Github Company Policies Github Gpl Cooperation Commitment (GitHub)
Updated 17 October 2025
This document details GitHub's commitment to the GPL Cooperation Commitment, specifically addressing the process for cure and reinstatement of licenses for those accused of violating Covered Licenses (GPLv2, LGPLv2.1, or LGPLv2). It outlines conditions under which a license can be provisionally or permanently reinstated, aiming to provide a clear path before any legal proceedings are initiated.
GitHub GPL Cooperation Commitment
This commitment pertains to GitHub contributions to Git, the Linux kernel, and other programs under covered licenses (scroll to the end for definitions).
We based our statement on the template for companies. See the GPL Cooperation Commitment site for how other companies, individuals, and projects can adopt this commitment.
Our Commitment
Before filing or continuing to prosecute any legal proceeding or claim (other than a Defensive Action) arising from termination of a Covered License, GitHub commits to extend to the person or entity (“you”) accused of violating the Covered License the following provisions regarding cure and reinstatement, taken from GPL version 3. As used here, the term ‘this License’ refers to the specific Covered License being enforced.
However, if you cease all violation of this License, then your license from a particular copyright holder is reinstated (a) provisionally, unless and until the copyright holder explicitly and finally terminates your license, and (b) permanently, if the copyright holder fails to notify you of the violation by some reasonable means prior to 60 days after the cessation.
Moreover, your license from a particular copyright holder is reinstated permanently if the copyright holder notifies you of the violation by some reasonable means, this is the first time you have received notice of violation of this License (for any work) from that copyright holder, and you cure the violation prior to 30 days after your receipt of the notice.
GitHub intends this Commitment to be irrevocable, and binding and enforceable against GitHub and assignees of or successors to GitHub’s copyrights.
GitHub may modify this Commitment by publishing a new edition on this page or a successor location.
Definitions
‘Covered License’ means the GNU General Public License, version 2 (GPLv2), the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1 (LGPLv2.1), or the GNU Library General Public License, version 2 (LGPLv2), all as published by the Free Software Foundation.
‘Defensive Action’ means a legal proceeding or claim that GitHub brings against you in response to a prior proceeding or claim initiated by you or your affiliate.
‘GitHub’ means GitHub, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
This work is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.
About this template
What is this template?
Github Company Policies Github Gpl Cooperation Commitment (GitHub) is a free, ready-to-use Intellectual Property Licensing template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Intellectual Property Licensing template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. Always review the final wording against the laws that apply where you live or do business.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Intellectual Property Licensing usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.