Apache license
A permissive open-source license similar to MIT, but with explicit rules protecting users from patent infringement lawsuits related to the software.
What it is
The Apache License Version 2.0 allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software. However, it requires users to explicitly state significant changes made to original files. Its defining feature is an explicit grant of patent rights; if someone contributes code and later tries to sue users over a patent, their license to use the software is instantly terminated.
When you would use it
You choose the Apache license over MIT when working on large, corporate-backed open-source projects where explicit patent protection and change tracking are necessary.
Common operations
- Releasing large open-source infrastructure projects (like Kubernetes or React).
- Protecting corporate open-source contributors from patent trolls.
Related terms
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