Document background
This Restrictive Open Source License is designed for organizations and individuals who wish to make their software source code available while maintaining substantial control over its use and distribution. It is particularly relevant when the software contains valuable intellectual property or when the licensor wants to prevent certain types of commercial exploitation while still benefiting from community involvement. The license, governed by Swiss law, combines elements of traditional open source licensing with specific restrictions that protect the licensor's interests. It includes detailed provisions on permitted uses, modification rights, distribution requirements, and commercial use limitations. This document type is especially suitable for Swiss-based organizations or international entities choosing Swiss law for its strong intellectual property protections and well-developed commercial law framework. The Restrictive Open Source License should be used when standard permissive open source licenses are too liberal and proprietary licenses too restrictive for the licensor's objectives.
