The term describes an agreement or arrangement that does not restrict the involved parties from engaging in similar activities with others. For instance, a licensing agreement lacking exclusivity permits the licensor to grant the same rights to multiple licensees. This differs significantly from arrangements where one party has sole privileges.
The importance of this type of agreement lies in its flexibility and potential for broader reach. A primary benefit is the opportunity for increased revenue streams for the party offering the rights or services. Historically, this structure has been favored in industries where rapid market penetration is desired or when the offering does not require significant investment or protection.