OVN license
We propose two OVN Licenses, for digital and hardware assets / resources. The goal is to protect and promote the commons, and stimulate peer production. These licenses synthesize the legal style and terminology of the GNU GPLv3 and CERN OHL-S with the reciprocity clause of the Peer Production License, and integrates OVN (Open Value Network) economic principles regarding contribution-based redistribution.
See more on Github.
OVN LICENSE FOR DIGITAL RESOURCES v1.0
Legal format
OVN LICENSE FOR DIGITAL RESOURCES v1.0
(Open Value Network Digital Resource License)
SPDX-License-Identifier: OVN Digital-1.0
License URI: [1](https://ovn.world/OVN_license)
RDF/JSON-LD Context: [2](https://ovn.world/OVN_license/context.jsonld)
Preamble
The OVN Digital Resource License v1.0 is a legal instrument designed to protect and promote the commons, and stimulate peer production. It draws inspiration from the GNU General Public License version 3 (GPLv3) and integrates principles from the Peer Production License and Open Value Network (OVN) models. This License recognizes the right of contributors to fair and transparent benefit sharing and establishes a mechanism for the redistribution of valuables generated through use of the licensed work.
This License aims to ensure freedom of use, distribution, and modification for commoners, cooperatives, and nonprofits, while requiring reciprocity from for-profit entities. Redistribution of material benefits is governed by a contribution distribution structure referred to as a "Contribution Pie-Chart."
0. DEFINITIONS
"The Work" refers to any software, digital asset, or documentation licensed under this instrument.
"Contributor(s)" are individuals or legal entities that have materially contributed to the development or creation of the Work.
"Contribution Pie-Chart" is a machine- or human-readable artifact distributed with the Work that specifies a fixed percentage allocation of benefit entitlements among Contributors.
"Use" includes reproduction, modification, distribution, performance, public display, or other exploitation of the Work, whether commercial or non-commercial.
"Material Benefits" refers to any monetary or non-monetary value gained from the Use of the Work, including revenue, investment, in-kind value, or commercial advantage.
"Non-Commercial Entities" include commoners, cooperatives, mutuals, and nonprofit organizations operating under solidarity or commons-based peer production principles.
"Commercial Entities" are any entities or individuals using the Work for market-based or profit-seeking purposes without adherence to the above commons principles.
1. GRANT OF RIGHTS
Permission is granted to Use the Work, provided that:
(a) the License and Contribution Pie-Chart are retained with any copies or derivatives of the Work;
(b) the terms of Section 3 (Economic Reciprocity) are upheld where applicable;
(c) no additional restrictions are imposed on the rights granted herein.
2. MODIFICATIONS AND REDISTRIBUTION
You may modify or redistribute the Work under the following conditions:
(a) this License and the Contribution Pie-Chart must be included with the redistributed Work;
(b) if you modify the Work, you may update the Contribution Pie-Chart only to reflect substantial and traceable new contributions;
(c) all modified Works must remain subject to this License.
3. ECONOMIC RECIPROCITY
3.1 Use by Non-Commercial Entities
Non-Commercial Entities may Use the Work freely, subject to a benefit-sharing obligation:
- Where Use results in Material Benefits, at least 0.5% of those benefits must be distributed to Contributors as defined in the Contribution Pie-Chart.
3.2 Use by Commercial Entities
Commercial Use is permitted under explicit reciprocity:
- A minimum of 2% of Material Benefits derived from Use must be allocated to Contributors based on the Contribution Pie-Chart;
- Such redistribution must be executed in good faith, recorded transparently, and completed within a reasonable time frame;
- Non-compliance constitutes a breach of this License and revokes the granted rights.
4. TERMINATION
Rights granted under this License are automatically terminated upon any breach of its conditions. Terminated rights may be reinstated if the breach is remedied within 30 days and restitution is made to the Contributor community.
5. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
The Work is provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the Work lies with the user.
6. HOW TO APPLY THIS LICENSE
To apply the OVN Digital Resource License v1.0 to your own work, attach the following notice to each source file or prominently in your documentation:
``` This work is licensed under the OVN Digital Resource License v1.0 Redistribution and Use require compliance with reciprocity terms. See LICENSE file and accompanying Contribution Pie-Chart. Copyright (c) [year] [name] ```
Versioning and Changelog
- v1.0 (2025-07-26): Initial release. Drafted based on GPLv3, Peer Production License, and OVN principles for benefit redistribution.
RDF/JSON-LD Metadata
<code>
{
"@context": "[https://ovn.world/index.php?title=OVN_license#OVN_LICENSE_FOR_DIGITAL_RESOURCES_v1.0](https://ovn.world/OVN_digital_license)",
"@id": "[https://ovn.world/index.php?title=OVN_license#OVN_LICENSE_FOR_DIGITAL_RESOURCES_v1.0](https://ovn.world/OVN_digital_license/OVN-Digital-v1.0)",
"@type": "License",
"name": "OVN Digital Resource License v1.0",
"licenseOf": "[https://github.com/Sensorica](https://github.com/Sensorica)",
"spdxId": "OVN Digital-1.0",
"creator": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Sensorica",
"url": "[https://www.sensorica.co](https://www.sensorica.co)"
},
"dateIssued": "2025-07-26",
"permissions": \["Use", "Modify", "Distribute"],
"conditions": \["Reciprocity", "Credit", "PieChart"],
"prohibitions": \["Exclusive appropriation"]
}
</code>
---
See [3](https://ovn.world/OVN_license#OVN_LICENSE_FOR_DIGITAL_RESOURCES_v1.0) for authoritative versions, pie-chart format standards, and RDF tools.
Github-friendly format
OVN LICENSE FOR DIGITAL RESOURCES v1.0
(Open Value Network License for Digital Resources)
This software is free and open source. You may copy, distribute, and modify it under the terms described below.
This license draws inspiration from the GNU General Public License v3 (GPLv3) and incorporates reciprocity provisions from the Peer Production License. It integrates Open Value Network (OVN) principles requiring the redistribution of a portion of benefits to contributors.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
0. DEFINITIONS
- "The Work" refers to the software or digital resource covered by this License.
- "Contributor(s)" are individuals or entities who have contributed to the Work.
- "Contribution Pie-Chart" is a file accompanying the Work that describes the fixed percentage of benefit distribution among Contributors.
- "Use" means any reproduction, modification, distribution, deployment, or other utilization of the Work.
- "Non-Commercial Entities" are commoners, cooperatives, associations, or nonprofits acting in solidarity or commons-based peer production.
- "Commercial Entities" are organizations or individuals intending to derive market-based profit through Use of the Work.
- "Material Benefits" refers to any monetary or in-kind value derived from Use, including sales, revenue, capital, or monetizable advantage.
1. LICENSE GRANT
Permission is hereby granted to Use the Work for any purpose, subject to the following conditions:
You must include a copy of this License and the Contribution Pie-Chart in all copies or substantial portions of the Work.
2. REDISTRIBUTION OBLIGATIONS
You must maintain this License and the Contribution Pie-Chart in all redistributions, including modified versions.
If you modify the Work, you may update the pie-chart only to reflect new contributions. You must document and include the updated chart with your redistribution.
3. ECONOMIC RECIPROCITY
a) Use by Non-Commercial Entities:
If Material Benefits are derived, you are required to allocate a minimum of **0.5%** of those benefits to Contributors as per the Contribution Pie-Chart.
b) Use by Commercial Entities:
If you are a for-profit organization or acting with profit motive:
- You may Use the Work only under **explicit reciprocity**.
- You are required to allocate at least **2%** of any Material Benefits to Contributors as per the Contribution Pie-Chart.
- Allocations must be executed transparently and in good faith.
- Public documentation of compliance is encouraged.
Non-compliance with these terms voids your rights under this License.
4. TERMINATION
Violation of any terms automatically terminates your rights under this License.
Your rights may be reinstated if the violation is cured within 30 days and confirmed by the Contributor community.
5. NO WARRANTY
THE WORK IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
6. HOW TO APPLY THIS LICENSE
To apply this license to your own work, add the following to each source file or README:
This work is licensed under the OVN License For Digital Resources v1.0 Redistribution and Use require compliance with reciprocity terms. See LICENSE file and accompanying Contribution Pie-Chart. Copyright (c) [2025] [Sensorica]
REFERENCE MATERIALS
GNU General Public License v3: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html Peer Production License: https://wiki.p2pfoundation.net/Peer_Production_License Contribution Pie-Chart guidelines: https://ovn.world/index.php?title=OVN_license
SPDX-License-Identifier: OVN Digital-1.0
OVN LICENSE FOR MATERIAL RESOURCES v1.0
Legal Format
OVN MATERIAL RESOURCE LICENSE v1.0
(Open Value Network Material Resource License)
SPDX-License-Identifier: OVN-MATERIAL-1.0
License URI: [4](https://ovn.world/license/OVN-MATERIAL-v1.0)
RDF/JSON-LD Context: [5](https://ovn.world/license/context.jsonld)
Preamble
The OVN Hardware License v1.0 is a legal instrument designed to govern the use and redistribution of open-source and do-it-yourself DIY hardware, and to stimulate peer production. It draws inspiration from the CERN Open Hardware License Strongly Reciprocal (CERN-OHL-S-2.0) and integrates reciprocity principles from the Peer Production License and Open Value Network (OVN) economic models.
This License extends the freedoms of design reuse and replication while embedding reciprocity conditions: Non-commercial actors may benefit freely from the commons, while commercial actors must share benefits with contributors. Redistribution of valuables is formalized via a Contribution Pie-Chart.
0. DEFINITIONS
"The Resource" refers to any physical asset, infrastructure, equipment, tool, or material governed by this License.
"Use" includes access, consumption, transformation, replication, installation, or any other operation involving the Resource.
"Contributor(s)" are persons or entities who provided funding, labor, knowledge, or material input to create, maintain, or provision the Resource.
"Contribution Pie-Chart" is a structured file or record provided with the Resource that allocates proportional benefit rights among Contributors.
"Material Benefits" include revenue, savings, rental income, cost avoidance, or any quantifiable economic gain derived from Use of the Resource.
"Non-Commercial Entities" are organizations and individuals operating under non-profit, commons-based, cooperative, or solidarity economy models.
"Commercial Entities" are for-profit actors or entities using the Resource to generate market revenue, competitive advantage, or private financial gain.
1. LICENSE GRANT
Permission is granted to Use the Resource under the following conditions:
- The License and Contribution Pie-Chart must accompany the Resource or be made available through a public access point;
- Users must observe benefit-sharing terms outlined in Section 3;
- For physical Resources, this License must be posted near the Resource or documented in access agreements.
2. REDISTRIBUTION AND TRANSFER
2.1 Redistribution or relocation of the Resource, in whole or in part, must retain this License and the Contribution Pie-Chart. 2.2 Where additional contributors participate in the development or improvement of the Resource, the Pie-Chart must be updated through mutual agreement and made publicly accessible. 2.3 In-kind replication (e.g. manufacturing or cloning of a tool) constitutes redistribution and must observe this License.
3. ECONOMIC RECIPROCITY
3.1 Use by Non-Commercial Entities:
Non-commercial Users may access and use the Resource freely. If Material Benefits are realized (e.g. resale, funded service, or reduced expenditure), a minimum of 0.5% of that value must be distributed to Contributors per the Contribution Pie-Chart.
3.2 Use by Commercial Entities:
Commercial Use of the Resource is conditional upon explicit reciprocity:
- At least 2% of all Material Benefits derived from Use must be shared with Contributors as per the Contribution Pie-Chart;
- Contributions may be financial or in-kind, but must be equivalent in value and agreed by a coordinating body or custodian;
- Records of compliance must be kept available to the Contributor community.
4. TERMINATION
Failure to comply with any condition of this License terminates the right to Use the Resource. Terminated rights may be reinstated if the breach is cured and restitution is made to Contributors within 30 days.
5. DISCLAIMER
The Resource is provided "AS IS", with no warranty as to condition, safety, or fitness for particular purpose. The user bears full responsibility.
6. HOW TO APPLY THIS LICENSE
To apply this License to a Resource, physically or digitally attach the following notice:
``` This resource is licensed under the OVN Material Resource License v1.0 Redistribution and Use require compliance with reciprocity terms. See LICENSE file and Contribution Pie-Chart. Copyright (c) [year] [Sensorica] ```
Versioning and Changelog
v1.0 (2025-07-26): Initial release. Developed by Sensorica. Based on OVN principles, Peer Production License, and commons governance of shared physical resources.
RDF/JSON-LD Metadata (example)
<code>
{
"@context": "[https://ovn.world/index.php?title=OVN_license#OVN_LICENSE_FOR_MATERIAL_RESOURCES_v1.0](https://ovn.world/license/context.jsonld)",
"@id": "[https://ovn.world/index.php?title=OVN_license#OVN_LICENSE_FOR_MATERIAL_RESOURCES_v1.0](https://ovn.world/license/OVN-MATERIAL-v1.0)",
"@type": "License",
"name": "OVN Material Resource License v1.0",
"licenseOf": "[https://github.com/Sensorica](https://github.com/Sensorica)",
"spdxId": "OVN-MATERIAL-1.0",
"creator": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Sensorica",
"url": "[https://www.sensorica.co](https://www.sensorica.co)"
},
"dateIssued": "2025-07-26",
"permissions": \["Use", "Replicate", "Transfer"],
"conditions": \["Reciprocity", "Attribution", "PieChart"],
"prohibitions": \["Exclusive appropriation"]
}
</code>
For canonical license text, compliance guidance, and pie-chart formatting tools, visit: [6](https://ovn.world/license)
Contribution-pie-chart.json template
<code>
{
"$schema": "https://ovn.world/schemas/contribution-pie-chart.schema.json",
"project": {
"name": "[Project Name]",
"version": "1.0.0",
"license": "OVN Material Resource License v1.0",
"generatedAt": "2025-07-26T00:00:00Z",
"generator": "Sensorica Pie-Chart Tool v1.0"
},
"contributors": [
{
"id": "https://github.com/username1",
"name": "Alice Example",
"role": ["mechanical_design", "documentation"],
"contributionPercent": 35.0,
"description": "Designed mechanical frame and wrote assembly manual."
},
{
"id": "https://github.com/username2",
"name": "Bob Example",
"role": ["electronics", "firmware"],
"contributionPercent": 40.0,
"description": "Developed PCB and firmware for motor control."
},
{
"id": "https://github.com/username3",
"name": "Charlie Example",
"role": ["community", "testing"],
"contributionPercent": 25.0,
"description": "Organized testing events and user feedback."
}
],
"totalPercent": 100.0,
"notes": "This distribution was agreed upon by consensus during project milestone review #3."
}
</code>