Ƶ

Open Source License Agreement for Germany

Open Source License Agreement Template for Germany

A comprehensive legal framework governed by German law that establishes the terms and conditions for the distribution, modification, and use of open source software. This agreement incorporates specific requirements of German copyright law (Urheberrechtsgesetz) and civil code (BGB), while maintaining compatibility with international open source principles. It addresses key aspects including license grant, usage rights, liability limitations, warranty disclaimers, and contribution terms, all structured to comply with German legal requirements while facilitating global software collaboration and distribution.

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 License Agreement

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

What is a Open Source License Agreement?

The Open Source License Agreement serves as a crucial legal instrument for organizations and individuals releasing software under open source terms in Germany. It is specifically designed to comply with German legal requirements while adhering to international open source principles. This document becomes necessary when entities wish to make their software freely available for use, modification, and distribution while maintaining certain controls and protections. The agreement addresses German-specific legal considerations including strict liability rules, warranty requirements, and copyright law specifics, while incorporating standard open source provisions. It's particularly relevant in contexts where software will be distributed internationally but must primarily comply with German law.

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

1. Parties: Identification of the licensor (copyright holder) and specification of potential licensees

2. Background: Context of the software, its purpose, and the intent to make it available as open source

3. Definitions: Key terms including 'Software', 'Source Code', 'Derivative Works', 'Contribution', and 'Distribution'

4. Grant of Rights: Scope of license, including rights to use, modify, and distribute the software under German copyright law

5. License Conditions: Conditions under which the licensed rights must be exercised, including attribution requirements

6. Intellectual Property Rights: Confirmation of ownership and protection of intellectual property rights

7. Distribution Requirements: Rules and obligations regarding software distribution and making source code available

8. Contributor License: Terms governing contributions to the software and contributor rights

9. Warranty Disclaimer: Explicit disclaimer of warranties in compliance with German law

10. Limitation of Liability: Limitations of liability under German law, including Product Liability Act considerations

11. Term and Termination: Duration of the license and conditions for termination

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of German law application and jurisdiction for disputes

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

1. Patent License: Include when the software may be subject to patent rights that need to be explicitly licensed

2. Trademark Usage: Include when there are specific requirements for using associated trademarks

3. Commercial Use Provisions: Include when different terms apply to commercial versus non-commercial use

4. Data Protection: Include when the software processes personal data or requires GDPR compliance

5. Export Control: Include when the software may be subject to export control regulations

6. Network Use: Include when the software can be accessed over a network as a service

7. Compatible Licenses: Include when specifying which other open source licenses are compatible

8. Compliance with Standards: Include when the software must comply with specific technical or industry standards

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

1. Schedule 1 - Software Description: Technical description of the software, including components and dependencies

2. Schedule 2 - Third-Party Components: List of third-party components and their respective licenses

3. Schedule 3 - Attribution Notices: Required attribution and copyright notices

4. Schedule 4 - Technical Requirements: Technical requirements for modification and distribution

5. Appendix A - Contribution Agreement: Template for contributor agreements

6. Appendix B - Change Log: Documentation of version changes and modifications

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

Information Technology

Software Development

Financial Services

Healthcare Technology

Manufacturing

Telecommunications

Education

Research and Development

E-commerce

Digital Media

Automotive

Industrial Automation

Cloud Services

Artificial Intelligence

Internet of Things

Relevant Teams

Legal

Software Development

Compliance

Information Technology

Product Development

Intellectual Property

Security

Risk Management

Open Source Program Office

Research and Development

Relevant Roles

Software Developer

Legal Counsel

Intellectual Property Attorney

Compliance Officer

Chief Technology Officer

Open Source Program Manager

Software Architect

Development Team Lead

Product Manager

Chief Information Officer

Technology Compliance Manager

Software License Administrator

Legal Operations Manager

IT Security Manager

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