royalties
A sum of money paid to a patentee or author for the use of a patent or copyright or to a landowner for the use of the land.
Payments made for the right to use someone else's property or intellectual creation, typically a percentage of revenue or a fixed amount per unit sold/used. They are ongoing payments.
Word relationships
- licensing fees: Often a one-time or upfront payment for a license, whereas royalties are typically ongoing payments based on usage.
- commission: A payment to an agent or salesperson for making a sale, not for the use of intellectual property.
Collocations
- earn royalties
- pay royalties
- royalties agreement
- royalties income
Example sentences
- "The best-selling novelist earns substantial royalties from every copy of her books sold worldwide." An author's income stream.
- "Musicians receive royalties when their songs are played on the radio or streamed online." Music industry compensation.
Memory hook
`Royalties` are like payments fit for a `king` (royal) because they represent a special right. King's payments.
When not to use
For a fixed salary or one-time payment for work; royalties are usually ongoing payments based on usage or sales, not a flat fee for services rendered.
Fun facts
- The concept of royalties dates back to medieval times when kings claimed a share of profits from mines or other resources on their land.
Related words
Explore more words
royalty, license, copyright, piracy, intellectual property, proprietary
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