Fair-Code License

A Fair-Code License is a source-available license that combines open source principles with commercial restrictions to enable sustainable software development.

• AKA: Fair Source License, Source-Available Commercial License, Sustainable Open Source License.
• Context:
  • It can (typically) provide Source Code Access through public repositorys and transparent development.
  • It can (typically) enable Free Usage through non-commercial use permissions and evaluation licenses.
  • It can (typically) enforce Commercial Restrictions through revenue thresholds and enterprise license requirements.
  • It can (typically) support Community Contribution through open development models and pull request acceptance.
  • It can (typically) maintain Code Transparency through public issue trackers and development roadmaps.
  • ...
  • It can (often) facilitate Revenue Generation through paid enterprise licenses and support contracts.
  • It can (often) provide Usage Flexibility through time-based restrictions and user-count limitations.
  • It can (often) implement License Evolution through version updates and term modifications.
  • It can (often) support Self-Hosting Rights through deployment freedom and modification permissions.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Permissive Fair-Code License to being a Restrictive Fair-Code License, depending on its commercial use threshold.
  • It can range from being a Time-Limited Fair-Code License to being a Perpetual Fair-Code License, depending on its license duration model.
  • It can range from being a Revenue-Based Fair-Code License to being a User-Based Fair-Code License, depending on its restriction metric.
  • ...
  • It can transition to Open Source License after time period expiration.
  • It can convert to Commercial License upon revenue threshold breach.
  • It can interface with License Management Systems for compliance tracking.
  • It can communicate with Legal Frameworks for enforceability.
  • It can synchronize with Business Models for sustainability strategy.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Specific Fair-Code Licenses, such as:
    • n8n Fair-Code License requiring enterprise license for revenue-generating uses.
    • Functional Source License (FSL) converting to Apache 2.0 after two years.
    • Elastic License 2.0 restricting managed service offerings and license key bypasses.
  • Fair-Code Licensed Softwares, such as:
    • n8n Workflow Automation Platform using fair-code distribution model.
    • Directus Platform using fair-code license for sustainable development.
    • Cal.com Platform using fair-code approach for scheduling software.
  • Fair-Code Business Models, such as:
    • Open Core Plus Model combining fair-code base with proprietary extensions.
    • Time-Delayed Open Source Model using fair-code before open source conversion.
    • Revenue-Share Fair-Code Model with graduated commercial terms.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Traditional Open Source Licenses, which lack commercial restrictions and allow unrestricted commercial use.
  • Proprietary Licenses, which restrict source code access and lack community transparency.
  • Freeware Licenses, which provide binary distribution without source code availability.
  • Public Domain Software, which lacks license enforcement and attribution requirements.
• See: Software License, Open Source License, Source-Available License, Commercial Software License, Sustainable Software Development.

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