Definition
copyleft
noun
- a legal method of making a creative work free to use and modify, while requiring that all modified versions remain free under the same terms.
Usage: computing and software licensing; often contrasted with copyright
adjective
- relating to or governed by copyleft principles; designating software or creative work released under copyleft terms.
Usage: computing and software licensing
Examples
- The Linux kernel is distributed under a copyleft license that ensures its source code remains freely available.
- Many developers prefer copyleft software because it guarantees freedom to modify and share improvements.
- The GPL is one of the most widely used copyleft licenses in the open-source community.
- This copyleft project allows anyone to use, study, and redistribute the code.
- Unlike proprietary software, copyleft works require that derivative versions also be free.
- The copyleft model encourages collaboration and transparency in software development.