This pull request updates the license of this project from GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0) to GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0).
We at Ultralytics have decided to make this change in order to better protect our intellectual property and ensure that any larger work that incorporates YOLO and is provided as a service over a network will also be open-sourced under AGPL-3.0.
AGPL-3.0 is very similar to GPL-3.0, but with an additional clause to address the use of software over a network. This change ensures that if someone uses YOLO as part of a larger work and provides that larger work as a service over a network (e.g., through a web application or API), they must make the source code of the larger work, including any YOLO modifications, available to users of the service under the AGPL-3.0 license.
We believe that this change will promote a more collaborative environment and help drive further innovation within the YOLO community.
Switch from MIT to GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL).
📊 Key Changes
License updated from the MIT License to the GNU Affero General Public License Version 3.
The new license applies stricter terms on the distribution and modification of the software, especially concerning network server software.
🎯 Purpose & Impact
🔓 Strengthen copyleft: The AGPL aims to ensure that the software (and any modifications) remain free and open, particularly when it's run on network servers.
🔄 Enhanced sharing requirements: When modified software is used over a network, the AGPL requires that the modified source code is available to the community.
🌐 Impact on cloud services: This change is significant for cloud service providers, as it ensures users can access the source code of any AGPL-licensed software they are using remotely.
⚖️ Legal implications: Developers using the software must be aware of and comply with the more stringent requirements to avoid legal issues.
🧑💻 Developer collaboration: It may encourage or enforce more collaborative development practices and sharing of improvements.
This pull request updates the license of this project from GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0) to GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0).
We at Ultralytics have decided to make this change in order to better protect our intellectual property and ensure that any larger work that incorporates YOLO and is provided as a service over a network will also be open-sourced under AGPL-3.0.
AGPL-3.0 is very similar to GPL-3.0, but with an additional clause to address the use of software over a network. This change ensures that if someone uses YOLO as part of a larger work and provides that larger work as a service over a network (e.g., through a web application or API), they must make the source code of the larger work, including any YOLO modifications, available to users of the service under the AGPL-3.0 license.
We believe that this change will promote a more collaborative environment and help drive further innovation within the YOLO community.
🛠️ PR Summary
Made with ❤️ by Ultralytics Actions
🌟 Summary
Switch from MIT to GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL).
📊 Key Changes
🎯 Purpose & Impact