SPDX · MPL-2.0 Open source » OSI-approved » FSF-libre » SPDX-listed

Mozilla Public License 2.0

File-level weak copyleft with a patent grant. A middle ground between permissive and strong-copyleft licenses.

Nickname: MPL 2.0 Steward: Mozilla Foundation Copyleft: Weak copyleft First published: 2012 SPDX page ↗ Official ↗

MPL-2.0 applies copyleft at the file level: if you modify an MPL-2.0 file, that file stays under MPL-2.0, but new files can be under a different license. This makes it easier to combine MPL-2.0 code with proprietary code than GPL or LGPL.

It includes an explicit patent grant and retaliation clause. It is compatible with both GPL and Apache-style licenses, which makes MPL-2.0 a common choice for projects that want some copyleft protection without scaring off commercial users.

How to apply

Add a LICENSE file with the full MPL-2.0 text. Each source file should start with the MPL notice:

// This Source Code Form is subject to the terms of the Mozilla Public
// License, v. 2.0. If a copy of the MPL was not distributed with this
// file, You can obtain one at https://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/.

Permissions

Commercial use
The licensed material and derivatives may be used for commercial purposes.
Modification
The licensed material may be modified.
Distribution
The licensed material may be distributed.
Patent use
This license provides an express grant of patent rights from contributors.
Private use
The licensed material may be used and modified in private.

Conditions

Disclose source
Source code must be made available when the material is distributed.
License and copyright notice (source)
Include a copy of the license and copyright notice only when distributed in source form.
Same license (file)
Modifications of existing files must be released under the same license. New files may be under a different license.

Limitations

Trademark use
This license explicitly states that it does NOT grant trademark rights.
Liability
This license includes a limitation of liability.
Warranty
This license explicitly states that it does NOT provide any warranty.

Full license text

Mozilla Public License Version 2.0
==================================

1. Definitions
--------------

(Terms such as "Contributor", "Covered Software", "Executable Form",
"Larger Work", "License", "Modifications", "Source Code Form", "You"
are defined here.)

2. License Grants and Conditions
--------------------------------

2.1. Grants
Each Contributor hereby grants You a world-wide, royalty-free,
non-exclusive license:

(a) under intellectual property rights (other than patent or trademark)
    Licensable by such Contributor to use, reproduce, make available,
    modify, display, perform, distribute, and otherwise exploit its
    Contributions, either on an unmodified basis, with Modifications, or
    as part of a Larger Work; and

(b) under Patent Claims of such Contributor to make, use, sell, offer for
    sale, have made, import, and otherwise transfer either its
    Contributions or its Contributor Version.

3. Responsibilities
-------------------

3.1. Distribution of Source Form
All distribution of Covered Software in Source Code Form, including any
Modifications that You create or to which You contribute, must be under
the terms of this License. You must inform recipients that the Source
Code Form of the Covered Software is governed by the terms of this
License.

… this text is abbreviated.

For the complete license text, see https://www.mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/

Raw text also available at /license-texts/MPL-2.0.txt — handy for curl.

Similar licenses

Upgrade path

If you find this license too limited, these are common next steps:

Notable users

Firefox
Thunderbird
Rust stdlib (dual)

How to apply

Similar licenses

Upgrade path

Notable users

Informational only