LRC

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Revision as of 06:58, 7 October 2013 by KalleP (talk | contribs) (Thoughts)
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LRC

Release status: concept

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Description
A new Open Hardware licence model
License
Author
Contributors
Based-on
Categories
CAD Models
External Link


Licence Required for Commercial use

Introduction

A significant problem exists in the larger Open Hardware community that directly affects the RepRap community as well.

It pertains to the lack of a usable licensing model for ideas and designs that are disclosed to the public.

The main failing is that none of the usual Open Source Software models cover the compensation of hardware development costs in any way and in a sense victimise the developers who chooses to publish.

There has been much ongoing discussion in various fora about this problem but no resolution in sight as yet.

This page is intended as a place holder to one such proposal.

I hope others will try and round out the license if I have made some gross error in my estimation

LRC 0.1

This design or idea is free for all non-commercial use and available for commercial
licensing where allowed. 
Fair compensation is requested by the developer from profits.  
Your word is your bond.

LRC 1.0

This after the first round of consensus has been achieved.

Thoughts

The latest version will be implied if no version number is specified.

Open source is an option but not required beyond what is needed to use the design or idea. Commented code, reference citations and formula derivations is a prividge to the end user and not an automatic right. Compiled design files (sliced 3D models) or printer ready files (PS or PFD) would be allowed. Reverse engineering or decompilation for personal use would be allowed but commercial use of such would require a licence agreement.

A licensing agreement, in spirit, comes into force automatically if profits are made from the use of the design or idea. Payment of 1-20% of net profits would be a fair gesture for something that you use to make money. Negotiated licences can specify any compensation that is mutually agreeable. Payment of licence fees to a charity or Open Hardware related foundation are acceptable if the designers is not contactable of waives any fees.

The scope of the idea that is covered is what is disclosed much as in a patent document. If it gives you a new idea then you can publish your new idea. If your new idea makes you very rich you can share some of the wealth with those you helped you come up with your idea.

The idea is to say the maximum amount with the minimum words and offer the most meaning to a regular person. Nitpickers do not need to be accommodated. Those planing to abuse the spirit of the agreement need not be accommodated. Those wanting to get involved in development must have their rights clearly spelt out so they can see why they should apply this licence model to their work.

Exclusions will exist but must be assumed, such as it would be pointless and immoral to place this licence on work that is known to be under trade secret, patent or other more restrictive licence. The reach of this licence would be universal in location and for all sentient beings. All legal wording is assumed where it might be required (gender, plurals, individuals/incorporated persons etc.) but left out as it should never see a court of law except as an example of best practice.

It can be used in companionship with other Open Source licence models if it does not conflict directly with them and you want to carry over some of their fame or good will. Remember that they confer no protection on ideas and designs so technically they are the more open licence models compared to this.

Links