Knowledge Tree
derivative works
Also known as: derivative work, derived works
Facts (30)
Sources
Open-source license - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 6 facts
claimUnless an original work is in the public domain, a derivative work can only be distributed with the permission of every copyright holder.
claimCopyleft licenses require that derivative works include source code under a similar license, whereas permissive licenses do not, allowing the code to be used within proprietary software.
claimCopyleft licenses are further divided into strong and weak categories, depending on whether they define derivative works broadly or narrowly.
referenceDifferent reciprocal licenses use specific definitions for derivative works: the Mozilla Public License (MPL) uses a file-based definition, the Common Public License (CPL) and Eclipse Public License (EPL) use a module-based definition, and the Lesser General Public License (LGPL) refers to software libraries.
claimModified versions of an original work are considered derivative works, and the creator of the modifications holds the copyright to those specific changes.
claimCopyleft licenses require derivative works to be distributed with the source code and under a similar license.
Open Source Licensing Explained: A Comprehensive Guide - TuxCare tuxcare.com Oct 21, 2024 3 facts
claimThe GPL is an example of a copyleft license that ensures derivative works remain open source.
claimCopyleft licenses impose stricter conditions on redistribution to ensure that derivative works remain open source.
referenceCommon restrictions in open source licenses include the retention of copyright by original owners, specific patent rights, requirements for attribution of original authors, and mandates that derivative works use the same license (often found in copyleft licenses).
Legal aspects of Open Source Software: What makes it different ... en.havelpartners.blog Jul 24, 2024 3 facts
claimThe most important aspect of public licenses for Open Source Software is the set of requirements regarding the redistribution of derivative works, including works that incorporate Open Source Software elements.
claimCopyleft licenses, such as the GNU GPL and its variations, require that any derivative works be licensed under the same terms as the original software, a requirement often referred to as a 'viral effect'.
referenceThe Open Source Initiative defines the criteria for software to be considered Open Source Software (OSS) as: free redistribution, source code availability, permission for further modifications (derived works), allowed restrictions on the distribution of modifications (integrity), non-discrimination against persons or groups, no restrictions on use (fields of endeavour), the licence must be valid for all, independence of products, no restrictions on other software, and technology neutrality.
The Open Source Definition (Annotated) opensource.org 2 facts
claimThe Open Source Definition establishes that open source software is defined by more than just access to source code; its distribution terms must comply with specific criteria regarding redistribution, source code access, derived works, and integrity.
claimThe Open Source Definition requires that licenses explicitly permit the distribution of software built from modified source code, though they may require derived works to carry a different name or version number than the original software.
The Complete Guide to Open Source Licenses - FOSSA fossa.com 2 facts
claimCopyleft licenses ensure that derivative works remain open source by requiring that any modifications or extensions also be distributed under the same license terms.
referenceThe Open Source Definition, maintained by the Open Source Initiative, requires that a license must allow free redistribution, ensure source code availability, permit the creation of derivative works, maintain the integrity of the author's source code, prohibit discrimination against persons or groups, prohibit discrimination against fields of endeavor, require distribution of the license, not be specific to a product, not restrict other software, and be technology-neutral.
Open Source Software: What is OSS? - Sonatype sonatype.com 2 facts
claimPermissive open source licenses give developers broad rights with minimal restrictions and do not require derivative works to adopt the same license or to be open source.
claimA copyleft license grants everyone the right to use, modify, and distribute the code, but requires all derivative works to be distributed under the same terms.
Open Source Licenses: Definition, Types, and Comparison solutionshub.epam.com Feb 3, 2023 2 facts
claimThe Mozilla Public License (MPL) is a weak copyleft license that requires derivative works that modify MPL-licensed code to be licensed under the same license.
claimCopyleft licenses allow the use, modification, and distribution of a work for free, provided that any derivative works are shared under the same copyleft license.
What Is Open Source Software? - IBM ibm.com 2 facts
claimPermitting derivative works built on open source code to be copyrighted and sold expands commercial opportunities for creators of open source software.
claimThere are over 100 different types of open source software licenses, some of which permit derivative works built on open source code to be copyrighted and sold.
Understanding Open-source Licenses: Key factors to Consider leanix.net 1 fact
claimThe GPL requires that derivative works must also be GPL-licensed.
What is Open Source? - Revenera revenera.com 1 fact
claimThe GPL (General Public License) permits free use, modification, and distribution of software, and as a copyleft license, it ensures that derivative works remain open source.
Understanding Open-Source Software Licensing - Kemp IT Law kempitlaw.com Mar 13, 2025 1 fact
claimCopyleft licenses, such as GPL and LGPL, require that derivative works be released under the same license, which can potentially impact proprietary software.
Open-source hardware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia smoothieware.github.io Apr 15, 2016 1 fact
claimCopyleft licenses, also known as 'share-alike' or 'viral' licenses, require that derivative works be released under the same license as the original work.
The Open Source Definition opensource.org 1 fact
claimThe Open Source Definition requires that an Open Source Software license must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow those modifications and derived works to be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original software.
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Open Source Hardware Licensing michaelweinberg.org Oct 6, 2017 1 fact
claimWithholding blanket licenses on a trademark is a component of open source hardware practices because it allows others to build upon the hardware without implying that the original creator is responsible for the derivative works.
What is Open Source Software (OSS)? - Harness harness.io Dec 17, 2025 1 fact
referenceThe key principles of Open Source Software include free redistribution (ensuring broad access without legal or financial barriers), source code access (allowing users to understand, modify, and enhance software), permission for derived works (fostering continuous improvement), and license compliance (adhering to licenses like GPL, MIT, and Apache to ensure software remains open).
[PDF] The Open Source Definition (Annotated) users.ece.utexas.edu Jul 24, 2006 1 fact
claimOpen Source Software licenses must allow modifications and derived works, and must allow those derived works to be distributed under the same terms as the original license.