Why are the Materials provided by NCARB considered licensed rather than sold?

The materials provided by NCARB are considered licensed rather than sold primarily because users do not gain ownership rights. When something is sold, the buyer typically acquires ownership of the item, allowing them the freedom to use, modify, or distribute it as they please. In contrast, a license grants permission to use the material under specified conditions without conferring ownership. This is especially relevant for materials that are intellectual property, where the creator retains rights over how that property is utilized and distributed.

This distinction is crucial for maintaining control over the use of the materials and ensuring that they are used appropriately within a framework that NCARB has established. It also helps to protect the integrity and value of the intellectual property involved, making it clear that the user’s rights are limited to usage defined in the licensing agreement rather than ownership.