What Are Acquired Rights?

Acquired rights refer to the legal permissions granted to content buyers, allowing them to distribute, broadcast, or monetize a film or TV show in specific regions or platforms. These rights are typically sold by content producers or rights holders to distributors, broadcasters, streaming platforms, and other media entities.

The scope of acquired rights varies based on factors like:

• Territory (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia)
• Platform (Theatrical, TV, Streaming, VOD)
• Timeframe (5-year, 10-year, perpetual)
• Language & Dubbing (Original, Subtitled, Dubbed)

Understanding these rights is crucial for buyers looking to secure profitable licensing deals while ensuring compliance with distribution agreements.

Types of Acquired Rights in Film & TV

1. Territorial Rights

These rights define where a content buyer can distribute a film or TV show. For instance, a European distributor may acquire rights for select EU countries, while a global streamer may seek worldwide rights.

2. Platform-Specific Rights

This defines the medium where the content can be distributed, such as:

• Theatrical Rights (Cinema releases)
• Linear TV Rights (Broadcast & cable television)
• VOD Rights (Subscription-based, ad-supported, or transactional video-on-demand)

3. Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Rights

• Exclusive Rights: The buyer has sole authority to distribute in the agreed territory or platform.
• Non-Exclusive Rights: Multiple buyers can license the same content within overlapping regions or platforms.

4. Language & Dubbing Rights

This determines whether a buyer can distribute content in multiple languages, provide subtitles, or create dubbed versions for specific audiences.

5. Licensing Term Rights

The period for which a content buyer holds distribution rights, ranging from a few years to perpetuity.

How Content Buyers Secure Licensing Deals

1. Identifying Content Needs & Market Demand

Content buyers analyze trends, audience preferences, and competitor catalogs to determine the types of films and TV shows they need to acquire.

2. Researching and Shortlisting Rights Holders

Finding the right content suppliers—studios, independent producers, and distributors—is key to securing high-value content.

3. Negotiating Licensing Agreements

This involves:

• Defining the scope of rights (territory, platform, exclusivity)
• Agreeing on licensing fees and revenue-sharing terms
• Establishing content delivery formats and timelines

4. Ensuring Legal Compliance & Contract Finalization

Buyers conduct due diligence to ensure that acquired rights comply with regional regulations, censorship laws, and exclusivity clauses.

Key Considerations in Acquired Rights Agreements

✅ Content Performance & ROI: Is the content likely to generate strong engagement and revenue?
✅ Exclusivity Terms: Does exclusivity limit future distribution opportunities?
✅ Market Trends & Demand: Is there a growing audience for the acquired content?
✅ Regulatory Compliance: Does the content meet local censorship and broadcasting standards?

Challenges in Content Licensing & Distribution

1️⃣ Rights Fragmentation: Managing multiple rights across different territories and platforms can be complex.
2️⃣ Piracy & Digital Rights Management: Unauthorized distribution can impact revenue streams.
3️⃣ Evolving Consumer Preferences: Changing audience behaviors can affect content monetization strategies.
4️⃣ Legal & Compliance Hurdles: International licensing requires adherence to various copyright laws.