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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
operating under license
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "operating under license" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a business or individual is authorized to conduct activities based on a legal agreement or permission granted by a licensing authority. Example: "The software company is operating under license from the original developer, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
According to Variety, owners Dish Network is closing down the 300-or so company-run Blockbusters by the middle of January 2014, leaving around 50 stores operating under license.
News & Media
The retreat will mean it closes down in Washington, Chicago, and Boston, but the Toronto and Canadian business is looking to continue operating under license.
News & Media
This may be seen as a victory for the conservation lobby, but in this case, bush meat traders need to receive advance warning before putting a ban even where they are operating under license like in Cameroon.
Joining IOTC was an important step for Somalia which, among others, will enable Somalia to benefit from foreign tuna fleets operating under license in its EEZ, to develop its own fishing fleet in the future and contribute to the sustainability of the tuna resources.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
There also are 21 Cheesecake Factory locations internationally operating under licensing agreements.
News & Media
The company missed remodeling deadlines at its Disney Stores, which it operates under license, and it lost $27 million in the second quarter this year.
News & Media
A spokesman for Time Warner's Turner division, which operates CNN International, said the Turkish channel, which operates under license from Time Warner, is editorially independent from the English-language news outlet.
News & Media
Previously Lycos Europe was a Bertelsmann-Telefonica owned entitiy which operated under license in Europe.
News & Media
In other applications, it may be more appropriate to operate under license in the 3.5 GHz band, but the same methodology will apply.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is operated under license from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Reservations for the February 2020 sailing opened about one month ago.
News & Media
*This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "operating under license", ensure that the context clearly indicates who granted the license and what activities it covers. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.
Common error
Avoid using "operating under license" without specifying the exact parameters of the license. Vague statements can be misleading or even legally problematic. Always clarify the specific activities authorized by the license.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "operating under license" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating the legal basis under which an entity conducts its activities. It modifies a noun (business, individual, etc.) to specify its operational authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to show compliance and authorization.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "operating under license" signifies that an entity is conducting its activities with the formal permission of a licensing authority. It is grammatically correct and, as Ludwig AI states, readily usable in written English. While not extremely frequent, it is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts to convey legitimacy and compliance. Alternative phrases such as "licensed to operate" or "authorized to function" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the licensing authority and scope is crucial to avoid ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
licensed to operate
Replaces "operating under license" with a more direct statement of being licensed.
authorized to function
Uses "authorized" instead of "licensed", emphasizing the permission aspect.
operating with authorization
Similar to 'authorized to function', this highlights the authorization aspect of the operation.
officially permitted to operate
Adds emphasis on the official nature of the permission.
holding a valid license
Stresses the possession and validity of the license.
working with permission
Focuses on the act of working with explicit permission.
under the terms of a license
Highlights the conditions and agreements outlined in the license.
licensed and regulated
Emphasizes both the licensed status and the regulatory oversight.
pursuant to a license
A more formal and legalistic way of saying "operating under license".
conforming to licensing regulations
Shifts focus to the act of following the licensing regulations in order to be able to operate.
FAQs
What does "operating under license" mean?
The phrase "operating under license" means that a business or individual has been granted permission by a licensing authority to conduct specific activities, subject to certain terms and conditions.
What are some alternatives to "operating under license"?
You can use alternatives like "licensed to operate", "authorized to function", or "working with permission" depending on the context.
How do I use "operating under license" in a sentence?
You can say, "The restaurant is operating under license from the city council" or "The software company is operating under license from the original developer".
What is the difference between "operating under license" and "licensed to operate"?
While both phrases are very similar, "licensed to operate" is a more direct statement of being licensed, while "operating under license" implies the ongoing activity within the bounds of that license.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested