[zeromq-dev] Query about dual license (if possible)

[Pieter Hintjens]

Hi Saurav,

> Just spent the last 20-30 minutes trying to look up licensing details for
> ZeroMQ (especially if there's a commercial license/dual license option
> available as an alternative to the LGPL).

The answer is formally "no", not today and not in the future.

Several reasons for that. First, we switched to a decentralized
copyright model some time ago, so each contributor owns their work.
That eliminated the need for every patch to come with a copyright
assignment. Second, we literally had zero requests for commercial
licenses in about two years, making this option pointless. Third, it's
not even needed, we have a static linking exception and the only
requirement to your business, profitably using 0MQ, is that you share
improvements you make to the code with the rest of the community.

We realize there are some businesses that won't allow LGPL code into
their stacks. But we (iMatix) are more interested in seeing 0MQ grow
and thrive as a strong community of expert contributors, than in
selling commercial licenses.

Do contact me if you decide to use 0MQ in any case and want our
professional help in your projects.

Regards
--
Pieter Hintjens
CEO, iMatix