> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.liquid.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Model License

> Understand how you can use, modify, and distribute Liquid Foundation Models under the LFM Open License v1.0.

<Info>Last updated: April 2, 2026</Info>

The **LFM Open License v1.0** governs the use of models we release publicly. This guide explains the license in plain, approachable terms — for the complete legal text, see the [LFM Open License v1.0](https://www.liquid.ai/lfm-open-license-v1.0).

## 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.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I have to open-source my modifications?">
    No. The license has no copyleft requirement. You can keep your fine-tuned models proprietary.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## 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](mailto:sales@liquid.ai) to obtain a commercial license.

<Accordion title="What counts as commercial use?">
  Any use for direct or indirect commercial advantage or monetary compensation.
</Accordion>

## Research & Nonprofit Use

Qualified nonprofits (501(c)(3) or equivalent) can use the models for non-commercial or research purposes with **no revenue threshold**.

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

## 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.                                           |

## Contact

For commercial licensing inquiries: [sales@liquid.ai](mailto:sales@liquid.ai)