Apparatus and methods for licensing include executing a base application on a device, initiating a transaction with an application store to obtain access to a subordinate licensable item that is usable by the base application, receiving a transaction receipt corresponding to the transaction for the subordinate licensable item, and obtaining, from a license server, a subordinate license that corresponds to the subordinate licensable item. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may include storing a base license for a base application on a device, acquiring a subordinate license for a subordinate licensable item usable by the base application, receiving a request to execute the base application, enforcing, by a license agent service on the device, the base license with respect to executing the base application, and enforcing, by the base application, the subordinate license during execution of the base application.