| name | open-source-license |
| title | Open Source License Skill |
| description | Open Source License guidance, selection, compliance review, and drafting. Use this skill when users ask about choosing open source licenses, checking license compatibility, reviewing projects for OSS compliance, generating LICENSE/NOTICE files, or understanding specific license terms. Triggers include questions about MIT, Apache, GPL, BSD, LGPL, AGPL, copyleft, permissive licenses, license compatibility, SPDX identifiers, or any OSS licensing topic. |
| author | skala-io |
| author_url | https://github.com/skala-io/legal-skills/tree/main/skills/open-source-license |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | general |
| practice | ip |
| language | en |
First published on Skala Legal Skills
Legal Disclaimer
This skill is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The analysis and information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this skill. Open source licensing involves complex legal considerations that may vary by jurisdiction. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal matters. The creators and publishers of this skill disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided.
Open Source License Skill
Comprehensive guidance for open source license selection, compliance review, and documentation drafting.
Capabilities
1. License Selection
Help users choose the right license based on their goals using the decision tree.
2. License Comparison
Explain differences between licenses, compatibility, and trade-offs.
3. Compliance Review
Analyze projects for license compliance issues and compatibility conflicts.
4. License Drafting
Generate LICENSE files, NOTICE files, and source file headers using canonical texts.
Workflow
For License Selection Questions
- Read
references/selection/decision-tree.md
- Ask clarifying questions based on the decision tree:
- Primary goal (adoption vs keeping code open)?
- Patent protection needed?
- Library or application?
- SaaS/network use?
- Provide recommendation with reasoning
- Reference notable projects using recommended license
- Offer to generate LICENSE file if desired
For License Comparison Questions
- Read
references/selection/comparison-matrix.md
- Compare requested licenses across key dimensions:
- Permissions (commercial use, distribution, modification)
- Conditions (attribution, copyleft, source disclosure)
- Limitations (liability, warranty)
- Highlight key differences
- Provide examples of projects using each license
For Compliance Review
- Read
references/compliance/compatibility.md and references/compliance/checklist.md
- Identify all licenses in the project