Can you alter the MIT license?

Bruce Perens bruce at perens.com
Tue Nov 16 08:11:11 UTC 1999


> Now I have a new interpretation to ponder which is probably compatible with
> the previous paragraph. That the MIT license *can* be changed in derivative
> works by adding terms, as long as those terms do not require actions or
> grant permissions banned by the original.  But what does this really mean
> for MIT style licenses?  Can I add *any* term except 1) a ban on replicating
> the permission notice in the documentation, and 2) a requirement that you
> must include the names of copyright holders in all advertisements?

Lots of people have done it before you and some of them, like Bill Joy,
got filthy rich from it, nobody stopped them, and if any objections were
raised they were ethical ones, not legal ones.

	Thanks

	Bruce



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