Process

How AI data licensing works for Canadian firms

Short answer: Licensing your firm's data to an AI buyer usually takes six steps: an indicative range, a confidential call, written scoping, buyer matching, a direct agreement with the buyer, and payment. You control the scope at every stage, nothing leaves the firm without a signed agreement, and the buyer pays your firm directly on its published terms.

A plain account of each step and what you control along the way.

Last updated · Sources linked inline · Buyer figures observed Oct 16, 2026

What are the steps to license firm data to an AI buyer?

  1. 1. Indicative range (2 minutes)

    The estimator maps your industry, headcount and years of records to the tiers buyers publish. It's a starting point, not a valuation.

  2. 2. Confidential call (20 minutes)

    We cover what you hold, where it lives, and anything that would rule records out: client confidentiality, privilege, contracts, Quebec operations or security-sensitive work. We can sign a mutual NDA first.

  3. 3. Scoping

    Together we draft a scope listing what's in and what's excluded. We recommend having your counsel, or your regulator's practice advisory service, review it.

  4. 4. Buyer matching

    We introduce you only to programs whose published criteria (size, years, geography, language, record type) fit. We explain each buyer's terms side by side, including exclusivity and payment timing.

  5. 5. Agreement and delivery

    You sign directly with the buyer. Their agreement should cover de-identification, permitted uses, security, retention and deletion. Many buyers do extraction and de-identification themselves.

  6. 6. Payment

    The buyer pays your firm directly on its published terms.

What does it cost your firm?

Nothing to start. The estimate and the first call are free. Any terms that apply to a licence are set out in writing before you sign anything, so you can compare options side by side.

What do firms ask about the process?

What does it cost to start?
Nothing. The estimate and the first call are free. Any terms are set out in writing before you sign anything.
Can we approach buyers ourselves?
Yes. Every program we list is public. We add value by scoping, matching and keeping track of terms; you're free to go direct.
How long does it take?
Published timelines vary: Mode says about three months from first conversation to payment; Turing says it confirms value after sampling, usually within a week; Handshake says payment typically follows 30–60 days after acceptance (as published, observed Oct 16, 2026).

What could your firm's records be worth?

Three answers give you a rough range based on what buyers publish. Add your details if you want us to follow up. There's no cost to start.

1 The basics
2 Where your records live (choose any)
3 Canada specifics (optional)
4 Want the breakdown and a call? (only if you want us to follow up)

Both boxes are optional and separate. If you leave them unticked, we'll still reply once about this request. Sender: Firm Data Licensing, firmdatalicensing.ca/contact/. See our privacy policy.