When purchasing assets for your Unity project, it’s essential to understand the licensing terms that govern their use. Asset licenses determine how and where you can use the assets, as well as any restrictions or obligations you may need to follow. Misunderstanding or neglecting license terms can result in legal complications, so it’s crucial to fully understand them before making a purchase. This guide will explain the different types of asset licenses you may encounter on MyUnityCodes and what each one means for you as a buyer.

What Is an Asset License?

An asset license is a legal agreement between the asset creator (the seller) and the buyer, outlining how the buyer can use the asset. The license defines the rights you have to use the asset, including any restrictions, such as commercial use, redistribution, or modification.

Types of Asset Licenses on MyUnityCodes

1. Standard License

• The Standard License is the most common type of license and typically allows for personal or commercial use of the asset within your Unity project.
• Permitted Uses:
  • You can use the asset in a single project or game (either personal or commercial).
  • You can integrate the asset into your game, app, or other digital products for distribution.
• Restrictions:
  • You cannot resell, redistribute, or make the asset available for free download.
  • You cannot use the asset in a way that allows others to extract it (e.g., distributing the asset in a standalone format or as part of a collection).

2. Extended License

• The Extended License offers more flexibility compared to the standard license. It is typically used for larger commercial projects or specific use cases that require more extensive rights.
• Permitted Uses:
  • This license allows for broader usage, including commercial redistribution or use in high-traffic environments (e.g., games for consoles or VR/AR applications).
  • Extended licenses may allow you to distribute the asset as part of a larger package (e.g., a game engine, a downloadable asset pack, or an asset store).
• Restrictions:
  • Extended licenses may still restrict reselling the asset on its own or using it in a way that competes directly with the creator's product (e.g., turning the asset into a standalone asset for sale).

3. Royalty-Free License

• A Royalty-Free License means that you can use the asset without needing to pay additional fees or royalties based on its use.
• Permitted Uses:
  • You can freely use the asset in your project without worrying about additional licensing fees.
• Restrictions:
  • While royalty-free, some restrictions may still apply, such as not being able to use the asset in a way that could be deemed offensive or in violation of intellectual property laws.

4. Editorial Use Only License

• The Editorial Use Only License restricts the asset to non-commercial, editorial purposes. It is most commonly used for assets such as stock images, videos, or audio that are not meant for commercial use.
• Permitted Uses:
  • You can use the asset in media projects like blogs, articles, videos, or other non-commercial content.
• Restrictions:
  • You cannot use the asset in commercial applications such as games, marketing materials, or apps.
  • The asset cannot be altered or sold for commercial purposes.

Key Considerations Before Buying Assets

Before purchasing any asset, it’s essential to carefully review the license to ensure it aligns with your project’s goals. Here are key points to keep in mind:

Commercial vs. Personal Use

• If you plan to use the asset in a commercial project, make sure the license allows for such use. Some assets are only available for personal, non-commercial use under the standard license.

Modification Rights

• Check whether the license permits you to modify the asset. Most licenses allow modification, but some may restrict altering the asset or creating derivative works. Make sure that you have the flexibility you need for customization.

Redistribution and Reselling

• Most licenses prohibit redistributing or reselling assets directly. If you plan to resell or distribute the asset as part of a larger bundle or in another form, ensure that the license explicitly allows it.

Platform and Distribution Limitations

• Some licenses restrict the asset's use to specific platforms, such as mobile or console. Make sure the license allows for use on the platform(s) you’re targeting, such as VR, mobile, or web applications.

Attribution Requirements

• Some licenses may require you to credit the creator of the asset in your project. Check if attribution is required and how it should be provided (e.g., in the credits of a game or app).

How to Check the License on MyUnityCodes

On MyUnityCodes, the asset’s license details are usually listed on the asset’s page. Be sure to look for the following:

License Type:

• The asset’s page should clearly indicate whether it has a Standard License, Extended License, Royalty-Free License, or another type.

License Terms and Restrictions:

• Carefully read through the specific license terms to understand any limitations or obligations.

Seller’s Clarification:

• If the licensing terms are unclear or you have specific use cases in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller for clarification before purchasing.

Consequences of Violating License Terms

Violating the terms of an asset license can lead to legal consequences, including the potential for the asset to be removed from your project or legal action from the creator. Violations can also damage your reputation, especially if you’re working on commercial projects.

Asset Removal:

• If you violate the license, the creator or marketplace may ask you to remove the asset from your project, and in some cases, you may not be allowed to download updated versions or future assets from the same creator.

Legal Action:

• Serious violations of copyright or license terms could result in legal action, including lawsuits for infringement of intellectual property rights.

Conclusion

Understanding asset licenses is crucial when purchasing assets for your Unity project. By ensuring that you’re choosing the correct license for your use case, you protect both yourself and the asset creator from legal issues. Always review the license before buying, especially if your project is commercial or requires specific use rights. By doing so, you can avoid complications and ensure that your assets can be used legally and effectively in your Unity project.