Eventually licenses just pile up without upkeep. Even if we had upkeep, integrating licenses into the game in more ways would allow for some interesting gameplay dynamics. It could make them feel more valuable too. Some proposed ideas:
converting resources to licenses
building license generation blocks with licenses... investment
purchase ships from shipyards - automatic blueprint creators (maybe using block-selection type menu)
Eventually licenses just pile up without upkeep. Even if we had upkeep, integrating licenses into the game in more ways would allow for some interesting gameplay dynamics. It could make them feel more valuable too. Some proposed ideas: