have a unique opportunity to license their valuable content to large language model (LLM) platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and others. This partnership not only fuels technological innovation but also contributes to research, expands global reach, and creates new revenue streams. This article explores the benefits, procedures, challenges, and key considerations for publishers looking to engage with AI platform developers.
The benefits of licensing content to AI platforms
Collaborating with LLM developers opens up new revenue opportunities while extending the life cycle of existing digital assets, particularly backlist titles that may otherwise remain dormant. Publishers and authors alike can benefit from increased royalties, while in-text references within AI-generated content can serve as an additional promotional tool for books, journals, and other publications. Because most publishers already have their digital files prepared, the production costs for licensing content remain minimal, ensuring a strong return on investment. Furthermore, by partnering with AI developers, publishers position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in the evolving digital landscape.
Key players in the AI licensing space
Several major technology companies are actively developing and refining LLM platforms. Leading the way are OpenAI, which powers ChatGPT and GPT-4o, and Google, with its Gemini AI. Other major players include Anthropic (Claude), Meta (Meta AI), Perplexity AI (Perplexity), DeepSeek, and Microsoft (CoPilot). Many of these companies have already secured licensing agreements with various publishers, while new and emerging AI platforms continue to enter the market.
Navigating the licensing process
For publishers looking to license content to AI platforms, the process typically involves several key steps:
- Understanding the AI developer’s licensing needs – It is crucial to clarify the scope of use for the content, including how much material is needed, whether it will be used for training or inference, and whether the publisher’s file formats and metadata meet the developer’s requirements.
- Identifying content and copyright holders – Publishers must prepare a list of content available for licensing and confirm copyright ownership, particularly for books, journal articles, and other materials with multiple contributors.
- Negotiating licensing agreements – Terms of use should be carefully defined, covering compensation, duration, usage rights, and any potential restrictions.
- Ensuring legal compliance – Licensing agreements must adhere to copyright laws and industry regulations to avoid potential legal disputes.
- Preparing and uploading files – Once the agreements are finalized, publishers must ensure content files and metadata are correctly formatted, tested, and compatible with the developer’s system before uploading.
Tips for a successful licensing agreement
Given the complexity of licensing agreements, particularly with large corporations, publishers should approach negotiations strategically. Here are some key tips:
- Define how the content will be used, including whether it can be modified, summarized, reprinted, or redistributed.
- Opt for non-exclusive agreements to allow for licensing across multiple AI platforms.
- Ensure proper in-text references and bibliographies will be used in AI-generated outputs.
- Consider the volume of content required. Major AI developers typically expect thousands of book titles or journal issues before considering a licensing agreement. Smaller publishers, associations, and university presses may need to collaborate with others to meet this threshold. However, newer, smaller AI developers may be open to licensing smaller content collections.
- Seek guidance from rights professionals to navigate the complexities of content licensing and copyright compliance.
Challenges and considerations
While licensing content to AI platforms presents exciting opportunities, it is not without its challenges. It is important that publishers be well informed and aware of restrictions related to what constitutes fair use and requirements for compliance with Creative Commons licensing terms relating to author attribution (CC-BY) and other rights.
Complex negotiations can arise when coordinating with multiple rights holders, each with their own expectations and concerns. Legal risks are another potential hurdle—misunderstandings or failure to secure proper licenses can result in disputes or project delays. Additionally, publishers must consider the risk of content exposure, including unauthorized usage, plagiarism, or improper attribution.
Despite these challenges, AI content licensing offers a compelling opportunity for publishers to leverage their existing assets, activate backlists, expand their global audience, and generate new revenue. Publishers who strategically approach AI licensing can benefit from increased royalties, greater content visibility, and a stronger presence in the digital space.
Learn More
For publishers seeking guidance through the complexities of licensing agreements, including contract negotiations, usage rights, compensation terms, and metadata requirements, Maverick offers expert support tailored to specific publishing needs. Contact your Maverick representative or email info@maverick-os.com to learn more about our services.
By David Pallai, Affiliate Senior Associate
David Pallai brings decades of experience in publishing, with expertise spanning scholarly, professional, and textbook sectors. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in content acquisition, editorial management, and digital product development, particularly within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). His leadership has contributed to significant growth across multiple organizations, establishing him as a respected voice in modern publishing.
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