NIL Taxonomy
The authoritative standard for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) licensing classification.
Get Started
Choose your path:
- Building NIL Licenses → SDK Guide
- API Integration → API Reference
- Understanding the Taxonomy → Taxonomy Overview
- Governance & Compliance → Governance
What is NIL Taxonomy?
The NIL Taxonomy is the industry-standard classification system for Name, Image, and Likeness licensing. It provides:
- 12 Core Dimensions covering all aspects of NIL licensing
- Base License Templates for common use cases
- Canonical Identifiers for interoperability across platforms
- Board-Governed Evolution ensuring stability and legal soundness
Important Notice
The NIL Taxonomy is a proprietary, board-governed standard—not open source.
- The taxonomy data, definitions, and structure are copyrighted intellectual property
- Access is provided via API only with key-based authentication
- No forks, modifications, or derivative taxonomies are permitted
- SDKs and integration tools may be MIT-licensed, but they do not include the taxonomy data
See License Agreement for complete terms.
Quick Start
import { createCommercialLicense } from '@nil-taxonomy/sdk';
// Build a standardized NIL license
const license = createCommercialLicense()
.setTerritoryCountries(['US', 'CA'])
.setTerm('2024-01-01', '2025-12-31')
.addRestrictedCategory('alcohol')
.build();Core Concepts
12 Taxonomy Dimensions
| Dimension | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject Scope | What aspects of the athlete are covered (name, image, likeness, etc.) |
| Use Type | Purpose of the license (commercial, educational, editorial, etc.) |
| Commercial Scope | Level of commercial use permitted |
| Exclusivity | Exclusivity arrangements and restrictions |
| Territory | Geographic scope of rights granted |
| Term | Time-limited rights and renewal options |
| Derivative Rights | Editing and transformation permissions |
| AI Synthetic Use | AI-generated content rules and restrictions |
| Data Use | Performance and biometric data rights |
| Attribution | Credit and attribution requirements |
| Sublicensing | Third-party use permissions |
| Content Safety | Restricted categories and morals clauses |
Base License Templates
Pre-configured license templates for common use cases:
| Code | Name | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
NIL-EDU | Educational License | Documentaries, news, classroom use |
NIL-COMM-STD | Standard Commercial | Brand campaigns and endorsements |
NIL-COMM-DERIV | Commercial + UGC | Meme campaigns, UGC contests |
NIL-EXCL-CAT | Category Exclusive | Official brand partnerships |
Access Methods
SDK (Recommended)
npm install @nil-taxonomy/sdkThe SDK provides type-safe access to the taxonomy with builder patterns, validation, and authentication.
REST API
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
https://api.nil-taxonomy.org/api/nil/v1/licensesDirect API access for non-JavaScript environments.
Support
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| API Keys & Licensing | licensing@nil-taxonomy.org |
| Technical Support | support@nil-taxonomy.org |
| Governance & Proposals | governance@nil-taxonomy.org |
| Security Issues | security@nil-taxonomy.org |