MuseScore License Policy

This policy is to govern which licenses are used for source files stored in the MuseScore code repository. Developers with check-in privileges to the MuseScore code repositories must comply with this policy, unless specifically advised otherwise in writing by MuseScore.

Types of Code

MuseScore Code is code in the repository which originated with the MuseScore Project. This code falls under the MuseScore CLA and is licensed under GNU GPLv2.

Third Party Code is code in the repository which did not originate with the MuseScore Project. This code includes MuseScore plugins, Fluid Synth, Rtf2html, … and is licensed under GNU GPL or a GPL compatible license.

External Resources are documentation, translations, styles, instrument definitions, toolbar icons, soundfonts and musical fonts. Except for documentation which is licensed under Creative Commons by-sa, all other resources are GNU GPLv2 or GPL compatible.

Licensing of MuseScore Code

MuseScore Code is code in our repository which originated with the MuseScore Project, i.e., which was created by a developer who has signed the Contributor License Agreement, and who created the code with the intent that it be maintained and distributed by the MuseScore BVBA.

Licensing of Third Party Code

Third Party Code is code in our repositories which did not originate with the MuseScore Project. It is usually, but not always, under its own specific license.

Third Party Code Already in a Repository

When modifying or adding to Third Party Code that has already been checked into a MuseScore repository by someone else, you should use the license pertaining to that code. The only exception is if you are adding MuseScore-specific files that have no reason to go upstream, such as build system files. In that case, you should use the MuseScore license.

Importing New Third Party Code

If you are planning to import new Third Party Code into the MuseScore repository, always consult Vasily Pereverzev first. He can check whether the license is compatible - even simple-looking licenses can have twists in them - and make sure our requirements are met. Third Party Code must be under a license compatible with the MuseScore license.