Last updated: April 2, 2026
At a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use the models commercially? | Free if your annual revenue is under $10M USD. Paid license required above that. |
| Can I use them for research or nonprofit work? | Yes, free with no revenue threshold. |
| Can I modify the models? | Yes, but the $10M revenue threshold still applies to modified models. |
| Do I have to open-source my modifications? | No. |
| Do I own my modifications? | You own your modifications. Liquid AI owns the base models, and derivative models remain subject to this license. |
| Can I distribute the models? | Yes, with attribution. |
Overview
The LFM Open License is based on Apache 2.0, granting broad, royalty-free, perpetual rights to use, modify, and distribute our models and their derivatives. The key difference from Apache 2.0 is a commercial use threshold: free commercial use is limited to companies with annual revenue under $10 million USD.Using the Models
You can use, modify, fine-tune, and distribute the models for any purpose — including commercial products and services.Do I have to open-source my modifications?
Do I have to open-source my modifications?
No. The license has no copyleft requirement. You can keep your fine-tuned models proprietary.
Who owns what?
Who owns what?
Liquid AI retains ownership of the base models. You own your modifications, but use of derivative models remains subject to this license.
Commercial Use
Companies with annual revenue under $10 million USD can use the models at no cost for commercial purposes. If your company’s annual revenue exceeds $10 million USD, your right to use the models commercially under this license ends. Contact sales@liquid.ai to obtain a commercial license.What counts as commercial use?
What counts as commercial use?
Any use for direct or indirect commercial advantage or monetary compensation.
Research & Nonprofit Use
Qualified nonprofits (501(c)(3) or equivalent) can use the models for non-commercial or research purposes with no revenue threshold.What qualifies as a nonprofit?
What qualifies as a nonprofit?
Organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code, or equivalent charitable/educational organizations in other jurisdictions.
Distribution Requirements
When distributing the models or derivatives, you must:- Include a copy of the license
- Retain all copyright and attribution notices
- Mark any files you have modified
Termination
The license terminates automatically and immediately if you violate any of its terms. Upon termination, you must stop using the models and delete all copies.Comparison to Apache 2.0
The LFM Open License is based directly on Apache 2.0. Other than the differences below, the licenses are identical.| Area | What Changed |
|---|---|
| Conditional License Grants (Sections 2 & 3) | Copyright and patent grants are explicitly “subject to” the commercial use limitation. |
| Commercial Use Limitation (Section 5) | Free commercial use is limited to companies with under $10M in annual revenue. This is the most significant change. |
| Specific Licensor | The “Licensor” is explicitly defined as “Liquid AI, Inc.” |
| Termination (Section 11) | The license terminates automatically if you fail to comply with its terms. |