Business licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow individuals or companies to conduct business within the government's geographical jurisdiction. It is the authorization to start a business issued by the local government.[1] A single jurisdiction often requires multiple licenses that are issued by multiple government departments and agencies. Business licenses vary between countries, states, and local municipalities. There are often many licenses, registrations and certifications required to conduct a business in a single location. Business registration is required by most jurisdictions. A business license can be a business registration, but many jurisdictions require further licenses beyond registration. The business activity and physical location (address) determines most license requirements. Other determining factors may include the number of employees and the form of business ownership, such as sole proprietor or corporation. Incorporation is not the same legal process as being licensed to do business. Government agencies can fine or close a business operating without the required business licenses. Intellectual property A licensor may grant license under intellectual property laws to authorize a use (such as copying software or using a (patented) invention) to a licensee, sparing the licensee from a claim of infringement brought by the licensor.[1] A license under intellectual property commonly has several component parts beyond the grant itself, including a term, territory, renewal provisions, and other limitations deemed vital to the licensor. Term: many licenses are valid for a particular length of time. This protects the licensor should the value of the license increase, or market conditions change. It also preserves enforceability by ensuring that no license extends beyond the term of IP ownership. Territory: a license may stipulate what territory the rights pertain to. For example, a license with a territory limited to "North America" (United States/Canada) would not permit a licensee any protection from actions for use in Japan. Federal & Federally Sponsored Credit Agencies Permits Personal Credit Institutions Permits Short-Term Business Credit Institutions Permits Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution Permits Mortgage Bankers & Loan Correspondents Permits Loan Brokers Permits Finance Lessors Permits Asset-Backed Securities Permits Finance Services Permits Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services Permits Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies Permits Commodity Contracts Brokers & Dealers Permits Investment Advice Permits Life Insurance Permits Accident & Health Insurance Permits Hospital & Medical Service Plans Permits Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance Permits Surety Insurance Permits Title Insurance Permits Insurance Carriers, NEC Permits Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service Permits Real Estate Permits Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors Permits Operators of Nonresidential Buildings Permits Operators of Apartment Buildings Permits Lessors of Real Property, NEC Permits Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) Permits Real Estate Dealers (For Their Own Account) Permits Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) Permits Blank Checks Permits Oil Royalty Traders Permits Patent Owners & Lessors Permits Mineral Royalty Traders Permits Real Estate Investment Trusts Permits Investors, NEC Permits Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places Permits Hotels & Motels Permits Personal Services Permits Advertising Permits Advertising Agencies Permits Consumer Credit Reporting, Collection Agencies Permits Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography Permits Direct Mail Advertising Services Permits To Dwellings & Other Buildings Permits Miscellaneous Equipment Rental & Leasing Permits Equipment Rental & Leasing, NEC Permits Employment Agencies Permits Help Supply Services Permits Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. Permits Computer Programming Services Permits Prepackaged Software Permits Computer Integrated Systems Design Permits Computer Processing & Data Preparation Permits Computer Rental & Leasing Permits Miscellaneous Business Services Permits Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services Permits Photofinishing Laboratories Permits Telephone Interconnect Systems Permits Business Services, NEC Permits Automotive Repair, Services & Parking Permits Auto Rental & Leasing (No Drivers) Permits Miscellaneous Repair Services Permits Motion Picture & Video Tape Production Permits Allied To Motion Picture Production Permits Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution Permits Allied To Motion Picture Distribution Permits Motion Picture Theaters Permits Video Tape Rental Permits Amusement & Recreation Services Permits Racing, Including Track Operation Permits Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation Permits Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs Permits Health Services Permits Offices & Clinics of Doctors of Medicine Permits Nursing & Personal Care Facilities Permits Skilled Nursing Care Facilities Permits Hospitals Permits General Medical & Surgical Hospitals, NEC Permits Medical Laboratories Permits Home Health Care Services Permits Misc Health & Allied Services, NEC Permits Specialty Outpatient Facilities, NEC Permits Legal Services Permits Educational Services Permits Social Services Permits Child Day Care Services Permits Membership or ganizations Permits Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management Permits Engineering Services Permits Commercial Physical & Biological Research Permits Testing Laboratories Permits Management Services Permits Management Consulting Services Permits