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Should an open source hardware license be added? #63

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MasonStooksbury opened this issue Dec 23, 2023 · 0 comments
Open

Should an open source hardware license be added? #63

MasonStooksbury opened this issue Dec 23, 2023 · 0 comments
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enhancement New feature or request

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@MasonStooksbury
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MasonStooksbury commented Dec 23, 2023

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
May or may not be a problem, but there is no hardware-specific license on the project.

Describe the solution you'd like
Consider adding something like the CERN OHL-S-2.0 license. This would add a license similar to GPL-3.0 but specifically for the hardware in the project

Describe alternatives you've considered
There are not really any other licenses geared towards hardware that are similar to GPL-3.0 other than CERN OHL-S-2.0

Additional context
https://opensource.org/license/cern-ohl-s/

Example repo with 2 licenses (and how GitHub can easily show multiple licenses)
https://github.com/MasonStooksbury/Hex-Clock



Quick overview of each

GPL-3.0 (Software License)

  • Type: Designed specifically for software.
  • Copyleft: Strong. Requires that derivative works of the licensed software are also distributed under the GPL.
  • Distribution: Any distribution of the software, modified or not, must include the source code.
  • Patent License: Provides an express grant of patent rights from contributors to users.
  • Tivoization: Prevents "Tivoization," where hardware restricts software modifications.
  • Compatibility: Can be complex when integrating with non-GPL software.
  • Termination: Automatic license termination upon non-compliance, but allows for remedy.

CERN-OHL-S-2.0 (Hardware License)

  • Type: Specifically for hardware designs.
  • Copyleft: Strongly reciprocal. Requires that modifications/derivatives of the design are distributed under the same license.
  • Distribution: Requires the distribution of all original and modified design files.
  • Patent License: Includes clauses on patent licensing.
  • Tivoization: Not applicable, as it focuses on hardware.
  • Compatibility: More straightforward for hardware components but limits flexibility in combining with non-reciprocal designs.
  • Termination: License persists as long as the conditions are met.



Key Differences:

  • Purpose and Domain: GPL-3.0 is tailored for software, while CERN-OHL-S-2.0 is for hardware designs.
  • Application: GPL-3.0 addresses software distribution and modification concerns. CERN-OHL-S-2.0 focuses on hardware design, production, and distribution.
  • Specific Terms: Each license contains terms and conditions specific to its domain (software vs. hardware), reflecting the different concerns and practices in these areas.



Conclusion:

Both GPL-3.0 and CERN-OHL-S-2.0 are strong copyleft licenses but in different domains. GPL-3.0 is ideal for developers who want their software and its derivatives to remain open source. CERN-OHL-S-2.0 suits hardware designers seeking to ensure that their designs and any derivatives stay open source. The choice between these licenses depends on whether the project is software or hardware-focused and the desired level of control over derivatives.

@MasonStooksbury MasonStooksbury added the enhancement New feature or request label Dec 23, 2023
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