NCL Non-Commercial Open License

NCL (Non-Commercial Open License) is a general-purpose non-commercial license applicable to any type of work, including source code packages, video works, audio works, documents, images, datasets, and model weights. NCL is not an open source license in the conventional sense. It is a license that permits the work to be shared freely with the public, while prohibiting commercial use. The term "open" in NCL refers to the free and public availability of the work, not to the globally recognized open source standard. Anyone may share, use, modify, and distribute the work free of charge for non-commercial purposes only. Commercial use requires explicit written authorization from the original author.

This page is the official publication site for NCL. The license text may be revised from time to time; older versions remain valid.

License

NCL permits viewing, copying, modification, and distribution free of charge, but strictly prohibits commercial use unless explicit written authorization is obtained from the original author. NCL is not an open source license in the conventional sense. It is a free-sharing, non-commercial license.

The original author retains full and exclusive commercial rights to the work. Any third party seeking to use the work for commercial purposes must obtain explicit written authorization from the original author.

Core Terms

• Granted rights: viewing and copying, modification, distribution (free of charge only), private use
• Prohibited conduct: any commercial activity or profit-making use, unless explicit written authorization is obtained
• Copyleft requirement: modified versions must be released under NCL or a compatible license
• Attribution requirement: modified versions must retain the original author attribution
• Additional terms: authors may add additional terms that do not conflict with the core terms via LICENSE-ADD

Notice

NCL is a general-purpose license framework and does not prescribe any specific governing law. Authors may supplement terms through LICENSE-ADD, including but not limited to jurisdiction clauses, additional permissions, or additional restrictions, provided they do not conflict with the core terms.

License enforcement and legal remedies are the sole responsibility of the original author. The license drafter and the NCL Team assume no responsibility.