The Apache License is a permissive open-source license widely adopted for software distribution. It permits users to use, modify, distribute, and sublicense the software, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes. Unlike copyleft licenses, such as the GPL, the Apache License does not require derivative works to be distributed under the same license terms. Instead, it grants users broad permissions while also providing some protections against patent infringement. The Apache License encourages collaboration and innovation by fostering an environment where developers can freely contribute to and build upon existing projects without stringent legal restrictions, promoting both individual and corporate involvement in open-source development.
