Open Source Definition

Definitions

1. The formal set of criteria maintained by the Open Source Initiative that defines what qualifies as an open source license, including requirements around redistribution, source availability, and non-discrimination. It is central to licensing legitimacy debates.

   In plain English: The formal rules used to decide whether a license counts as open source.

   Example: "The proposal failed the Open Source Definition because it restricted specific categories of use."

Related Terms

• Apache Software License
• Artistic License
• BSD License
• Dual Licensing
• Open Source Initiative
• OSI Approved
• AGPL
• Commons Clause