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Basic Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test Commonly tested

open access license assignment

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈoʊpən ˈæksɛs ˈlaɪsəns əˈsaɪnmənt/

The process of selecting and assigning appropriate Creative Commons or open access licenses to published articles to define usage rights and attribution requirements. This determines how readers and researchers may legally use, remix, and distribute the published content.

Plain English

Choosing and applying a legal license that specifies how readers can use and share a published article.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish, Latin
Rootopen (unobstructed), access (way to approach), licentia (permission), assignmentum (assignment)
First recorded use2004
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"The journal's open access license assignment defaults to CC-BY unless authors request alternative arrangements."

Style guide notes: Always use proper Creative Commons license notation (e.g., CC-BY 4.0); specify jurisdiction when relevant.

Also known as

license selection copyright assignment usage rights assignment

Contrasted with

rights restriction closed access

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between CC-BY and CC-BY-NC licenses?

CC-BY allows commercial use with attribution; CC-BY-NC restricts commercial use but requires attribution.

Can authors choose their own open access license?

Many journals offer license options; some mandate specific licenses aligned with funding or institutional policies.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Essential for editorial staff, authors, and compliance officers managing intellectual property and ensuring OA publishing requirements.

Required skill level: Mid

Editors from these organizations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON