The Apache License 2.0 is an open-source license that allows for a wide range of uses, including commercial use, but it is important to understand the following precautions when using it for commercial use.
Apache License 2.0 License
1. Retention of copyright notices
If you use software distributed under the Apache License 2.0, you must keep the original copyright notice, a copy of the license, and notices of changes. This is to ensure that the contents of the license are accurately communicated.
Specifically, even if you distribute it in source code or binary format, you must include copyright notices and license text in the package. If you include Apache licensed code in your commercial software, you must also adhere to this requirement.
2. Clarification of Amendments
If you modify the source code under the Apache License 2.0 and redistribute the source code, you must include a “notice that you have made the modification” in each modified file. This is an important requirement to distinguish between the original code and the modified part. If you change the code when integrating into a commercial product, you are obligated to specify the modification for each modified file if you distribute the source code.
In the case of object distribution, the fact of modification is clearly stated in the “document to be included with the distribution”.
Obligation to specify corrections
The Apache License 2.0 requires you to “explicitly” state that you have modified and redistributed the code.
From Article 4 “Redistribution” of the official article (main points):
You must cause any modified files to carry prominent notices stating that You changed the files;
The file you have modified must have a prominent notification that you have modified the file.
Example of an addition at the beginning of the source file (correction notice)
/*
* Copyright 2019 The Apache Software Foundation
* Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0
*
* Modifications copyright (C) 2025 YourCompany Inc.
* Changes: Optimized performance for commercial deployment
*/Example of adding to a NOTICE file
Example 1) Replace the fields enclosed in square brackets “[]” with your own identification information. (does not include square brackets)
Copyright [yyyy] [name of copyright owner]
Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
You may obtain a copy of the License at
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
limitations under the License.Example 2)
This product includes software developed by The Apache Software Foundation (http://www.apache.org/).
Modifications have been made to this software by YourCompany Inc. for commercial use.3. Grant of patent license
A major feature of the Apache License 2.0 is the inclusion of patent protections. This clause allows you to use the software without infringing on the patents if the software provider holds a patent for the software. However, it is important to fully understand the scope and content of patent protection.
If the patentee later sues a user of the software for patent infringement, the license automatically loses the right to use the patent right. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the management of patents when using them commercially and to check whether they infringe on other people’s patents.
4. Use of Trademarks
The Apache License 2.0 does not grant any special rights to the trademarks that accompany the software. This means that if you want to use the name or logo of the software provided under the Apache license in a commercial product, you must have a separate permission from the trademark owner. If this point is missed, there is a risk of trademark infringement.
5. Verify License Conformity
When integrating Apache License 2.0 code into commercial software, you should check compatibility with other licenses. The Apache License 2.0 is a permissive license, so it is compatible with many open source licenses, but it is important to be careful when combining it with copyleft licenses like the GPL.
References
You may reproduce and distribute copies of the Work or derivative works thereof, in source or object form, with or without modification, in any medium, provided that:
a. Any other recipient of the work or derivative works must be given a copy of this license.
b. The modified file must include a conspicuous notice indicating that you have modified the file.
c. In the source form of the derivative works you distribute, you must retain all copyrights, patents, trademarks, and attribution notices from the source form of the work, except for notices not related to any part of the derivative work.
d. If your work includes a “NOTICE” text file as part of a distribution, any derivative work you distribute must include a readable copy of the attribution notice contained within such NOTICE file in at least one of the following locations, except for notices that are not related to any part of the derivative work. NOTICE distributed as part of a derivative work, in a source form or document if provided with a derivative work, or in a display generated by a derivative work if such third-party notice is normally displayed. The contents of the NOTICE file are for informational purposes only and do not alter the license. You may add your own attribution notice within the derivative works you distribute, either along with the NOTICE text of the work or as an addendum to the NOTICE text. However, please ensure that such additional attribution notices are not construed as modifying the license.
You may add your own copyright notice to your modifications, and you may also provide additional or different license terms and conditions for your modifications, or derivative works in their entirety. However, your use, reproduction, and distribution of the Work shall be governed by the terms set forth in this License.
Quote from: https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
Summary
The Apache License 2.0 is a very suitable license for commercial use, but you should be aware of the following:
- Copyright notices and license retention
- Specify the Corrections
- Patent Protection and Management
- Avoiding Unauthorized Use of Trademarks
- Check compatibility with other licenses
You can find more information about the official Apache License 2.0 at the following links:
Apache License 2.0 Official Documentation
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