Ƶ

Open Source Copyright License for Germany

Open Source Copyright License Template for Germany

A comprehensive Open Source Copyright License drafted under German law (Urheberrechtsgesetz - UrhG) that establishes the terms and conditions for the use, modification, and distribution of software code. This license combines compliance with German copyright and contract law requirements while maintaining compatibility with international open source principles. It addresses key aspects including copyright grant, usage rights, attribution requirements, warranty disclaimers, and liability limitations, all specifically adapted to the German legal framework while ensuring practical applicability in an international context.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Open Source Copyright License

Let Ƶ's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.

What is a Open Source Copyright License?

This Open Source Copyright License is designed for use by software developers, organizations, and individuals who wish to make their software available under open source terms while ensuring compliance with German law. The license specifically addresses requirements under the German Copyright Act (Urheberrechtsgesetz) and Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch), while maintaining alignment with international open source principles. It's particularly suitable for projects initiated in Germany or by German entities, providing clear terms for code sharing, modification rights, and redistribution requirements. The document includes specific provisions for attribution, liability limitations, and warranty disclaimers that are compliant with German legal requirements, making it suitable for both domestic and international use while providing legal certainty under German jurisdiction.

What sections should be included in a Open Source Copyright License?

1. 1. Definitions: Clear definitions of key terms used throughout the license, including 'Work', 'Derivative Works', 'Source Code', 'Object Code', 'Contributor', and 'Recipient'

2. 2. Copyright Grant: The fundamental license grant under German copyright law (UrhG), specifically addressing the rights being granted under §31-44a UrhG

3. 3. Scope of License: Detailed description of permitted uses, modifications, and distribution rights, including any restrictions

4. 4. Distribution Obligations: Requirements for redistribution, including source code availability and notice requirements

5. 5. Attribution Requirements: Rules for maintaining copyright notices and attribution to original authors (moral rights under §13 UrhG)

6. 6. Disclaimer of Warranty: Warranty disclaimers in accordance with German law, considering §437 BGB limitations

7. 7. Limitation of Liability: Liability limitations in compliance with German law, particularly addressing §309 No. 7 BGB restrictions

8. 8. Termination: Conditions under which the license terminates and the consequences of termination

9. 9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of German law application and jurisdiction provisions

What sections are optional to include in a Open Source Copyright License?

1. Patent Grant: Optional section for explicit patent rights grant, used when the software might be subject to patent protection

2. Contributor Provisions: Used in cases where multiple contributors are expected, defining rights and obligations of contributors

3. Network Use Rights: Special provisions for software used over a network, similar to AGPL provisions

4. Compliance with Export Laws: Required when the software might be subject to export restrictions

5. Data Protection Compliance: Required when the software processes personal data, addressing GDPR requirements

6. Commercial Use Provisions: Special terms for commercial use cases, when dual-licensing is intended

What schedules should be included in a Open Source Copyright License?

1. Schedule A - Compatible Licenses: List of other open source licenses deemed compatible with this license

2. Schedule B - Required Notices: Standard copyright and attribution notices to be included in all copies

3. Schedule C - Technical Requirements: Technical specifications for source code distribution and documentation

4. Appendix 1 - Version Compatibility: Guidelines for compatibility between different versions of the license

5. Appendix 2 - Usage Examples: Examples of compliant and non-compliant usage scenarios

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Germany

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

License Agreement

Sector

IP

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses

























Relevant Industries

Software Development

Information Technology

Telecommunications

Financial Services

Healthcare Technology

Educational Technology

Manufacturing

Research and Development

Cloud Services

Internet of Things

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Digital Media

Open Source Technology

Relevant Teams

Legal

Software Development

Information Technology

Research and Development

Product Development

Information Security

Compliance

Innovation

Technical Documentation

Quality Assurance

Relevant Roles

Legal Counsel

Software Developer

Chief Technology Officer

Intellectual Property Manager

Open Source Compliance Officer

Software Architect

Development Team Lead

Project Manager

Research and Development Director

Chief Information Officer

Technology Licensing Manager

Software Quality Assurance Manager

Information Security Officer

Product Manager

Innovation Director

Industries






Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

White Label License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement allowing a licensee to rebrand and market a licensor's product/service under their own brand name.

find out more

Residential Licence Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing a flexible residential licence arrangement between property owner and resident, incorporating key requirements of German property law.

find out more

Occupancy License Agreement

A German law agreement granting temporary rights to occupy and use property or space, commonly used for flexible workspace arrangements and commercial purposes.

find out more

Name And Likeness License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement authorizing and regulating the commercial use of an individual's name, image, and likeness rights while ensuring compliance with German personality rights protection.

find out more

Master Toy License

A German law-governed agreement authorizing a toy manufacturer to produce and sell licensed toy products, subject to quality controls and royalty payments.

find out more

License Rental Agreement

A German law-governed agreement combining license and rental provisions for intellectual property rights and physical assets.

find out more

Non Exclusive Photo License Agreement

German law-governed agreement for non-exclusive licensing of photographic works, ensuring compliance with German Copyright Act while protecting both parties' interests.

find out more

License Back Agreement

A German law-governed agreement where an IP transferor receives a license to continue using previously transferred intellectual property rights.

find out more

Exclusive And Non Exclusive License

German law licensing agreement template for exclusive and non-exclusive rights transfer, compliant with deutsches Recht and suitable for domestic and international use.

find out more

Copyright Agreement

A German law-governed agreement for transferring or licensing copyright, addressing both exploitation rights and moral rights under the Urheberrechtsgesetz.

find out more

Lease & License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement combining property lease terms with license rights, suitable for commercial property rental with associated usage rights.

find out more

Real Property License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement granting specific property usage rights from an owner to a user, structured under the German Civil Code (BGB).

find out more

Partnership License

German law-governed agreement combining partnership collaboration and licensing rights, establishing terms for joint operations and IP usage between partners.

find out more

Content Usage Agreement

A German law-governed agreement defining terms and conditions for content usage and distribution rights between parties.

find out more

Commercial Property Licence Agreement

A German law-governed agreement granting commercial property usage rights from a Licensor to a Licensee, establishing terms and conditions for business premises use.

find out more

Oem Software License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement for licensing software to OEMs for integration into their products and redistribution to end users.

find out more

Freeware Software License

German law-compliant Freeware Software License Agreement for free software distribution and use, incorporating necessary legal protections and usage terms.

find out more

Software License Server Open Source

German law-governed agreement for open source software license server deployment and operation, combining technical requirements with legal compliance measures.

find out more

Standard Copyright License

A German law-compliant copyright license agreement for managing intellectual property rights transfer and usage permissions under the Urheberrechtsgesetz (UrhG).

find out more

Simple Software License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing basic terms for software licensing between licensor and licensee, compliant with German Civil Code requirements.

find out more

Photographer License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing photographic works, including usage rights, compensation, and compliance with German copyright and data protection regulations.

find out more

Non Commercial Use License

A German law-governed license agreement for non-commercial use of intellectual property, incorporating specific requirements of German contract and licensing laws.

find out more

Beta License

German law-governed agreement for beta software testing, establishing tester rights, obligations, and liability framework.

find out more

Grazing License

A German law agreement granting rights to use specified land for grazing livestock, setting terms for usage, maintenance, and environmental compliance.

find out more

Exclusive Beat License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement granting exclusive rights to use and commercialize a musical beat, with specific terms for usage, payment, and rights management.

find out more

Patent License

A German law-governed agreement for licensing patent rights, detailing terms of use, royalties, and obligations under German patent and competition law.

find out more

Copyright License

A German law-governed agreement that enables copyright holders to license their intellectual property rights to others while maintaining compliance with the Urheberrechtsgesetz.

find out more

Trademark License

A German law-governed agreement granting rights to use a trademark under specific terms and conditions, complying with German trademark law and EU regulations.

find out more

Perpetual Use License

German law-governed Perpetual Use License agreement granting permanent rights to use intellectual property with comprehensive usage terms and protections.

find out more

Parking License Agreement

A German law agreement establishing terms for parking space usage, governed by the BGB and local regulations.

find out more

Trademark Agreement

A German law-governed agreement regulating the licensing and use of trademarks between owners and licensees, compliant with German and EU trademark regulations.

find out more

Technology License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms for technology licensing between a licensor and licensee, incorporating German and EU legal requirements.

find out more

Sublicensable License

A German law-governed agreement granting rights to use and sublicense intellectual property, with provisions for multi-tier licensing relationships.

find out more

Simple Trademark License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement allowing the controlled use of trademarks by authorized licensees, establishing rights, obligations, and commercial terms.

find out more

Simple License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement that enables the controlled licensing of intellectual property or proprietary assets from a licensor to a licensee.

find out more

Short Term License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement for temporary licensing of intellectual property or technology, providing a structured framework for short-term IP usage rights.

find out more

Sampling License

A German law-governed Sampling License agreement for legal use of copyrighted musical material, ensuring compliance with German copyright and moral rights requirements.

find out more

Royalty License

A German law contract governing the licensing of intellectual property rights in exchange for royalty payments, complying with German civil and commercial law requirements.

find out more

Royalty Bearing License

A German law-governed Royalty Bearing License agreement establishing terms for IP licensing and royalty payments between licensor and licensee.

find out more

Room License Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms for temporary room occupation, providing flexibility while ensuring compliance with German civil code (BGB) requirements.

find out more
See more related templates

ұԾ’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it