MIT vs Apache 2.0: what is the difference?
Last updated
TL;DR: MIT: commercial use, modification, redistribution: Yes. Apache 2.0: same uses: Yes. Both are permissive open-source licenses that allow commercial use, modification and redistribution.
Is mIT: commercial use, modification, redistribution allowed under MIT License?
Yes. Every use you described is granted by MIT, and nothing you described is prohibited.
License: MIT License (MIT, curated)
Duties: attribution, license_notice
Is apache 2.0: same uses allowed under Apache License 2.0?
Yes. Every use you described is granted by Apache 2.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.
License: Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0, curated)
Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes
How do MIT and Apache-2.0 compare?
The table lists each license's duties and notes side by side.
| License | Duties | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | attribution, license_notice | Provided as is, without warranty. |
| Apache-2.0 | attribution, license_notice, state_changes | Includes an express patent license that ends for anyone who sues over patents in the work (section 3). Does not grant rights to the licensor's trademarks (section 6). |
Combined in one work: compatible.
What else should I know?
- The duties differ: compare the duties and notes listed for each license below.
What are the sources?
How can I check it myself (free, no key)?
{
"tool": "check_license",
"arguments": {
"license": "MIT",
"intended_use": {
"commercial_use": true,
"modification": true,
"redistribution": true
}
}
}Computed from a2ally's license profiles; not legal advice. JSON · Markdown
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curl -s -X POST https://www.a2ally.com/v1/accounts/signup -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"accept_terms":true}'
export A2ALLY_API_KEY=rs_... # the api_key from the reply (shown once)
curl -s https://www.a2ally.com/v1/licenses/check -H "Authorization: Bearer $A2ALLY_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"license":"MIT","intended_use":{"commercial_use":true}}'
