7 Intellectual Property Issues with Master Resell Rights

If you’ve been online recently, you’ve probably stumbled upon “Master Resell Rights.” What is it exactly and why is everyone talking about it?

Master Resell Rights is a label that gives people the right to both resell and redistribute a product while retaining 100 percent profit from every sale. It basically allows people to become a merchant of someone else’s creation.

You might think this sounds unethical and maybe even illegal — and you’re not alone in thinking this! This is exactly why Master Resell Rights has been creating a buzz lately. So today, we’ll talk about the complexities of this intellectual property arrangement, the potential challenges it brings, and what you should know before reselling MRR products.

1. License terms and rights

When it comes to understanding license terms,, it’s important to know what each one entails. Different licenses can come with specific restrictions that affect how you’re allowed to use, distribute, and modify products.

For instance, let’s consider Master Resell/Resale Rights. This type of right grants you, as someone who didn’t create the product, permission to sell it to others. Not only that, but your customers also have the ability to resell the product, passing on the same resale rights.

2. Ownership and attribution

Now, having the right to utilize, distribute, and/or modify a product doesn’t equate to the freedom to brand a product as your own creation. Even within the broad scope of an MRR license, it’s crucial to properly credit the original creator. Claiming a product that isn’t actually yours can breach copyright regulations, potentially leading to legal ramifications.

And remember, legal interpretations can vary depending on your jurisdiction, so it’s always a good idea to consult a legal professional for accurate and tailored advice!

3. Derivative works

Derivative work is a creative piece based on or derived from existing work. That can look like transforming, adapting, or building upon the original work to create something new. So when we talk about derivative works, make sure you’re exercising caution.

Certain MRR licenses might bar you from making changes to the original product. Always carefully examine the terms before you make any creative modifications.

4. Trademark concerns

When dealing with MRR products, it’s important to note that the original creator might retain certain rights or limitations on how the product can be used and distributed. Using trademarked or copyrighted materials in these products without proper authorization can still lead to legal issues, even if you have the right to resell the product.

5. Expiration and renewal

Before you sell any MRR product, make sure the license isn’t expired. Utilizing the product beyond the designated time frame might result in legal complications for you. It’s easy to overlook, so just make sure you’re staying within the bounds of the license to ensure you’re being compliant!

6. Third-party rights

There are a few things to consider when it comes to third-party rights:

Contributor’s rights: If the MRR product you’re working with was created by multiple contributors, each contributor might have certain rights to their specific contribution such as text, images, code, and more. Make sure you have the proper permissions from all the contributors.

Licensed materials: We talked a bit about this earlier, but to hammer in the point, make sure you’re complying with licensing terms. Sometimes, the original creator of an MRR product might have used materials under different licenses (Creative Commons licenses, stock photo licenses, etc.) And although it’s an MRR, these licenses could still impose restrictions on how the product and its contents can be used. 

Derivative works: Just like we discussed above, if the MRR product is based on or includes content derived from existing work, you’ll need to consider the rights of the original creators. Creating derivative works without authorization can lead to major legal issues.

Public domain and fair use: Some content might be in the public domain (AKA can be used by the public) or could be used under fair use exceptions. However, determining these factors can be tricky and sometimes necessitates legal expertise.

7. Compliance

There are also a few things to consider when it comes to compliance and ethical use.

Respect for creators: Remember, adhering to the license agreements shows respect for the original creators and their terms. Just because a product is under MRR, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve acknowledgement for their rights and intentions for the use of their work.

Risk mitigation: Following legal guidelines will help you avoid potential legal complications. Failure to comply could lead to legal actions, penalties, and damage to your business’s reputation.

Safeguarding reputation: Operating ethically and within the agreed-upon terms helps you maintain a positive reputation in the market. It shows your commitment to fair business practices.

Long-term viability: By respecting the terms of the license agreement, you contribute to the sustainability of the MRR ecosystem. Creators are more likely to continue offering MRR products if they see that their terms are being respected.

And now you’re more familiar with Master Resell Rights!

So now you know more about Master Resell Rights and many of the legal considerations. Just because a product is an MRR product, does not necessarily mean you have free range to do whatever you’d like with it. There are still many things you should keep in mind to stay compliant with copyright, trademark, and licensing laws.

If you need assistance with figuring out how to stay compliant, the team at Mindful Counsel® is ready to help! Schedule a consultation with us by clicking here.