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My company has a client-side web application that we would like to open-source. We don't want to impose any restrictions on usage, except that any modifications and derivative works should contain a visible attribution, e.g. show our name and/or logo - we want it to be visible that our code is being used in the application.

As I understand, while licenses like BSD 3-clause contain an attribution requirement, it can be satisfied with something like a HTML comment only. How to license to ensure that derivative works are visibly labeled?

gnat
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hmp
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1 Answers1

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I shall assume that your main purpose is to tell potential users of your source code what you would like them to do, rather than actually suing anybody. For the latter, please see your friendly lawyer.

I would suggest you need three things.

  1. Start with a base licence in a form that covers most of the bases, but does not have the specific clause you want. The advantage is (a) the language sounds right and (b) it probably has the right words just in case some lawyer does read it.

  2. Draft one single clause that clearly specifies exactly what you want them to do. Specify exactly your name and logo, how prominent it must be, where it must be shown and so on. Read other licences to see the kind of language to use. The Gnu licences are quite good at that, but any will do. Add this clause to the licence and renumber as needed.

  3. Write a plain English preamble which explains what you want users of the software to do in the simplest possible language. Put that preamble on the download page in prominent text so they couldn't possibly miss it.

Sounds like you can start with BSD and just add your own clause. Not that hard really, unless you plan to sue someone. Which you don't.

david.pfx
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