Creative Commons License Irrevocability

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Summary

Creative Commons licenses are irrevocable, meaning the original terms apply to previously downloaded material even if the license changes later. This rule applies to various types of content, including software, music, sound effects, and fonts. For software, consider using licenses like the GNU General Public License. Fonts from sites like DaFont have their own specific licenses, and the terms at the time of download apply. Contract law principles generally support that license terms at the time of download remain in effect. For specific cases like Ibis Paint, users retain ownership of their content and can use it commercially, but its best to confirm directly with the company or consult a local attorney.

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So creative commons licenses are irrevocable right?
Yes, according to the Creative Commons FAQ, once you apply a Creative Commons license to your material, anyone who receives it may rely on that license for as long as the material is protected by copyright law, even if you later stop distributing it.
So even if I made the license personal use only the former license still applies to what they downloaded before the change was made?
Yes, Sean. If someone downloaded your work while it was under a Creative Commons license, they can continue using it under the terms of that license even after you've changed it to personal use only.
Like they can use it for any projects originally permitted and re-release stuff using it?
Yes, Sean. The users can continue to use your work for any projects initially permitted under the Creative Commons license, including re-releasing or sharing it, even after you've changed the license to personal use only.
But what if they deleted the file?
If they deleted the file, they no longer have access to it. However, if they downloaded it while it was under a Creative Commons license, they can still use it under those terms if they have a copy.
But what if they downloaded it again after the license was changed
If they download the work again after the license has changed, they would be subject to the new license terms. The previous Creative Commons license wouldn't apply to the new download.
Ok, and does this apply to software usage?
Yes, Sean. Creative Commons licenses can be used for software. However, they're not recommended as there are better-suited licenses like the GNU General Public License that are specifically designed for software.
I mean like if I have an older version of the software that formerly allowed commercial use
If you're asking whether the commercial use permitted under the old license of your software still applies even after you've updated the license, then the answer is yes. The terms of the old license would still apply to those who downloaded the software under it. Can you confirm if this is what you meant?
Yes
Thanks for confirming, Sean. So, to sum up:
- Creative Commons licenses are irrevocable. Even if you've changed the license, the old one still applies to those who downloaded your work under it.
- This rule applies to software too. The users of the old version are still under the terms of the old license.
- However, Creative Commons licenses are not recommended for software. Consider licenses like the GNU General Public License.
Does it also apply to music and soond effects?
Yes, Sean. The same rules apply to music and sound effects. If they were originally downloaded under a Creative Commons license, that license remains in effect, even if you change the license later.
So if it was changed to noncommercial after downloading I still can use it commercially since I have the original commercial use allowed license?
Yes, Sean. If you downloaded the music or sound effects while they were under a license that allowed commercial use, you can still use them commercially even if the license was changed to noncommercial later.
Now what about fonts like on dafont?
Fonts downloaded from sites like DaFont are typically covered under their own specific licenses. If you downloaded a font when it was free for commercial use, you can still use it commercially even if the license changes later. Please double check the specific license agreement of the font.
I don’t think Dafont is under creative commons they just say free for personal use, *% free, or public domain
Yes, you're correct. Fonts on DaFont are not under Creative Commons. They generally fall under three categories:
- Free for personal use
- *% free
- Public domain
The terms of use depend on the specific license attached to each font. If a font was downloaded while it was "*% free" or "public domain", you can continue using it even if the license changes.
Is there a law that specifies forever use even after license changes for new downloads?
The general principle is that a license applies at the time of the download. If the license changes after download, the new terms won't apply retroactively to previous downloads. This is based on contract law principles but specifics can vary by jurisdiction. Please consult a local attorney for personalized advice.
I mean there’s not always a contract, usually just a download button with the label and saying not to do this or that
If there's no explicit contract, the terms accompanying the download button typically serve as the "license agreement". If these terms change after you've downloaded the material, the new terms won't retroactively apply to your use of the previously downloaded material. However, the specifics can vary by jurisdiction.
I mean does the contract law still apply?
Yes, contract law still applies. The terms stated at the time of download essentially form a contract between you and the provider, even if it's just labeled on a download button. Changes to these terms don't retroactively affect your rights to previously downloaded materials.
And this won’t affect monetizing?
Yes, if you've downloaded the material while it was licensed for commercial use, you can continue to monetize it even if the license changes. However, it's crucial to respect the original license terms and any applicable laws. Consulting with a local attorney is recommended for personalized advice.
And Ibis Paint allows commercial use?
Ibis Paint's terms of service state that users retain the copyright to their own work. However, the app's terms also state that users grant Ibis Paint a non-exclusive license to use their work. As for commercial use, it's usually best to contact the company directly for clarification.
Is it?
Yes, it's recommended to contact Ibis Paint directly for clarification on their commercial use policy. Their terms of service may not cover all scenarios, and they can provide the most accurate information.
They don’t claim ownership of my content, right?
Correct, according to Ibis Paint's terms of service, you retain ownership of your content. However, by using the app, you grant them a non-exclusive license to use your work. It's always advisable to read the terms of service carefully or consult with a local attorney.
So that means commercial use is allowed
Yes, as per Ibis Paint's terms of service, you retain ownership of your content. While they have a non-exclusive license to use your work, it doesn't prevent you from using it commercially. However, it's always best to confirm this directly with Ibis Paint or consult a local attorney.