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'''Software relicensing''' is the process of changing the [[license]] under which a piece of [[software]] is distributed. This can involve changing from one [[open-source license]] to another, from an open-source license to a proprietary license, or vice versa. Relicensing can be a complex process, as it often requires the agreement of all [[copyright]] holders of the software. This process is significant in the realm of [[software development]] and [[software distribution]], as it can affect the software's usability, distribution, and modification rights.

== Reasons for Relicensing ==
Software relicensing can be pursued for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:

* '''Aligning with Business Goals:''' Companies may relicense software to align with their business strategies, such as moving to a proprietary license to monetize the software.
* '''Community Adoption:''' Open-source projects may change licenses to ones that are more permissive or community-friendly to encourage adoption and contribution.
* '''Legal Compliance:''' To resolve legal issues or to comply with the requirements of a specific market or jurisdiction, relicensing may be necessary.
* '''Compatibility:''' Projects may relicense their software to ensure compatibility with other open-source licenses, facilitating easier integration with other projects.

== Process of Relicensing ==
The process of software relicensing involves several steps and considerations:

1. '''Identifying Copyright Holders:''' The first step is to identify all individuals or entities that hold copyright on the software. This can be a complex task for projects with multiple contributors.

2. '''Obtaining Permission:''' Once copyright holders are identified, their permission is typically required to change the license. This can be a significant hurdle, especially for projects with numerous contributors.

3. '''Choosing a New License:''' The project must then select a new license. This decision should consider the goals of relicensing, the needs of the community, and legal implications.

4. '''Applying the New License:''' After obtaining the necessary permissions and selecting a new license, the new license terms must be applied to the software. This often involves updating license headers in source code files and documentation.

== Challenges and Considerations ==
Relicensing software is not without its challenges. Some of the key considerations include:

* '''Community Reaction:''' Changes in licensing can lead to strong reactions from the software community, including both support and opposition.
* '''Legal Risks:''' Incorrectly handling the relicensing process can lead to legal complications, especially if all copyright holders have not properly consented to the change.
* '''Compatibility Issues:''' The new license must be carefully chosen to ensure it is compatible with the software's dependencies and intended use cases.

== Examples of Software Relicensing ==
Several notable software projects have undergone relicensing. For example, the [[Mozilla Firefox]] web browser was relicensed to allow it to be distributed with both open-source and proprietary software. Another example is the [[MySQL]] database, which is available under both proprietary and open-source licenses.

== Conclusion ==
Software relicensing is a significant process that can influence the direction and success of a software project. While it offers opportunities for aligning software with new goals and ensuring legal compliance, it also presents challenges that require careful navigation.

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Software relicensing - Revision history

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