SOD Computer Vision Library Licensing Terms
The SOD Embedded Computer Vision library is a dual-licensed product, available free of charge for open-source projects. Learn more about the licensing terms here.
General Licensing Terms
SOD is an open-source product. The complete source code ↗, the official documentation ↗, and related utilities are available for download from the PixLab download page.
Symisc Systems ↗, the developer of the SOD library, employs a dual licensing model, offering a choice between an open-source or a non-exclusive commercial license. The open-source license, under the GPLv3 ↗, allows SOD to be used in open-source projects or applications not distributed to third parties. The commercial license permits closed-source distribution of applications to third parties. The GPLv3 ↗ permits you to use the SOD library at no charge under the condition that if you use the library in a host application, the complete source code for your application must be available and freely redistributable under reasonable conditions.
If you wish to derive a commercial advantage by not releasing your application under the GPLv3 or any other compatible open source license, you must purchase a non-exclusive commercial SOD license. By purchasing a commercial license, you do not longer have to release your application's source code.
Non-exclusive Commercial License
The non-exclusive commercial license allows customers to develop, use, and distribute applications embedding the SOD library to third parties under standard commercial terms. This license is sold "per host product," regardless of the number of copies sold or the number of releases. For instance, if a company has three distinct products that each embed the SOD library and does not wish to comply with open-source licensing terms, it must purchase three commercial licenses.
The non-exclusive commercial license is offered for a fixed, non-refundable annual fee. This fee is designed to be affordable and tailored to the licensee’s legal entity, such as Individuals, Micro ISVs, Startups, or Enterprise-class customers. You can purchase a non-exclusive commercial SOD license from the download page.
Frequently Asked Licensing Questions
What does "redistribute" mean?
"redistribution" in the open source world means your application is distributed to one or more third parties. Giving an application to customers, even in alpha or beta releases, is redistribution. Giving contractors, affiliates, parent organizations or subsidiaries, business partners or support vendors a copy of the application is generally redistribution. Whether or not you charge money for your application does not matter. The only condition is redistribution. Building an application for use internal to your organization, is not considered redistribution. Again, if you have any questions on the redistribution issue, please send an email to [email protected]
What must I release as open source?
Under the open source license, you must release the complete source code for the application that embed the SOD library. You do not need to release the source code for components that are generally installed on the operating system on which your application runs.
Does it matter if I charge money for my software?
Whether or not you charge money for your application does not matter. The only requirements is redistribution & source code availability (refer to the bullet above).
What open source license should I use in my project?
Any project that uses a license compatible with the GPLv3 such as the GPL, Apache License 2, Boost License, Mozilla Public License, Expat License and so forth can incorporate SOD without any legal constraint. Of course, releasing an application which embed SOD under an open source license does
not change the requirements of our open source license, and the SOD source code remains subject to the terms of the GPLv3.
If your project uses a license not listed in the GPLv3 compatibility list and you think that is compatible with our open source license, again send an email to
[email protected] with a copy of the license in question.
For all your legal, licensing or any other general inquiries, please email us directly at [email protected] or [email protected]. Please do not request technical support. Your query will not be answered. Use the official support channels for that matter.