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The License explained in German

The Apache License, Version 2.0 is definitely Free Software and also Open Source Software.

Here are the details of why this is the case and what it means for you:

1. Official Recognition

  • FSF (Free Software Foundation): It classifies the Apache 2.0 as a license for ‘Free Software.’ However, it is not compatible with GPL Version 2, but compatible with GPL Version 3.

  • OSI (Open Source Initiative): It recognizes the Apache 2.0 as one of the most popular and standardized open-source licenses.

2. what to do with it? (Freedoms)

Under the Apache 2.0 license, everyone (including companies) can:

  • Use the software for any purpose: Commercial, private, internal – everything allowed.

  • Change the code: You can adjust the tool as you wish.

  • Copy and distribute the software: You may share it.

  • Even sell: You may sell software based on Apache code.

3. The Special Feature: “Permissive” (Liberal)

Unlike the GPL (General Public License), the Apache License does not have a ‘copyleft’ effect.

  • That means: If you take Aura (under Apache 2.0) and modify it, you do not necessarily have to release your new code as open source again. You can also incorporate it into a closed, commercial product.

4. A great advantage: the patent clause

The Apache 2.0 license is very popular with companies (often more popular than MIT or BSD) because it includes an explicit patent grant.

  • Anyone who contributes code to the project automatically grants users a license for all patents they hold on that code.

  • This protects users from “patent trolls”. If someone sues you for patent infringement who worked on the project himself, he automatically loses his rights to the software.

Summary:

Under Apache 2.0, signal professionalism:

  1. ** Legal certainty:** Especially for large companies (such as in automotive or finance) this is the “safest” license.

  2. Flexibility: They can easily integrate your tool into their internal toolchains without having to fear the copyleft effect.

Conclusion: It is FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) in the best sense. It is “free” both in the sense of “free” and in the sense of “freedom.”