Classical Plus Scenario Toolbox

The “Classical Plus” scenario represents an evolution of traditional licensing approaches, expanding beyond the conventional focus on patents and exclusive licenses for economic return. It reflects a growing emphasis among PROs, non-profit institutions, and policymakers across the EU on achieving broader societal and environmental impact through knowledge transfer.

In this context, licensing is increasingly applied to a diverse range of IP assets, particularly those arising from the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (SSHA), as well as from digital resources such as databases, multimedia, and educational tools. These assets, often governed by copyright rather than patent law, require novel licensing models that prioritise accessibility, inclusion, and long-term value over short-term financial gain.

This shift calls for the development of sustainable and scalable business models capable of managing “low value, high volume” or “long tail” licensing. Such models must accommodate new types of users and uses, ranging from educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns to digital heritage dissemination and AI-based datasets, while also addressing issues of cost recovery, rights clearance, automation, and IT security.