Commonslisenser

Commonslisenser is a hypothetical open-content license designed for content in digital commons repositories. It aims to enable broad reuse while ensuring creator attribution and content integrity. The concept emerges from open-knowledge licensing discussions and is used in educational material as a case study in license design.

The license covers text, images, audio, video, and data. It allows copying, distribution, modification, and commercial use, provided attribution is given and the changes are clearly indicated. The terms prohibit imposing additional restrictions beyond those of Commonslisenser and require that the license text accompany redistributed works. Acknowledgment of the original author and the license is required in all distributions.

Commonslisenser currently exists in two major versions. Version 1.0 establishes the baseline terms, emphasizing attribution, freedom to reuse, and non-restriction on downstream licensing beyond the Commonslisenser itself. Version 2.0 adds a share-alike mechanism for derivatives, aiming to keep subsequent works within the Commonslisenser family, and it clarifies handling of patent claims and moral rights. Both versions encourage clear provenance statements and notification of modifications.

Compatibility and governance: The license is designed to be interoperable with other open-licensing schemes and seeks to accommodate relicensing under compatible licenses with creator consent. It is maintained by a community council that proposes revisions and provides guidance for implementers, with public feedback channels to balance openness and creator interests.

Reception and usage: As a hypothetical construct, Commonslisenser serves primarily as an educational example for illustrating licensing tradeoffs in digital commons. Critics note potential confusion with established licenses and caution against treating a fictional framework as if it were real-world policy.

See also: Creative Commons licenses, public domain, open-licensing concepts.