# Apache 2.0 License The Apache License 2.0 is a permissive open source license published by the [[Apache Software Foundation (ASF)]] in 2004. It allows users to use, modify, and distribute the software for any purpose—including proprietary use—while providing an explicit patent grant and requiring preservation of copyright notices and disclaimers. Unlike the [[GNU General Public License (GPL)]], Apache 2.0 doesn't require derivative works to be open source (no copyleft). It's popular in enterprise environments because it's business-friendly, legally clear, and compatible with [[GPLv3 License|GPLv3]]. The explicit patent grant protects users from patent litigation by contributors. ## Key Features - **Permissive**: No copyleft, proprietary use allowed - **Patent grant**: Contributors grant patent licenses - **Attribution**: Must retain copyright/license notices - **State changes**: Must note significant modifications - **No trademark rights**: Doesn't grant trademark use ## Apache 2.0 vs MIT/BSD | Aspect | Apache 2.0 | MIT/BSD | |--------|------------|---------| | Patent grant | Explicit | None | | Length | Longer, detailed | Very short | | Attribution | Required | Required | | Enterprise use | Preferred | Common | ## Notable Apache 2.0 Projects - **Android** (AOSP) - **Kubernetes** - **TensorFlow** - **Apache HTTP Server** - **Rust** (dual MIT/Apache) - **Swift** ## References - https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_License ## Related - [[MIT License]] - [[BSD License]] - [[GNU General Public License (GPL)]] - [[Functional Source License (FSL)]] - [[Open Source]] - [[Open Source Initiative (OSI)]] - [[Apache Software Foundation (ASF)]]