What distinguishes a license from an easement?

A license is a permission granted by a property owner to another party, allowing them to use the property for a specific purpose. One fundamental characteristic of licenses is that they are revocable, meaning the property owner can withdraw the permission at any time and for any reason. This contrasts with an easement, which is a legal right to use another's land for a specific purpose and is typically more permanent and binding than a mere license.

By its nature, the revocability of a license means that it does not confer an interest in the property itself, whereas an easement does grant a lasting right regarding the use of the property. The ability for the property owner to terminate a license at will emphasizes its temporary nature and distinguishes it clearly from easements, which are generally intended to be long-term arrangements that endure through changes in property ownership.

This distinction is crucial for understanding property rights and the nature of permissions associated with land use. Thus, the characteristic of licenses being revocable is what fundamentally sets them apart from easements.