Skip to main content
Last updated: September 24, 2026
The LFM Open License v1.0 governs the use of models we release publicly under this license. This guide explains the license in plain terms. For the complete license text, see the LFM Open License v1.0.

​
At a Glance

​
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.
No. The license has no copyleft requirement. You can keep your fine-tuned models proprietary.
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.
Any use for direct or indirect commercial advantage or monetary compensation.
The threshold applies separately to each company using the models commercially. Your company’s revenue determines your right to use and distribute the models commercially. If a downstream customer uses the models commercially, that customer’s own revenue determines whether it needs a commercial license. A customer with annual revenue over $10 million USD needs a commercial license from Liquid AI.
The open license doesn’t automatically cover a downstream customer’s commercial use. If you are interested in a custom commercial license covering your customers or end users, contact sales@liquid.ai to discuss available options.

​
Research & Nonprofit Use

Qualified nonprofits (501(c)(3) or equivalent) can use the models for non-commercial or research purposes with no revenue threshold.
Organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code, or equivalent charitable or educational organizations in other jurisdictions.
For-profit organizations using the models commercially remain subject to the commercial-use threshold.

​
Distribution Requirements

When distributing the models or derivatives, you must:
  • Include a copy of the license
  • Retain all copyright and attribution notices
  • Include the NOTICE file if one is provided with the model
  • Mark any files you have modified
Yes. You may say that your product uses Liquid AI models, but the license doesn’t allow broader use of Liquid AI’s trademarks or branding.

​
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.
  • Conditional License Grants (Sections 2 & 3): The grants for both copyright and patent rights are explicitly “subject to” the commercial use limitation.
  • Commercial Use Limitation (Section 5): This is the most significant change. The LFM Open License adds a condition that limits free commercial use to companies with under $10 million in annual revenue.
  • Specific Licensor: The “Licensor” is explicitly defined as “Liquid AI, Inc.” for clarity.
  • Termination Clause (Section 11): The license terminates automatically if you fail to comply with its terms (namely the commercial use restriction).

​
Contact

For commercial licensing inquiries: sales@liquid.ai