What does a license in property law grant?

A license in property law grants a limited privilege to use a property, which distinguishes it from ownership interests or permanent property rights. Unlike leases or ownership, a license provides the licensee with permission to enter and use the property for a specific purpose, but it does not create any lasting interest in the property itself.

This limited privilege can often be revoked by the property owner at any time, underscoring the temporary nature of a license. For instance, a concert venue may grant a license to an event organizer to use the space for a specific concert date but retains the right to deny access on other occasions or after the event concludes.

Other options represent more substantial property interests. A permanent property interest, such as ownership, implies control and rights over the property that extend indefinitely, which is not applicable to a license. Similarly, a non-transferable ownership right suggests a more significant stake than what a license provides, as licenses typically do not confer ownership or the right to transfer those privileges to others. Lastly, an ownership interest in land implies full rights and control over the property, which is inherently different from the ephemeral and revocable nature of a license.