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open-sourcelicensing

Is MS-PL (Microsoft Public License) code allowed in commercial product?

If someone wants to use parts of a code licensed under MS-PL and use it in a commercial product, is that allowed by MS-PL? What are the restrictions.

Solution

  • It's the Microsoft Public License (Ms-PL). Yes, you can pretty much do whatever you want with the code.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/msp-n-p/ff648068(v=pandp.10)

    However, do read the conditions. Ones worth noting:

    • If you distribute any portion of the software, you must retain all copyright, patent, trademark, and attribution notices that are present in the software.

    • If you distribute any portion of the software in source code form, you may do so only under this license by including a complete copy of this license with your distribution. If you distribute any portion of the software in compiled or object code form, you may only do so under a license that complies with this license.

    NOTE: the MS-PL appears to be deliberately incompatible with the GPL.