The Static Open Source License (SOSL) is founded on the principle that software should remain free and open for everyone to use, study, share, and improve.
Unlike permissive licenses that allow privatization of community work, SOSL ensures that improvements and modifications are returned to the commons. It is a strong copyleft license, designed to prevent proprietary enclosures, “open core” models, or software-as-a-service (SaaS) loopholes.
This license guarantees:
By closing common loopholes — including SaaS, linking, patent aggression, and hardware locks — SOSL protects the integrity of free software across modern use cases. Any ambiguity in this license must be interpreted in favor of openness, freedom, and the community’s shared benefit.
1.1 Original Work: The software, including source code, object code, and documentation, distributed under this license.
1.2 Derivative Work: Any work that modifies, adapts, extends, links to (statically or dynamically), containerizes, or is designed to interoperate primarily with the Original Work.
1.3 Distribution: Making the Original Work or a Derivative Work available to others, including by transfer, hosting, network access, or SaaS.
1.4 Licensee (“You”): Any individual or entity exercising rights under this license.
2.1 Use: You may use the Original Work for any lawful purpose.
2.2 Copy & Distribute: You may copy and distribute the Original Work or Derivative Works, provided each distribution includes this license.
2.3 Modify & Derive: You may modify the Original Work or create Derivative Works, provided all such works are licensed in full under SOSL v2.2.
3.1 Copyleft Requirement: All Derivative Works must remain licensed in full under SOSL v2.2.
3.2 Source Code Availability: If you distribute or make the Original Work or a Derivative Work available (including via SaaS or network use), you must provide complete corresponding source code under this license.
3.3 Installation Information: If distributed in a device, you must also provide keys, scripts, or instructions needed to run modified versions.
3.4 Integrity of License: You may not alter or replace this license. A copy must accompany all distributions or public uses.
3.5 Attribution: All original notices must be preserved. Attribution must appear in a reasonable place in any user-facing documentation, interface, or “About” section.
3.6 Patent Grant & Retaliation: By contributing to or distributing the Work, you grant a worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable patent license covering your contributions. If you initiate a patent claim against the Work, your rights under this license terminate immediately.
4.1 Proprietary Derivatives: You may not distribute or make available any Derivative Work under restrictive or proprietary terms.
4.2 Additional Restrictions: You may not impose further conditions, fees, or agreements beyond those in this license.
This software is provided “as is,” without any express or implied warranties, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The authors and copyright holders are not liable for any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from use or performance of the software.
6.1 Automatic Termination: Rights terminate immediately upon violation.
6.2 Reinstatement: Rights are reinstated automatically if the violation is cured within 30 days of notice, unless willful or repeated.
7.1 Governing Law: This license is enforceable under the laws of any jurisdiction where enforcement is sought.
7.2 Severability: If any clause is invalid, the remainder remains effective.
7.3 Interpretation: In case of ambiguity, this license shall be interpreted to maximize openness, user freedom, and preservation of the commons.
End of Static Open Source License v2.2 (SOSL v2.2)