To quickly determine if the Revised Berkeley Software Distribution style of copyright clearance is suitable for your project: If you require minimal restrictions on how your code is reused, including commercial applications and proprietary derivatives, then this arrangement merits consideration. It grants extensive freedoms while demanding only acknowledgment of the original authors. Carefully review the subsequent sections to fully grasp the obligations and protections it affords.
This document scrutinizes the specifics of a widely adopted permissive arrangement for disseminating software, focusing on its implications for both contributors and users. Understanding the nuances of this scheme is paramount for developers seeking to balance openness with control over their intellectual property. We will dissect each clause, providing concrete examples and addressing common misunderstandings.
Unlike more restrictive open-source covenants, this variant–often favored for its simplicity and flexibility–permits the use, modification, and distribution of source code in both open-source and proprietary settings. The core requirement centers on retaining the original copyright notice within derivative works. Explore the following details to discern its appropriateness for your particular endeavor, paying attention to the warranties and liability disclaimers integrated within this agreement.
Open Source Definition: Your Concise Introduction
Decide swiftly: this permissive free software agreement grants maximum freedom. You can utilize, modify, and distribute the code, even in commercial products. You only have two responsibilities.
Retain the original copyright notice and the disclaimer within your redistributed code. Indicate any changes made to the source material.
Obligations Simplified
Copyright notice: Include the original notice with each copy or substantial portion of the software. Modification notice: Document any modifications done in the software.
Key Advantages
Commercial use is permitted. No reciprocity is required. You don’t need to share modifications back to the original project. Patent grants are not included.
What Can You Do With Code Under the Revised Free Software Permit?
Use, modify, and distribute the software, commercially or privately, are your primary rights. You can incorporate the code into proprietary projects without making your modifications open source. This grants significant flexibility in commercial ventures.
Specific Permitted Actions:
You can:
- Embed the code in commercial applications without revealing your source alterations.
- Distribute the modified software for profit.
- Use the code for internal projects within a company.
- Grant sub-permits that are consistent with the original permissive document.
Obligations:
You must:
- Retain the original copyright notice and the disclaimer. Include this information in your distribution.
- State clearly that you used the code covered by this liberal software arrangement.
Understanding the Three Stipulations: What Are They?
This permissive software dispensation features three key provisions granting broad usage rights, but also requiring specific acknowledgements. Here’s a breakdown:
Clause 1: Redistribution of Source Code: Source code versions of covered works must retain the original copyright notice, the conditions outlined in this stipulation, and the disclaimer. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the agreement. Preserve these elements as they are initially presented.
Clause 2: Redistribution of Binary Form: Redistributions in binary form (compiled or executable versions) must reproduce the original copyright notice, conditions, and disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution. Treat this requirement with the same stringency as source code redistributions.
Clause 3: No Endorsement: This is the “no endorsement” clause. It states that the name of the copyright holder or contributors cannot be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without explicit prior written permission. This protection safeguards the original authors from unwarranted associations.
Adhering to these stipulations is fundamental. Non-compliance can lead to revocation of your right to use and redistribute the software under this open-source distribution terms.
Applying the Permissive Software Grant to Your Work
To incorporate the modified university copyright release into your project, create a plain text file named `LICENSE` (or `COPYING`) in the root directory of your repository. Populate this file with the full text of the copyright clearance, which you can find on the Open Source Initiative’s website or the Free Software Foundation’s database.
Within the copyright notice itself, replace “[year]” with the actual year(s) of your software’s initial creation and any subsequent modifications. Also, change “[copyright holder]” to the name(s) of the individual(s) or organization(s) holding the copyright to the software. An example would be: “Copyright 2023 Acme Corp.”.
Add a copyright statement at the beginning of each source code file. This statement should mirror the one in your `LICENSE` file and identify the copyright holder(s) and the initial year of creation. This helps provide clear attribution directly within the code itself.
Indicate the grant’s presence in your project’s documentation, such as a README file. Briefly mention that the software is distributed under the terms of this permissive copyright, referencing the `LICENSE` file for the full text. This makes it easily discoverable for others who intend to use or contribute to your project.
If you are distributing pre-compiled binaries, include a copy of the `LICENSE` file in the distribution package alongside the executable. This ensures that recipients of your software are aware of the applicable conditions. Also make sure that you include the copyright notification.
Q&A:
I’m new to open-source licensing. How is the 3-Clause BSD License different from more restrictive licenses like the GPL?
The 3-Clause BSD License offers far greater flexibility compared to copyleft licenses such as the GPL. The GPL requires that derivative works also be licensed under the GPL, ensuring that any modifications or incorporated code remains open-source. The 3-Clause BSD License, however, allows you to use the licensed code in proprietary software without requiring you to release your source code. You simply need to include the original copyright notice and disclaimer in your distribution.
What does “redistribution” actually mean? Does it just apply to selling the software, or does it cover internal use within a company?
Redistribution, in the context of the 3-Clause BSD License, refers to any act of making the software available to another party. This includes, but isn’t limited to, selling, distributing for free, or even making it accessible over a network. Internal use within a company typically wouldn’t be considered redistribution unless the software is being provided to external clients or partners. The key is whether the software is leaving the control of the original user group. For clarity, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer if you have specific concerns about how redistribution applies to your situation.
What are the exact obligations I have when I use code licensed under the 3-Clause BSD license in my own project?
Your obligations are mainly around attribution and warranty. First, you *must* include the original copyright notice, a list of conditions, and the disclaimer in your distribution (typically in the documentation or a “license” file). Second, the license states that the software is provided “as is” without any warranty. This means the original author is not liable for any issues arising from the use of the code. You are not obligated to release your own source code, even if you modify the BSD-licensed code. These relatively light obligations make it popular for a broad range of projects.
Could the 3-Clause BSD license be revoked by the original author at a later time?
No, the 3-Clause BSD License cannot be unilaterally revoked by the original author after it has been granted. The license is a legal agreement that grants specific rights to users of the software. Once granted, these rights are generally irrevocable, provided that the user adheres to the terms of the license. However, the author retains the copyright to the code, so future versions of the software could be released under a different license.
Is there a difference between the 3-Clause BSD and the Revised BSD license?
The 3-Clause BSD license is *often* referred to as the “Revised BSD License” or the “New BSD License.” These terms are essentially synonymous. There’s also a simpler 2-Clause BSD license, which omits the advertising clause present in the older 4-Clause BSD license (which is now generally discouraged). So, if you see those terms, they almost always refer to the same license described as the 3-Clause BSD.
