How to Use the BOSL License Template

Quick Start

1. Download the template:

   • BOSL-LICENSE-TEMPLATE.txt

2. Fill in your details:

   • Replace [YEAR] with current year (e.g., 2025)
   • Replace [PROJECT NAME] with your software name
   • Replace [COPYRIGHT HOLDER] with your name/organization
   • Replace [YOUR LEGAL EMAIL] with your legal contact

3. Save to your repository:

   • File name: LICENSE or BOSL-LICENSE.txt
   • Location: Root of your repository

4. Add badge to README.md:

   [![License: BOSL v1.1](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-BOSL_v1.1-blue.svg)](https://barrersoftware.com/foss-license.html)

Example

Before (Template):

Copyright (C) [YEAR] [COPYRIGHT HOLDER]
Project: [PROJECT NAME]
Report violations to: [YOUR LEGAL EMAIL]

After (Your Project):

Copyright (C) 2025 Acme Corporation
Project: Acme Widget Framework
Report violations to: legal@acmecorp.com

What BOSL Means

✅ You CAN:

• Use the software for free, forever
• Modify and distribute it
• Charge for services (support, installation, training)
• Build commercial services around it

❌ You CANNOT:

• Sell the software itself
• Make it proprietary/closed-source
• Charge for downloads or distribution
• Hide it behind paywalls

Why BOSL?

BOSL codifies the Red Hat business model - the same model that built a $34 billion company:

• ✅ Software is FREE (always)
• ✅ Services are PAID (sustainable)
• ✅ Community thrives
• ✅ Developers get paid

Questions?

• Full license text: https://barrersoftware.com/foss-license.html
• Contact: legal@barrersoftware.com
• GitHub: https://github.com/barrersoftware/.github

Projects Using BOSL

• LSW - Linux Subsystem for Windows
• BarrerOS
• CleanVM
• Quartermaster

Add your project: Submit a PR to add your BOSL-licensed project to this list!

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License: This template itself is CC0 (public domain). Use it freely.