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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
open-source license
Read a random definition: The Bluebook
A quick definition of open-source license:
An open-source license is a permission given to people to use, copy, and modify software without paying for it. This license allows users to share their changes with others and use the software for any purpose. Some open-source licenses require users to share their changes with others, while others do not. The license terms are usually written in a document called a LICENSE, which explains what users can and cannot do with the software.A more thorough explanation:
An open-source license is a permission given to use, modify, and distribute software that would otherwise be illegal. It allows users to access the source code of the software and make changes to it. The license is usually free and does not require any fees for distribution.
Examples of open-source licenses include:
- BSD license: Allows users to incorporate the source code into proprietary products as long as the original creator's name is not used to endorse or promote the products without permission.
- Mozilla public license: Allows users to modify and publicly distribute the software, but requires users to release the changed software under the same copyright as the original source code.
- General-public license: Allows users to copy, distribute, or modify the source code, and publicly distribute derived works based on the source code.
These examples illustrate how open-source licenses give users the freedom to use and modify software without legal repercussions. They also promote collaboration and innovation by allowing users to share their modifications with others.