Universal Share-Alike Licensecopyleft across different kinds of work
In any number of conversations, I’ve pointed out that a share-alike or “copyleft” license could apply across different kinds of work. For example, a software license could require sharing alike of artwork made with the software. A license for digital artwork could require sharing alike of software incorporating that artwork.
Here’s a sketch of actual terms from my GitHub repository:
The Universal Share-Alike License
Development Draft
Purpose
This license allows you to use and share this work for free, but you have to share work that you make or use with this work alike.
Agreement
In order to receive this license, you have to agree to its rules. Those rules are both obligations under that agreement and conditions to your license. Don’t do anything with this work that triggers a rule you can’t or won’t follow.
Notices
Make sure everyone who gets a copy of any part of this work from you, with or without changes, also gets the text of this license.
Share Alike
Share work that you make or use with this work, including changes or additions to this work. When in doubt, share.
How to Share
To share work:
Publish the work, in the preferred forms for use and making changes, through a freely accessible distribution system widely used for similar work so others can find and copy it.
Make sure every part of the work is available under this license.
Take these steps within thirty days.
Excuse
You’re excused for unknowingly breaking Share Alike if you share as required, or stop doing anything requiring this license, within thirty days of learning you broke the rule. You’re excused for unknowingly breaking Notices if you take all practical steps to comply within thirty days of learning you broke the rule.
Copyright
Each contributor licenses you to do everything with this work that would otherwise infringe their copyright in it.
Patent
Each contributor licenses you to do everything with this work that would otherwise infringe any patent claims they can license or become able to license.
Defense
Don’t make any legal claim against anyone accusing this work, with or without changes, alone or with other technology, of infringing any patent.
Other Exclusive Rights
Each contributor licenses you to do everything with this work that would otherwise infringe any other exclusive rights in the content or usefulness of the work that the contributor can license or becomes able to license. This licenses covers database rights, plant variety rights, but not trademarks or service marks.
Reliability
No contributor can revoke this license.
No Liability
As far as the law allows, this work comes as is, without any warranty or condition, and no contributor will be liable to anyone for any damages related to this software or this license, under any kind of legal claim.
Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome by e-mail.