[License-review] Request for a new license review [Luther-LAW_DE.FID5237501]
Pamela Chestek
pamela at chesteklegal.com
Sat Mar 15 22:15:05 UTC 2025
On your first point, I'm not sure what you mean by "steward-supplied
English translation" - do you mean that the downstream user would have
the option to distribute the English version of the license instead? I
disagree with that; the German version is the only official version of
the license so it is the text that should travel with the code. We also
have approved other foreign language licenses, like the Licence Libre du
Québec series and the Mulan license (which has a translation as part of
the text but also says " IN THE CASE OF DIVERGENCE BETWEEN THE CHINESE
AND ENGLISH VERSIONS, THE CHINESE VERSION SHALL PREVAIL"), so it won't
be the first time that we have accepted a foreign language license. We
also put the English translation of the licenses on the website too, so
users should be able to find a translation quite easily.
As to your second point, I personally think the reduced limitation of
liability makes the thought of becoming a contributor considerably less
appealing, since a contributor will also be signing up for what might be
increased liability, and the license less appealing for others to adopt
for their projects for the same reason. But I don't see it as a
violation of the OSD or a sufficiently significant enough restraint to
take it out of the category of open source.
Do others have thoughts?
Pam
Pamela S. Chestek (in my personal capacity)
Chestek Legal
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW MAILING ADDRESS
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On 3/12/2025 5:37 PM, Simon Phipps wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My main concern here relates to the fact that open source is a global
> community activity and it is generally impossible to predict where a
> user of a given piece of software will be located, or what languages
> they will understand, especially when they improve and share the work.
> This leads to two concerns which may or may not need addressing - I
> apologise that as a non-lawyer I cannot gauge the risks sucfficiently.
>
> First, the notice requirement "The copyright notice above and this
> notice of permission must be included in all copies or material parts
> of the software." Up until now many have reasonably assumed that
> users of source code will speak at least some English in addition to
> any other languages because the source code arises from English, and
> thus that permissions in English are necessary. While this is an
> increasingly uncertain assumption, I do get concerned when a license
> steward assumes that only their non-English version will be used.
> I would thus prefer to see the notice requirement clarify that the
> steward-supplied English translation satisfies the requirement.
>
> Second, the acceptance of liability. While I recognise that the main
> motivation for this is to adjust for the liability regime in Germany,
> I am concerned that the second part accepting liability creates too
> much risk in jurisdictions where liability can be disclaimed. I wonder
> if the whole section should be boxed with the idea in the middle that
> "IF LIABILITY CANNOT BE LIMITED OR EXCLUDED BY LAW." and the MIT or
> BSD disclaimer included otherwise?
>
> Obviously I am happy to defer if the lawyers here believe these two
> concerns are over-cutious!
>
> Cheers
>
> Simon
> (in a personal capacity)
>
> On Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 3:03 AM Pamela Chestek
> <pamela.chestek at opensource.org> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> Any more comments on the license? I have not heard any objection
> to approving the license, so this is your last chance to express
> any concern.
>
> Pam
>
> Pamela S. Chestek
> Board Member
> Open Source Initiative
>
> On 2/26/2025 6:10 AM, Langenheim, Niccolo wrote:
>>
>> Dear Pam,
>>
>> Please find attached the certified translation of the OSC –
>> License. Kindly note, that we have clarified the wording of the
>> Rights Holders to Author and/or Licensors and the wording of
>> agreement to OSC License Agreement.
>>
>> Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further
>> questions and please let me know if you require any further
>> information.
>>
>> Kind Regards
>>
>> Niccolo
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> *Niccolo****Langenheim, LL.M.*
>>
>>
>> Rechtsanwalt
>>
>> IP/IT
>>
>> *Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH*
>>
>> Anna-Schneider-Steig 22 (Rheinauhafen), 50678 Köln, Germany
>>
>> Phone: +49 221 9937 21105
>>
>> Fax: +49 221 9937 110
>>
>> Mobile: +49 152 016 21105
>>
>> niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com
>> <mailto:niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com>
>>
>> www.luther-lawfirm.com <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>>
>> Luther Lawfirm - Juve 2024 <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>> Einen Überblick über unsere aktuellen Veranstaltungen finden Sie
>> im _Luther-Terminkalender
>> <https://www.luther-lawfirm.com/newsroom/veranstaltungen>_
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>> *From:*Pamela Chestek <pamela.chestek at opensource.org>
>> <mailto:pamela.chestek at opensource.org>
>> *Sent:* Montag, 17. Februar 2025 18:51
>> *To:* License submissions for OSI review
>> <license-review at lists.opensource.org>
>> <mailto:license-review at lists.opensource.org>; Langenheim, Niccolo
>> <niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com>
>> <mailto:niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [License-review] Request for a new license review
>> [Luther-LAW_DE.FID5237501]
>>
>> Niccolo,
>>
>> We seem to be stalled on this license. Are you expecting to be
>> able to provide a certification of the translation?
>>
>> If not, since I believe we have at least two native German
>> speakers on the list (Dirk and Catherine), I would be content
>> with their confirmation that the translation is accurate.
>>
>> Pam
>>
>> On 12/23/2024 3:17 AM, Langenheim, Niccolo wrote:
>>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> first thanks for the helpful feedback so far. Please find
>> attached a first version of the English license text. We are
>> still looking for an Open Source valid certified translator
>> who will submit a certified translation. As soon as we have
>> such a certified translation, we will make it available to
>> you immediately. As we need to have a German license text, we
>> need an official, and OSI-approved text of those licenses in
>> German.
>>
>> The following is also the other requested information for the
>> review process:
>>
>> 1. A copy of the license in both German and English can be
>> found in the attachment in plain text format.
>> 2. I hereby confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the
>> license submitted complies with the Open Source
>> Definition and in particular fulfills OSD 3, 5, 6 and 9.
>> 3. Since the license is to be used and created for the first
>> time for a cross-city project, there are currently no
>> projects using the license. However, it is planned that
>> the license will be used in mid/late January.
>> 4. The name of the license is OSC License and the version
>> number is 1.0.
>> 5. Need for regulation: Based on the queries, I would like
>> to reiterate that the problem with the invalid limitation
>> of liability mentioned in the previous email does not
>> only exist in the public sphere (cities, etc.), but for
>> anyone who wants to use the license. Regarding the
>> distinction between the rights holder and the author, I
>> would like to state the following:
>>
>> Copyright arises from the act of creation. It encompasses a
>> range of powers of the author to use and exploit his work,
>> which will be explained in more detail below.
>>
>> However, a distinction must be made here between two
>> essential concepts:
>>
>> On the one hand, there is the highly personal right as the
>> author. It is inextricably linked to the person of the author
>> – which is why it is also referred to as the author's moral
>> right. This right cannot be transferred to another person by
>> contract, nor can another person be contractually designated
>> as the author if the latter was not directly, practically and
>> personally involved in the creation of the work. Furthermore,
>> the author cannot waive his or her (moral) right of authorship.
>>
>> The moral rights of the author are to be distinguished from
>> the rights of use and exploitation of a work – these can be
>> transferred to other persons, for example by means of a
>> license agreement. In order to take into account this
>> *possible, but not mandatory*, disassociation of the author
>> and the rights holder, both are included in the license.
>>
>> Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further
>> questions and please let me know if you require any further
>> information.
>>
>> Kind Regards
>>
>> Niccolo Langenheim
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> *Niccolo****Langenheim, LL.M.*
>>
>>
>> Rechtsanwalt
>>
>> IP/IT
>>
>> *Nächste geplante Abwesenheit/next planned absence:
>> 23.12.2024 – 13.01.2025*
>>
>> **
>>
>> *Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH*
>>
>> Anna-Schneider-Steig 22 (Rheinauhafen), 50678 Köln, Germany
>>
>> Phone: +49 221 9937 21105
>>
>> Fax: +49 221 9937 110
>>
>> Mobile: +49 152 016 21105
>>
>> niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com
>> <mailto:niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com>
>>
>> www.luther-lawfirm.com <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>>
>> Luther Lawfirm - Juve 2024 <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>> Einen Überblick über unsere aktuellen Veranstaltungen finden
>> Sie im _Luther-Terminkalender
>> <https://www.luther-lawfirm.com/newsroom/veranstaltungen>_
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>> *From:*License-review
>> <license-review-bounces at lists.opensource.org>
>> <mailto:license-review-bounces at lists.opensource.org> *On
>> Behalf Of *Pamela Chestek
>> *Sent:* Freitag, 13. Dezember 2024 05:09
>> *To:* license-review at lists.opensource.org
>> *Subject:* Re: [License-review] Request for a new license review
>>
>> Hi Niccolo,
>>
>> Can you submit it with the information described on this
>> page? https://opensource.org/licenses/review-process
>>
>> Since this is not in English, we will also need a certified
>> translation of the license.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Pam Chestek
>> Chair, License Committee
>> Open Source Initiative
>>
>> On 12/11/2024 1:58 AM, Langenheim, Niccolo wrote:
>>
>> Dear Open Source Initiative Team,
>>
>> With this e-mail I am submitting a new Open Source
>> license on behalf of my client, the city of Solingen in
>> Germany. The need for the new license stems from the fact
>> that the versatile MIT license does not contain a
>> limitation of liability that is effective under German
>> law. Even if it is predominantly assumed in the
>> specialist literature that Open Source licenses are
>> generally subject to donation law and therefore more
>> favourable liability and warranty rights apply, it has
>> not yet been confirmed by the courts. This results in the
>> risk that courts may adopt a different legal
>> interpretation in the event of a dispute, with the result
>> that the statutory liability limitations of donation law
>> no longer apply. However, it is particularly important
>> for public law projects of cities, municipalities, etc.
>> to agree a legally secure limitation of liability that
>> guarantees a limitation of liability regardless of the
>> legal classification.
>>
>> In order to close this gap in the limitation of liability
>> and at the same time benefit from the advantages of an
>> MIT license, we have drafted the following license,
>> which, apart from an effective limitation of liability,
>> is based on the MIT license:
>>
>> Copyright (c) <Jahr> <Copyright Inhaber>
>>
>> Jedem, der eine Kopie dieser Software und der zugehörigen
>> Dokumentationsdateien (die „Software“) erhält, wird
>> hiermit kostenlos die Erlaubnis erteilt, ohne
>> Einschränkung mit der Software zu handeln, einschließlich
>> und ohne Einschränkung der Rechte zur Nutzung, zum
>> Kopieren, Ändern, Zusammenführen, Veröffentlichen,
>> Verteilen, Unterlizenzieren und/oder Verkaufen von Kopien
>> der Software, und Personen, denen die Software zur
>> Verfügung gestellt wird, dies unter den folgenden
>> Bedingungen zu gestatten:
>>
>> Der obige Urheberrechtshinweis und dieser
>> Genehmigungshinweis müssen in allen Kopien oder
>> wesentlichen Teilen der Software enthalten sein.
>>
>> DIE AUTOREN ODER URHEBERRECHTSINHABER HAFTEN UNBESCHRÄNKT
>> BEI VORSATZ, ARGLISTIGER TÄUSCHUNG, GROBER
>> FAHRLÄSSIGKEIT, DER VERLETZUNG VON LEIB, LEBEN ODER
>> GESUNDHEIT UND SOWEIT DIE HAFTUNG GESETZLICH NICHT
>> BESCHRÄNKT ODER AUSGESCHLOSSEN WERDEN KANN. BEI
>> FAHRLÄSSIGER VERLETZUNG EINER PFLICHT, DEREN ERFÜLLUNG
>> WESENTLICH FÜR DIE DURCHFÜHRUNG DES VERTRAGS IST
>> (KARDINALPFLICHT), HAFTEN DIE AUTOREN ODER
>> URHEBERRECHTSINHABER DER HÖHE NACH BEGRENZT AUF DEN
>> SCHADEN, DER BEI VERTRAGSSCHLUSS VORHERSEHBAR UND TYPISCH
>> IST.
>>
>> DARÜBER HINAUS IST EINE HAFTUNG AUSGESCHLOSSEN.
>>
>> DIE VORSTEHENDE HAFTUNGSBESCHRÄNKUNG GILT AUCH FÜR DIE
>> HAFTUNG DER MITARBEITER, VERTRETER UND ORGANE DER AUTOREN
>> ODER URHEBERRECHTSINHABER.
>>
>> Finally, I would like to note that the license has been
>> legally reviewed by our law firm.
>>
>> I will be happy to answer any further questions.
>>
>> Kind Regards
>>
>> NiccoloLangenheim
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> *Niccolo****Langenheim*
>>
>>
>> *Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH*
>>
>> Anna-Schneider-Steig 22 (Rheinauhafen), 50678 Köln, Germany
>>
>> Phone: +49 221 9937 21105
>>
>> Fax: +49 221 9937 110
>>
>> Mobile: +49 152 016 21105
>>
>> niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com
>> <mailto:niccolo.langenheim at luther-lawfirm.com>
>>
>> www.luther-lawfirm.com <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>>
>> Luther Lawfirm - Juve 2024 <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>> Einen Überblick über unsere aktuellen Veranstaltungen
>> finden Sie im _Luther-Terminkalender
>> <https://www.luther-lawfirm.com/newsroom/veranstaltungen>_
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <http://www.luther-lawfirm.com/>
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
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>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>> The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and not necessarily those of the Open Source Initiative. Communication from the Open Source Initiative will be sent from anopensource.org <http://opensource.org> email address.
>>
>>
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>>
>> --
>> Pamela S. Chestek Chair, License Committee Open Source Initiative
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Geschäftsführer: Elisabeth Lepique, Dr. Markus Sengpiel
>> Die Gesellschaft ist eingetragen beim Registergericht Köln
>> (Sitz der Gesellschaft) Nr. HRB 39853
>>
>> Information on how Luther handles your personal data can be
>> found here
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>> This e-mail communication (and any attachment/s) is
>> confidential and intended only for the individual(s) or
>> entity named above and others who have been specifically
>> authorised to receive it. If you are not the intended
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>> sender that you have received this e-mail in error, by
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>> information may be subject to professional secrecy (e. g. of
>> auditor, tax or legal advisor), other privilege or otherwise
>> be protected by work product immunity or other legal rules.
>> Thank you.
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>> The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and not necessarily those of the Open Source Initiative. Communication from the Open Source Initiative will be sent from anopensource.org <http://opensource.org> email address.
>>
>>
>>
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>>
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>>
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>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Geschäftsführer: Elisabeth Lepique, Dr. Markus Sengpiel
>> Die Gesellschaft ist eingetragen beim Registergericht Köln
>> (Sitz der Gesellschaft) Nr. HRB 39853
>>
>> Information on how Luther handles your personal data can be found
>> here
>> <https://www.luther-lawfirm.com/datenschutzinformation-mandanten>.
>> This e-mail communication (and any attachment/s) is confidential
>> and intended only for the individual(s) or entity named above and
>> others who have been specifically authorised to receive it. If
>> you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use
>> or disclose the contents of this communication to others. Please
>> notify the sender that you have received this e-mail in error, by
>> calling the phone number indicated or by e-mail, and delete the
>> e-mail (including any attachment/s) subsequently. This
>> information may be subject to professional secrecy (e. g. of
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>> protected by work product immunity or other legal rules. Thank you.
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>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and
> not necessarily those of the Open Source Initiative. Communication
> from the Open Source Initiative will be sent from an
> opensource.org <http://opensource.org> email address.
>
> License-review mailing list
> License-review at lists.opensource.org
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>
>
>
> --
> *Simon Phipps*
> /Office:/ +1 (415) 683-7660 /or/ +44 (238) 098 7027
> /Signal/Telegram/Mobile/: +44 774 776 2816
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and not necessarily those of the Open Source Initiative. Communication from the Open Source Initiative will be sent from an opensource.org email address.
>
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