🌍 A modern open source license for the AI era
Built for mixed projects containing code, content, media, and datasets
- What is OAL?
- Key Features
- Quick Start
- License Summary
- AI Content Support
- International Compliance
- FAQ
- Contributing
The Open Attribution License (OAL) is a free, open source license designed for today's diverse digital landscape. Unlike traditional software licenses, OAL covers:
| Type | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Software Code | 💻 | Source code, libraries, frameworks, and applications |
| Documentation | 📝 | Guides, manuals, and written content |
| Media Files | 🎨 | Images, audio, video, and graphics |
| Databases | 🗄️ | Structured data and training datasets |
| AI Content | 🤖 | Code and media created by AI systems |
| Applications | 🌐 | Web and mobile apps, complete services |
No cost for personal, educational, or commercial purposes
Give credit to the original creator. Mandatory and clear
First license with explicit AI-generated content provisions
Global compliance with Berne Convention, TRIPS, and WIPO
Comprehensive framework with dispute resolution
Step 1: Copy the license (Click to expand)
Create a file named LICENSE in your project root:
Copyright (c) [YEAR] [YOUR NAME]
[Full OAL license text here]
Step 2: Add a badge (Click to expand)
Add this to your README.md:
[](./docs/OAL.md)Step 3: Done! (Click to expand)
Your project is now protected under OAL 1.0. Users must give attribution when using your work.
When using OAL-licensed work, include attribution:
💻 For Code:
This project uses [Work Title] by [Author Name].
Copyright [Year] [Copyright Holder]. Licensed under OAL 1.0.
🎨 For Media:
[Work Title] by [Author Name], licensed under OAL 1.0.
📝 For Documentation:
Portions of this document come from [Work Title] by [Author Name],
OAL 1.0 license.
| Permission | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial use | Use in products and services |
| ✅ Modification | Create derivative works |
| ✅ Distribution | Share with others |
| ✅ Private use | Use in personal projects |
| ✅ Sublicensing | Include in larger projects |
| ✅ AI training | Use for training AI models |
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| 🏷️ Attribution | Credit the original author |
| 📄 License notice | Include license text |
| 🔄 Same license | Keep OAL for original parts |
| 🤖 AI identification | Identify AI-generated content |
| Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| Use at your own risk | |
| Authors not responsible | |
| Separate permission needed | |
| Separate agreements required |
OAL is the first open source license with explicit support for AI-generated content:
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| 🤖 AI-Generated Code | Licensed like human-written code |
| 🎨 AI-Generated Media | Clear attribution requirements |
| 👤 Human-AI Collaboration | Guidelines for mixed authorship |
| 🔍 Transparency | Identify AI-created portions |
OAL 1.0 is designed for global use:
✅ Berne Convention
✅ TRIPS Agreement
✅ WIPO Copyright Treaty
✅ GDPR & CCPA Compliance
✅ Multi-Jurisdiction Enforcement
💰 Do I have to pay to use OAL?
No! OAL is completely free to use, modify, and distribute.
💼 Can I use OAL for commercial projects?
Yes! OAL explicitly permits commercial use. Just give proper attribution.
🔧 What if I modify the work?
You must keep the original attribution and license for the original parts. You can add your own license for your modifications.
🔗 Does OAL work with other licenses?
Yes! You can combine OAL-licensed work with other open source licenses. Just comply with all applicable licenses.
⚠️ What happens if I don't give attribution?
Your license terminates automatically. You must stop using the work immediately.
🛡️ Is there a warranty?
No. OAL-licensed work comes without any warranty or guarantee.
🤖 Can I use OAL-licensed work to train AI?
Yes! You can use OAL-licensed work for AI training, but you must give attribution and comply with all OAL terms.
🌍 Is OAL recognized internationally?
Yes! OAL is designed for global use and complies with major international copyright treaties including Berne Convention, TRIPS, and WIPO.
📝 How do I attribute OAL-licensed work?
Include the copyright notice, author name, work title, license name (OAL 1.0), and a link to the original work.
Want to improve OAL? We welcome feedback and suggestions!
🐛 Open an issue
💡 Start a discussion
📜 Full License Text
⚖️ Legal FAQ
This license is provided without warranty of any kind. The authors and contributors are not liable for any damages arising from the use of this license. See Section 6.4 and 6.5 of the full license for complete warranty and liability disclaimers.
Made with ❤️ for the open source community
⭐ Star this repo if you find OAL useful! ⭐
Built with accessibility in mind. Screen reader friendly.