Apache OpenOffice Distribution FAQ
Do you distribute OpenOffice on CD/DVD? Where is the old distribution list/information?
The Apache OpenOffice project distributes Apache OpenOffice online, as a free download from our website. Although this is sufficient for most users, we also know that for other users, a copy of OpenOffice on CD-ROM or other media is preferred.
We used to have a "Distribution Project" that listed the contact information for 3rd parties who would provide, at a charge, a CD-ROM containing OpenOffice. We've suspended this program. If you want to voice your opinion on the distribution project, or offer any opinions, please send them to our public mailing list, at dev@openoffice.apache.org.
What do I need to know about the OpenOffice License?
Apache OpenOffice, since version 3.4, is distributed by the Apache Software Foundation and uses the Apache license, Apache License v2. More about this license and how this license applies to various scenarios can be found on the Apache License and Distribution FAQ page.
Versions 3.0-beta to 3.3, named OpenOffice.org 3.3, etc., used the GNU Lesser General Public License v3, LGPL.
You should comply with the terms of these licenses for any distribution you undertake.
Can I let my clients download your software and use your logo on my website or other distribution media?
Please see the Apache OpenOffice Trademarks page for more information about the "Apache OpenOffice" and "OpenOffice.org" trademarks and what you need to do to use them. Also, please review information which applies to older OpenOffice.org logos and icons on the OpenOffice wiki.
Can I Produce a CD/DVD of your software and distribute it?
Yes, this is covered under Apache License 2 for Apache OpenOffice 3.4 or later, and covered under the LGPL for older versions. Please see I'm not a lawyer. What does it all MEAN? section of the Apache License FAQ page. This means you can distribute unmodified versions of Apache OpenOffice as Apache OpenOffice, without modifying the product name.
Can I sell, on CD or DVD, an unmodified version of Apache OpenOffice on Ebay or similar site?
Yes, this is covered under Apache License 2. Please see the previous question. We require that people selling Apache OpenOffice on EBay or similar sites include this note for trademarks acknowledgment:
Apache OpenOffice can be downloaded free from the official site http://openoffice.org. Apache, the Apache feather logo, and OpenOffice are trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation. OpenOffice.org and the seagull logo are registered trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation.
Note that use of other trademarks, such as the OpenOffice logo, requires explicit permission. See http://openoffice.apache.org/trademarks.html.
I want to link to your product/page. Will you partner with me and link to mine?
Due to the number of potential distributors of Apache OpenOffice, this is not feasible. We are hopeful that well-known search engines will be able to find your "packaging" or "distribution" with minimal effort.
Can I distribute OpenOffice on a CD, or from my website and call it something else?
Generally, no. If such a need arises for whatever reason, please contact the Apache OpenOffice PMC.
Can I distribute OpenOffice and use my company's name with it?
If you, as company ABC, wish to distribute OpenOffice on a CD with a label "ABC OpenOffice", the answer is "no". This would be a trademark use violation. This is covered in the Apache License version 2 document under section 6. Trademarks .
You could use wording such as "ABC's Office Suite Powered by Apache OpenOffice" as an alternative. Please contact the Apache OpenOffice development list with additional questions about this type of use.
I still have questions, what should I do?
Please contact the Apache OpenOffice PMC.
