This Open Source Software License is designed for use in situations where developers or organizations wish to make their software freely available for use, modification, and distribution while maintaining certain controls and protections under Hong Kong law. The document responds to the growing need for locally compliant open source licensing frameworks that align with international open source principles while addressing specific requirements of Hong Kong's legal system. It includes provisions for copyright protection, patent rights (where applicable), and liability limitations that are compatible with Hong Kong's Control of Exemption Clauses Ordinance. This license is particularly relevant for projects initiated in Hong Kong or those specifically requiring compliance with Hong Kong law, while maintaining interoperability with global open source software practices.
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1. 1. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the license including 'Software', 'Derivative Works', 'Contribution', 'Contributor', and 'Distribution'
2. 2. Grant of Copyright License: Specifies the basic rights granted to users including rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, and sublicense the software
3. 3. Conditions of Use: Outlines the conditions users must meet when using or distributing the software, including attribution requirements and preservation of notices
4. 4. Distribution Obligations: Details requirements for distributing the original or modified software, including source code availability and license terms preservation
5. 5. Disclaimer of Warranty: Clear statement that the software is provided 'as is' without warranties
6. 6. Limitation of Liability: Limits the liability of contributors and copyright holders in compliance with Hong Kong law
7. 7. Termination: Specifies when and how the license terminates and the consequences of termination
1. Patent License: Include when explicit patent rights need to be granted to users, particularly important for software that may implement patented technologies
2. Trademark Usage: Include when there are specific requirements or restrictions regarding the use of project or contributor trademarks
3. Contribution Agreement: Include when setting specific terms for accepting contributions from the community
4. Geographic Restrictions: Include when there are specific territorial restrictions or requirements for compliance with export laws
5. Multiple Licensing: Include when the software can be used under alternative license terms
6. Compatibility Clause: Include when specifying compatibility requirements with other open source licenses
1. Schedule 1 - Licensed Software: Detailed description of the software covered by the license, including version numbers and components
2. Schedule 2 - Third Party Components: List of third-party software components included in the licensed software and their respective licenses
3. Schedule 3 - Required Notices: Specific copyright and attribution notices that must be included in all copies or substantial portions of the software
4. Appendix A - License Template for Derivative Works: Template license text to be used when creating derivative works
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Open Source Software Licence
Hong Kong-law governed open source software license establishing terms for software distribution, modification, and usage rights.
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