diff --git a/LICENSE b/LICENSE
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..071624d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+Copyright (c) 2026 Sebastian Bularca. All Rights Reserved.
+
+This software and its associated source code, assets, and documentation
+(collectively, the "Work") are proprietary and confidential.
+
+PERMITTED USE
+You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable
+permission to view and clone this repository for the sole purpose of
+evaluating the author's work (e.g. portfolio or hiring review).
+
+PROHIBITED USE
+Except as expressly permitted above, you may NOT, in whole or in part:
+
+  1. Reproduce, copy, or republish the Work or any portion of it.
+  2. Modify, adapt, translate, or create derivative works from the Work.
+  3. Distribute, sublicense, sell, rent, lease, or otherwise transfer the Work.
+  4. Use the Work, or any code, asset, or concept contained in it, in any
+     product, project, or service, whether commercial or non-commercial.
+  5. Remove, obscure, or alter any copyright or proprietary notice.
+
+No other rights are granted, whether by implication, estoppel, or otherwise.
+All rights not expressly granted are reserved by the author.
+
+NO WARRANTY
+THE WORK IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
+IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
+FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL
+THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER
+IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF, OR IN
+CONNECTION WITH THE WORK OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE WORK.
+
+For any use beyond the permitted evaluation, contact the author to obtain
+written permission.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6c95d6b..b5ab53d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -185,3 +185,11 @@ This is a **vertical slice**. The application framework, boot/state flow, save s
 - **Design data is still minimal** — zones, encounters, encounter tables, and related content are placeholders rather than authored, balanced data.
 
 The intent is to demonstrate the architecture and systems, with content authoring and combat as the next steps.
+
+---
+
+## License
+
+**Copyright © 2026 Sebastian Bularca. All Rights Reserved.**
+
+This repository is proprietary. It is shared for **evaluation purposes only** (e.g. portfolio or hiring review): you may view and clone it, but you may **not** reproduce, modify, distribute, or reuse any part of it. See [LICENSE](LICENSE) for full terms.