Open Source Copyright Notice Template for Germany

The Open Source Copyright Notice serves as a fundamental legal document for software projects distributed under open source licenses in Germany. It is essential for establishing copyright ownership and communicating usage permissions while complying with German copyright law (Urheberrechtsgesetz). This document is typically used when releasing software or content under an open source license, ensuring proper attribution, defining usage rights, and including necessary disclaimers. It must address specific German legal requirements, including moral rights protection and warranty limitations, while maintaining compatibility with international open source licensing practices. The notice is particularly important as German law has specific requirements regarding copyright notices, attribution, and liability limitations that differ from common law jurisdictions.

1. Copyright Notice: Statement of copyright ownership including year and copyright holder's name

2. License Grant: Clear statement of the open source license being applied and the scope of rights granted

3. Terms and Conditions: Basic conditions under which the software/content may be used, modified, and distributed

4. Attribution Requirements: Specific requirements for attribution and notices that must be maintained

5. Disclaimer of Warranty: Warranty disclaimers compliant with German law requirements

6. Limitation of Liability: Liability limitations as permitted under German law