Open Software License
About this form
The Open Software License is a legal agreement that allows the original author of a software work to grant permissions to others for use, modification, and distribution. It ensures that users can work with the software while respecting the original creator's rights. This license is distinct in its stipulations regarding how derivative works must also be shared under the same license terms, fostering a collaborative open-source environment.
What’s included in this form
- Grant of copyright license to reproduce and distribute the original work and derivative works.
- Patent license allowing the use and sale of the original work and its modifications.
- Obligation to provide source code for the original work when distributed.
- Conditions for external deployment and requirement for attribution in derivative works.
- Disclaimers and limitations on warranty and liability.
- Termination clauses outlining conditions under which the license may end.
When this form is needed
This form is appropriate when you, as a creator, want to release your software for others to use, modify, and distribute while maintaining specific rights over how your work is used. It is particularly useful for developers looking to encourage collaboration while protecting their intellectual property.
Intended users of this form
- Software developers seeking to license their original software works.
- Organizations looking to adopt an open-source approach while ensuring compliance with copyright law.
- Individuals or entities creating derivative works from existing open software.
Steps to complete this form
- Clearly state the title of your software work at the beginning of the document.
- Include the copyright notice and the licensing information in the appropriate sections.
- Outline any conditions or restrictions that apply to the use of your software.
- Specify how the source code will be made available with the original and derivative works.
- Include your contact information as the Licensor to facilitate communication.
Notarization guidance
Notarization is not commonly needed for this form. However, certain documents or local rules may make it necessary. Our notarization service, powered by Notarize, allows you to finalize it securely online anytime, day or night.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Common mistakes
- Failing to provide sufficient information about how the source code will be accessible.
- Not retaining proper attribution notices in derivative works.
- Incorrectly assuming that the license permits modification without notification.
Benefits of using this form online
- Convenience of easily downloadable templates tailored for your needs.
- Editability allows for customization without legal complications.
- Access to forms drafted by licensed attorneys, ensuring legal compliance.
Legal use & context
- This license ensures that the original author's rights are upheld while granting specific permissions to users.
- Derivative works must adhere to the same licensing terms, promoting open sharing.
- Users must confirm acceptance of the license terms when distributing copies of the original work.
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FAQ
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) License. The true open-source license. Apache License 2.0. GPL (General Public License) Artistic License 2.0. EPL (Eclipse Public License) 1.0. BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) Licenses. No license. 4 Replies to 7 Ways to License your Software
Commercial software is any software or program that is designed and developed for licensing or sale to end users or that serves a commercial purpose. Commercial software was once considered to be proprietary software, but now a number of free and open-source software applications are licensed or sold to end users.
Wisegeek explains software licensing as a type of contract which exists between the person of company who produces a type of software, and the end user, or person who purchases or downloads the software to use. This means that there are many different types of software licenses.
Public domain. This is the most permissive type of software license. Permissive. LGPL. Copyleft. Proprietary.
Open-source licensed software is mostly available free of charge, though this does not necessarily have to be the case.Licenses which only permit non-commercial redistribution or modification of the source code for personal use only are generally not considered as open-source licenses.
A software license is a document that provides legally binding guidelines for the use and distribution of software.Software licenses typically are either proprietary, free or open source, the distinguishing feature being the terms under which users may redistribute or copy the software for future development or use.
Open your GitHub repository in a browser. In the root directory, click on Create new file . Name the file LICENSE. Click on Choose a license template . Pick one of the licenses (all the ones mentioned in this article are there). Once chosen, click on Review and submit .
An open source mindset Unlike commercial software, users are not charged a licence fee for usage or for the volume of instances of the software they deploy. Instead, distro providers make money by charging for support and maintenance.
Open source licenses are licenses that comply with the Open Source Definition in brief, they allow software to be freely used, modified, and shared. To be approved by the Open Source Initiative (also known as the OSI), a license must go through the Open Source Initiative's license review process.