Copyrights for documents, software, tests
W3C offers several licenses depending on the nature of the material, and whether derivative works are permitted.
- The Document License governs documents such as technical reports. See also the policy for relicensing unfinished W3C specifications
- The Software License governs distribution of W3C Open Source Software and some other materials where creation of derivative works may be desired.
- The Test Suite Licenses governs the distribution of W3C test suites. There are two licenses, depending on whether you plan to modify the test cases.
- In Community and Business Groups, draft Specifications are governed by a W3C Community Contributor License Agreement (CLA). Participants then sign (voluntarily) a Final Specification Agreement. These agreements include both copyright and patent licensing provisions.
See also information about translations of the copyright notice.
Disclaimers
Unless otherwise noted, all materials contained in this Site are copyrighted and may not be used except as provided in these terms and conditions or in the copyright notice (documents and software) or other proprietary notice provided with the relevant materials.
The materials contained in the Site may be downloaded or copied provided that ALL copies retain the copyright and any other proprietary notices contained on the materials. No material may be modified, edited or taken out of context such that its use creates a false or misleading statement or impression as to the positions, statements or actions of W3C.
The name and trademarks of copyright holders may NOT be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to the Web site, its content, specifications, or software without specific, written prior permission. Title to copyright in Web site documents will at all times remain with copyright holders. Use of W3C trademarks and service marks is covered by the W3C Trademark and Servicemark License.
Reporting Copyright Infringement
If you are or represent a copyright owner and material on Web Platform Docs infringes your copyrights, you may file a notification of claimed infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
A notification of claimed infringement must be a written communication that includes:
- A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
- Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed.
- Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and information reasonably sufficient to permit the service provider to locate the material— the page URL, including a more specific reference if only a portion of the page is claimed to be infringing.
- Information reasonably sufficient to permit the service provider to contact the complaining party, such as an address, telephone number, and, if available, an electronic mail address at which the complaining party may be contacted.
- A statement that the complaining party has a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
- A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
Notifications of claimed infringement may be sent by email to copyright@w3.org.
If you knowingly misrepresent that material or activity is infringing, you may be subject to liability for damages.
Repeat Infringers
It is site policy to terminate, in appropriate circumstances, the accounts of repeat infringers.