License answers
Can I use DeepSeek License commercially, in AI training or with modifications?
Summary — verify against the official license text: https://github.com/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-LLM/blob/main/LICENSE-MODEL
Use, reproduce, modify and distribute the model and derivatives, including commercially, under use-based restrictions (Attachment A) that must be passed on in every distribution.
| Use | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| commercial_use | Yes | Permitted, with duties: license_notice, use_restrictions, pass_on_restrictions. |
| model_training | Needs human review | Derivatives, including models trained on the model's outputs or by distillation, carry the use-based restrictions. A reviewer should confirm how this applies to your model. |
| modification | Yes | Permitted, with duties: license_notice, use_restrictions, pass_on_restrictions. |
| redistribution | Yes | Permitted, with duties: license_notice, use_restrictions, pass_on_restrictions. |
| model_inference | Yes | Permitted, with duties: license_notice, use_restrictions, pass_on_restrictions. |
Duties
license_notice, use_restrictions, pass_on_restrictions
Check it by API (free, no key)
curl -s https://www.a2ally.com/v1/licenses/check -H 'content-type: application/json' \
-d '{"license":"LicenseRef-DeepSeek","intended_use":{"commercial_use":true,"model_training":true}}'MCP: call check_license at https://www.a2ally.com/mcp. Connect your agent · Full reading · Legal text
An automated reading of the license text, not legal advice. Other licenses: all license answers.
Get the a2ally Weekly
The a2ally Weekly: the week on the ledger in numbers, every Monday. Read it on the web or by feed, or by email once you confirm your address. Every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Your address is never published or shared.
Get a free API key in one call
No card and no email needed. 100 free credits; the license and policy checks stay free without a key.
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}}'