Introduction: A Shifting Landscape of Licensing
In the realm of software development, choosing an open-source license is not just a legal formality. It shapes how the software can be used, distributed, and modified. For years, I navigated through various licenses, and today, I am turning to the EUPL 1.2 - a decision that reflects a deeper understanding of the implications of licensing.
My Past Licensing Eras
At the beginning of my career, I opted for the LGPLv2 license for Midgard, a logical choice at the time for a web framework. It was a time when free software licenses were fewer. In 2011, while working with JavaScript, I adopted the MIT license, widely used in the NPM package ecosystem for its simplicity and interoperability.
However, as I continued to develop and publish software, I realized that these permissive licenses made it easy for large companies to benefit without giving much back to the community or individual developers.
Why EUPL?
The EUPL, or European Union Public License, is an OSI-approved free software license. Unlike permissive licenses like MIT, the EUPL is a strong copyleft license that closes the SaaS loopholes by requiring reciprocal licensing regardless of how the software is distributed.
As of 2023, the EUPL has gained traction due to its legal robustness and its ability to protect the interests of developers and the community. The license has legally valid official translations in 23 languages, a major asset for software intended for a global audience.
Use Cases and Projects under EUPL
Since my shift to EUPL, I have released several projects under this license:
- reticulum-js: a JavaScript implementation of the Reticulum mesh networking protocol.
- dacar: a decentralized authorization system built on Reticulum.
- signalk-energy-predictor: an energy prediction system for boats powered by renewable energies.
- offshore-blogging-system: a tool for publishing blog posts and downloading weather data via InReach satellite text messages.
The Real-World Impact of EUPL
Adopting the EUPL is not just a philosophical decision. It's a clear statement against the exploitation of the open source community by large corporations that benefit without contributing. By protecting developers' work, the EUPL encourages innovation and collaboration within a fair framework.
Conclusion: The Future of Open Source Licensing
Choosing the EUPL is choosing a path that values the creators' work while ensuring their work remains free and accessible. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, developers must be vigilant about how their creations can be used.
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