š”ļø RISK BADGE: š“ HIGH (Network Copyleft)
āļø The Executive Summary
The Open Software License 3.0 (OSL-3.0) is a strong copyleft license, often compared to the AGPL but with distinct legal mechanisms.
- Can you use it commercially? Yes.
- Can you modify it? Yes.
- Must you share changes? Yes, if you distribute or deploy it (Network Use triggers copyleft).
- Can you mix it with closed code? No, generally the entire derivative work must be OSL.
šļø The "Business Risk" Matrix
| Factor | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor Lock-in | š¢ Low | Code is perpetually open. |
| Viral Effect | š“ High | Strong copyleft; affects the whole application. |
| Compliance Cost | š“ High | Strict requirements on distribution and patents. |
š Key Obligations
- Network Distribution: Deploying as a SaaS triggers the obligation to share source code (similar to AGPL).
- Patent Termination: Contains an explicit patent retaliation clause.
- Derivative Works: Any modifications or linked works must be released under OSL-3.0.