Mozilla Public License

Mozilla Public License

The Mozilla Public License is an open source software license allowing modification and distribution of source code. It requires modified versions to use a different name and their source code to remain open.
Development Open Source Licenses
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Mozilla Public License alternatives ➤

Mozilla Public License: Open Source Software License

The Mozilla Public License is an open source software license allowing modification and distribution of source code. It requires modified versions to use a different name and their source code to remain open.

What is Mozilla Public License?

The Mozilla Public License (MPL) is an open source and free software license developed and maintained by the Mozilla Foundation. It is a copyleft license that is easy to comply with compared to stronger reciprocal licenses like the GNU GPL.

The key features of the MPL are:

  • It allows users to modify and distribute the source code, as long as the modified versions use a different name.
  • It requires modified source code to remain open and retain the MPL license terms.
  • It allows developers to combine MPL projects with proprietary code to build hybrid/proprietary software.
  • The reciprocal copyleft applies only to files that are unchanged and covered by MPL. Extension code files are not subject.
  • It doesn't place restrictions on distributing binaries unlike strong copyleft licenses.
  • Patent clauses are included to protect contributors and users from patent litigation.

Overall, the MPL offers a middle ground between permissive licenses like BSD/MIT and reciprocal ones like GPL. It provides flexibility while preserving the core value of openness.

Mozilla Public License Features

Features

  1. Allows reuse and modification of source code
  2. Requires modified versions to use a different name
  3. Requires modified source code to remain open
  4. Permits distribution of larger works without forcing them to be open source

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Promotes open source collaboration

Allows customization of existing software

Free to use

Cons

Lack of warranty from original authors

Requires attribution

Incompatible with some other licenses

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.mozilla.org/MPL/

The Best Mozilla Public License Alternatives

Top Development and Open Source Licenses and other similar apps like Mozilla Public License

Here are some alternatives to Mozilla Public License:

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Creative Commons
GNU General Public License icon
GNU General Public License
WTFPL icon
WTFPL
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Creative Commons icon

Creative Commons

Creative Commons is a global nonprofit organization that aims to provide an easy, standardized way for content creators to share their creative works with others legally. It offers several copyright licenses and public domain tools that content creators can use to allow reuse, remixing, and sharing of their work.The main...
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GNU General Public License

The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely-used free software license, created by the Free Software Foundation. It guarantees end users the freedoms to use, study, share and modify the software.The GPL grants the recipients of a computer program the rights of the Free Software Definition. These rights include...
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WTFPL

The WTFPL (Do What the Fuck You Want to Public License) is an extremely permissive software license that allows users unlimited freedom with the software covered under the license.Some key aspects of the WTFPL include:Users can use, modify, distribute and sell the software however they see fit, without any restrictions.There...
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