Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0)
Permissive WITH an express patent grant. Incompatible with GPLv2; compatible with GPLv3.
Key facts
- SPDX id
- Apache-2.0
- Category
- Permissive
- Copyleft scope
- none
- Express patent grant
- Yes
- SaaS triggers disclosure
- No
- GPL-compatible
- GPLv3 only — incompatible with GPLv2.
Obligations
When redistributing as open source.
- Apache-2.0: retain the copyright notice and license text.
- Apache-2.0: state significant changes made to the code.
- Apache-2.0: include the NOTICE file with attribution notices.
Commercial use
Yes. Commercial use is permitted; retain the copyright notice and license text. Also include the NOTICE file and state significant changes.
- Apache-2.0: retain the copyright notice and license text.
- Apache-2.0: state significant changes made to the code.
- Apache-2.0: include the NOTICE file with attribution notices.
Permissive: include notices (Apache also needs NOTICE + change statements). Weak copyleft: disclose only the modified library/files and, for LGPL static linking, provide a relink path. Strong copyleft (GPL): NOT possible to keep proprietary if GPL code is in the derivative work. AGPL: same as GPL plus network rules.
FAQ
- Can I use Apache-2.0 in a commercial product?
- Yes. Commercial use is permitted; retain the copyright notice and license text. Also include the NOTICE file and state significant changes.
- Do I have to open-source my code if I use Apache-2.0?
- No. Apache-2.0 never requires you to disclose your source.
- Does running Apache-2.0 software as a SaaS require source disclosure?
- No. Hosting is not distribution under Apache-2.0; running it as a service does not trigger source disclosure.
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with the GPL?
- GPLv3 only — incompatible with GPLv2.
Compatibility with other licenses
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with MIT? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with BSD-2-Clause? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with BSD-3-Clause? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with ISC? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with BSL-1.0? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with Unlicense? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with CC0-1.0? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with MPL-2.0? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with EPL-2.0? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with LGPL-2.1? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with LGPL-3.0? Yes
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with GPL-2.0-only? No
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with GPL-2.0-or-later? It depends
- Is Apache-2.0 compatible with GPL-3.0-only? Yes
- Is AGPL-3.0 compatible with Apache-2.0? Yes