OpenTechHub
Sign up
Sign in Sign up

Apache License 2.0

The Apache 2.0 is a modern permissive license favored by large enterprises (Google, Android, Kubernetes). Like MIT, it allows full commercial use. Crucially, it includes an explicit patent grant, protecting you from patent lawsuits from the contributors.

Share Share Share Share Email
🛡️ RISK BADGE: 🟢 LOW (Permissive)

Executive Summary: What is it?

The Apache 2.0 is an OSI-Approved, modern permissive license favored by large enterprises (Google, Android, Kubernetes). Like MIT, it allows full commercial use. Crucially, it includes an explicit patent grant, protecting you from patent lawsuits from the contributors.

CFO / Business Impact: What does it cost/risk?

High Asset Security. Beyond being free to use, this license reduces legal liability regarding software patents. If you use this software, the creators cannot sue you for patent infringement related to their contribution.

Technical Reality: How does it work?

Slightly more formal than MIT. If you modify files, you must include a notice stating that you changed them.

Share Share Share Share Share Email

Similar Alternatives

MIT License

The MIT License is the most permissive and popular open-source license. It allows you to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and sell the software. The only requirement is that you include the original copyright notice in your copy.

BSD 2-Clause License

The BSD 2-Clause License ("Simplified BSD" or "FreeBSD License") is a permissive free software license. It allows use, modification, and distribution for any purpose, including in proprietary products, with two conditions: keep the copyright notice and the warranty disclaimer.

BSD 3-Clause License

The BSD 3-Clause License (also known as "New BSD" or "Modified BSD") is a permissive free software license. It is very similar to the MIT License, allowing you to use, modify, and distribute the software for any purpose. The key difference is an added clause that prohibits using the nam...

ISC License

The ISC License is a permissive free software license functionally equivalent to MIT and BSD 2-Clause. It allows use, modification, and distribution for any purpose, including in proprietary products, with one condition: keep the copyright and permission notice.