Open Source License
/ˈoʊpən sɔːrs ˈlaɪsəns/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal agreement that grants users the rights to use, modify, and distribute software source code under defined terms and conditions.
The project is distributed under an open source license allowing free modification.
- (n.) A type of license that promotes collaboration and transparency by requiring derivative works to remain under the same licensing terms.
Copyleft is a feature in some open source licenses to preserve freedom of use across derivatives.
Forms
- open source licenses
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Open source licenses can vary significantly in their conditions; drafting requires attention to their permissiveness or restrictiveness, especially regarding redistribution and derivative works.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.