All Countries
IP
Open Source Licence Agreement

Open Source Licence Agreement Template for United States

Create a bespoke document in minutes,  or upload and review your own.

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Let's create your Open Source Licence Agreement

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get your first 2 documents free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Open Source Licence Agreement

"I need an Open Source License Agreement for our enterprise-level machine learning software that we plan to release in March 2025, with specific provisions for commercial use and patent protection while ensuring compatibility with other major open source licenses."

Celebrated by
Collaborations with
Investors
Document background
The Open Source License Agreement is a crucial legal document used when organizations or individuals want to make their software freely available for use, modification, and distribution while maintaining certain controls and protections. This agreement, structured under United States law, balances the open source philosophy of collaborative development with necessary legal safeguards. It includes detailed provisions for intellectual property rights, warranty disclaimers, liability limitations, and contribution terms. The document is particularly important for software projects that seek community involvement while maintaining legal clarity and protecting all parties' interests. It addresses key aspects such as patent rights, trademark usage, and compliance requirements, making it suitable for both simple open source projects and complex software distributions with multiple contributors.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the licensor (copyright holder) and definition of licensee (users of the software)

2. Background: Context of the software, its purpose, and the intent to make it available as open source

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, including 'Software', 'Source Code', 'Derivative Works', 'Contribution', etc.

4. Grant of License: Core license terms, including rights to use, modify, and distribute the software

5. Intellectual Property Rights: Statement of ownership and retention of rights by the licensor

6. Distribution Terms: Conditions and obligations for redistributing the software or derivative works

7. Contributor License: Terms governing contributions made to the software by third parties

8. Disclaimer of Warranty: Clear statement that the software is provided 'as is' without warranty

9. Limitation of Liability: Limitations on licensor's liability for damages

10. Termination: Conditions under which the license may be terminated and consequences of termination

11. General Provisions: Standard legal provisions including governing law, jurisdiction, and severability

Optional Sections

1. Patent License: Explicit patent license grants and terms, used when the software may involve patented technology

2. Trademark Usage: Guidelines for using the project's trademarks, needed when the software has associated branded elements

3. Export Compliance: Export control provisions, required when the software contains encryption or regulated technology

4. Government Users: Special terms for government users, needed when targeting government adoption

5. Commercial Distribution: Additional terms for commercial redistribution, used when allowing commercial use with specific conditions

6. Network Use: Terms specific to network or cloud deployment, relevant for software that can be provided as a service

7. Privacy and Data Collection: Terms regarding data collection and privacy, needed if the software collects or processes user data

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule A - Licensed Software: Detailed description of the software components covered by the license

2. Schedule B - Third Party Components: List of third-party software components and their respective licenses

3. Schedule C - Required Notices: Copyright and attribution notices that must be included in distributions

4. Appendix A - Compatible Licenses: List of open source licenses compatible with this license

5. Appendix B - Contribution Agreement: Standard contribution agreement form for contributors

6. Appendix C - Change Log: Version history and modifications to the license terms

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Linkedin in social icon imageX social icon image
alex.den.21@genieai.co
Relevant legal definitions
Software
Source Code
Object Code
Documentation
Derivative Works
Modifications
Contribution
Contributor
License
Licensor
Licensee
User
Distribution
Intellectual Property Rights
Patent Rights
Copyright
Trademark
Third Party Components
Open Source Software
Compatible License
Commercial Use
Network Use
Repository
Release
Version
Patch
Bug Fix
Enhancement
API
Library
Component
Module
Package
Compile
Deploy
Distribute
Fork
Merge
Pull Request
Effective Date
Notice
Terms
Compliance
Relevant Industries

Technology

Software Development

Information Technology

Telecommunications

Healthcare Technology

Financial Technology

Educational Technology

Gaming and Entertainment

Research and Development

Defense and Government

Artificial Intelligence

Cloud Computing

Internet of Things

Cybersecurity

Open Source Software

Relevant Teams

Legal

Software Development

Compliance

Information Technology

Product Development

Risk Management

Documentation

Intellectual Property

Open Source Program Office

Research and Development

Relevant Roles

General Counsel

Intellectual Property Attorney

Software Developer

Chief Technology Officer

Open Source Program Manager

Legal Compliance Officer

Software Architect

Development Team Lead

Product Manager

Chief Information Officer

Licensing Manager

Technical Documentation Writer

Risk Management Officer

Innovation Director

Software Project Manager

Industries
Copyright Act of 1976: Fundamental US copyright law that protects original works of authorship, including software code, and governs how these works can be used, distributed, and modified
Patent Act (35 U.S.C.): Governs patent rights and patent grants, relevant for software patents and patent rights in open source software
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): State-level contract law principles that may apply to software licensing, particularly regarding warranties and commercial transactions
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Addresses digital rights management and online copyright issues relevant to software distribution
Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Federal regulations controlling the export of certain technologies, including encryption software
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Federal law governing warranties on consumer products, relevant for warranty disclaimers in open source licenses
State Contract Laws: Various state-specific contract laws that affect the formation and enforcement of license agreements
Sherman Antitrust Act: Antitrust law that may be relevant when considering license restrictions and competition implications
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Video Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for video content licensing, including usage rights, restrictions, and commercial terms.

find out more

Licensor Licensee Agreement

US-governed agreement establishing terms for intellectual property licensing between a licensor and licensee, including usage rights, obligations, and commercial terms.

find out more

Licence Purchase Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms for the purchase and use of licensed intellectual property, software, or technology between a licensor and licensee.

find out more

Trade Secret Licence Agreement

A US-law governed agreement allowing controlled sharing of trade secrets while maintaining their confidential status and legal protection.

find out more

Beat Licence Agreement

A US-governed agreement that licenses a musical beat from a producer to a user, establishing usage rights and commercial terms under American copyright law.

find out more

Master Use Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to use copyrighted sound recordings, establishing usage terms, payment conditions, and territorial restrictions.

find out more

Licence And Service Agreement

U.S.-governed agreement combining software licensing terms with service delivery provisions, including usage rights, service levels, and commercial terms.

find out more

Open Source Licence Agreement

US-governed legal agreement defining terms for open source software distribution, modification, and use, including rights, protections, and obligations for all parties.

find out more

Product Licence Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms for product usage rights between a licensor and licensee, including license scope, fees, and obligations.

find out more

Technology Licence Agreement

US-governed agreement establishing terms for technology licensing between owner and user, including rights, obligations, and regulatory compliance.

find out more

Saas Licence Agreement

US-governed agreement establishing terms for cloud-based software service delivery, including access rights, usage terms, and compliance requirements.

find out more

Sync Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to synchronize music with visual media, establishing usage terms and compensation under federal copyright and state contract laws.

find out more

Database Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for database access and usage rights between a licensor and licensee, including data protection and intellectual property provisions.

find out more

Boilerplate Software Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for software licensing, usage, and distribution between software providers and their customers.

find out more

Ip Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing intellectual property rights between a licensor and licensee, including scope, payment, and protection provisions.

find out more

Master Licence Agreement

A US-governed framework agreement establishing terms for licensing intellectual property, technology, or other proprietary assets between parties.

find out more

Brand Name License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement allowing controlled use of a brand name and related intellectual property by authorized parties under specific terms and conditions.

find out more

Licensee And Licensor Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for the licensed use of intellectual property between a licensor and licensee.

find out more

Photography License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms and conditions for licensed use of photographic works, including usage rights, restrictions, and compensation.

find out more

Territory License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to operate, sell, or distribute products/services within a defined geographic territory.

find out more

Likeness License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement authorizing commercial use of an individual's likeness, image, and personal attributes, subject to specified terms and conditions.

find out more

Standard License Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms for one party to grant another the right to use specific intellectual property or protected assets.

find out more

Perpetual Licence Agreement

A U.S. law-governed agreement granting permanent rights to use intellectual property, software, or other protected materials, with defined usage terms and conditions.

find out more

Licence Agreement To Occupy Property

US-governed agreement granting temporary permission to occupy property without creating a lease or tenancy relationship.

find out more

Intellectual Property Licence Agreement

U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing intellectual property rights between a licensor and licensee.

find out more

Illustration License Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing illustration works, protecting both creator and client rights under federal copyright law.

find out more

Right Of First Refusal License Agreement

A US-governed agreement granting both a license to use intellectual property and a priority right to acquire additional rights before third parties.

find out more

Brand Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement authorizing the use of a brand owner's intellectual property by another party, subject to specific terms, conditions, and quality controls.

find out more

Standard Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for the licensed use of intellectual property or proprietary materials between a licensor and licensee.

find out more

Third Party Software License Agreement

US-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for third-party software licensing, including usage rights, fees, and compliance requirements.

find out more

Third Party License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing intellectual property or proprietary materials to a licensee with provisions for third-party usage.

find out more

Inbound License Agreement

U.S.-governed agreement for receiving and using licensed intellectual property or technology from a rights holder.

find out more

Character License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that grants rights to use and commercialize intellectual property related to characters, subject to federal and state laws.

find out more

Video Usage Rights Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for video content usage rights, distribution, and monetization across various platforms and territories.

find out more

Trade Name License Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms for licensed use of a trade name, including usage rights, restrictions, and quality control requirements.

find out more

Patent Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to use patented technology, subject to federal patent laws and state contract principles.

find out more

Storage License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for storage space rental between facility operators and renters, incorporating state and federal storage facility regulations.

find out more

Stock Footage License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms and conditions for licensing and using stock video footage, including usage rights, restrictions, and fees.

find out more

Pharmaceutical License Agreement

US-governed agreement for licensing pharmaceutical products or technology, including development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights under federal and state regulations.

find out more

Domain License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing and using a domain name between owner and licensee, incorporating federal domain name regulations and ICANN policies.

find out more

Curriculum License Agreement

A US-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing and using educational curriculum materials, protecting both provider and institutional interests.

find out more

Platform License Agreement

U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for software platform licensing, usage rights, and associated services between platform providers and users.

find out more

Cross License Agreement

A US-governed agreement enabling mutual exchange of intellectual property rights between parties, typically covering patents and other IP rights.

find out more

Commercial Licence Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing intellectual property, technology, or content between a licensor and licensee.

find out more

Beat License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing musical beats, covering usage rights, payment terms, and distribution requirements under federal copyright law.

find out more

Standard Licensing Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing intellectual property or other assets from a licensor to a licensee.

find out more

Data License Agreement

A U.S.-governed Data License Agreement establishing terms for data licensing, usage rights, and compliance requirements under federal and state laws.

find out more

Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal

By providing your email address you are consenting to our Privacy Notice.
Thank you for downloading our whitepaper. This should arrive in your inbox shortly. In the meantime, why not jump straight to a section that interests you here: https://www.genieai.co/our-research
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security

You retain IP ownership of your documents

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

Innovation in privacy:

Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London

Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts

Want to know more?

Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.

Read our Privacy Policy.

Draft quality legal agreements or review documents in 3 minutes

Try for free
BlogAbout UsCareers🌎 Global Site

Templates

Commercial

B2B Suppliers ContractStandard salesSponsorship ContractIT Outsourcing AgreementCommercial Reservation of Rights LetterLoan Note InstrumentCommercial Contract Templates

Employment

Consultancy AgreementFounder service agreementShareholder Agreement for EmployeesAdvisor agreementEmployee EMI Option PlanStandard Directors Service AgreementEmployment Contract Templates

IP

Trade Mark AssignmentIntellectual Property AssignmentSoftware Service Level AgreementSoftware Pilot Evaluation LicenceSAAS Subscription AgreementIP Rights License IP Agreement Templates

Administration

Cloud Computing PolicyBackup PolicyVirus Protection PolicyEqual Opportunities PolicyEnvironmental PolicyAdministration Legal Templates

Finance

Short-Form Directors Loan AgreementMandate Letter (Best Efforts)Drawdown Request (Borrower to Lender)Buyback AgreementPromissory Note (UK)Letter of Waiver (Loan)Finance Legal Templates

R&D

Consortium AgreementVariation to Consortium AgreementEquipment Loan AgreementCommercial R&D AgreementMaterials transfer agreementR&D Legal Templates

Industries

Legal Services

Limited Power of AttorneyBasic Binding Side LetterLetter of IntentNon Binding Comfort LetterContract For Employing A Salaried Partner Deed of Surrender (Lease)Templates for Lawyers

Manufacturing

Consignment ContractStandard Exclusive Distribution Agreement (UK)Intercompany Services Agreement Standard Directors Service AgreementConditions of Supply Memorandum of Understanding Manufacturing Legal Templates

Construction

Vesting CertificateLetter of Claim (Pre-Action Protocol)Tenancy at WillSection 146 Notice (Remedy Breach of Lease)Notice Of Forfeiture Of Lease By LandlordLease Report (Long Form)Construction Legal Templates

Solutions

Use Cases

Company Types

Comparisons

Business Categories

Teams

Information

© 2024 Genie AI Ltd. All rights reserved