Drupal Mountain Camp 2025

Going from permissive to copy-left licenses as a commercial open source company
2025-03-12 , Pischa

Explore the journey of transitioning from a permissive MIT license to a GPL license as a commercial open-source company, and how this shift fosters a stronger ecosystem, ensuring sustainable growth and protecting the core values of open-source software.


In this session, we will dive into our strategic decision to move from a permissive MIT license to a copy-left GPL license as a commercial open-source company. This shift represents more than just a change in licensing; it signifies a commitment to preserving the open-source ethos while building a sustainable business model. We’ll discuss the motivations behind this decision, the challenges encountered, and the benefits realized, particularly in terms of fostering a thriving ecosystem. Attendees will gain insights into how licensing choices impact not only legal considerations but also the growth and sustainability of open-source communities and commercial ventures alike. This talk is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of open-source principles and business strategy.

David Höck is a seasoned technology leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as the CEO of Vendure and ELEVANTIQ (formerly ALPIN11). With a strong engineering background and extensive experience in product management, David has successfully navigated the challenges of building and scaling innovative software solutions. He is passionate about the intersection of open-source principles and commercial strategy, advocating for sustainable business models that empower both developers and enterprises.