Coopyleft

The Coopyleft license protects against capitalist exploitation while promoting cooperative and solidarity-based initiatives.

Summary

The Coopyleft license is a derivative license created by the CoopCycle project. It is a legal innovation that protects and promotes the use of the software by cooperatives and organizations within the social and solidarity economy.

Who is the Coopyleft license for?

The license is simple. Are you a cooperative or an association looking to develop a limited-profit economic model? Then you can use CoopCycle, either on your own or by joining the federation.

Type of organization

Usage

Cooperatives

Yes

Association

Yes

Company in transition

Maximum of 4 years to become a cooperative*

Capitalist company

*additional condition of the CoopCycle federation

A License to Grow a Cooperative Network

The Coopyleft license is not just a legal tool — it’s a statement of values. It’s a political choice to stand against capitalism, to protect collective work, and to offer a reciprocal tool: only those who respect the commons can benefit from them.

Promoting Work

The Coopyleft license guarantees that the tool remains a service for those who create and use it under fair conditions, in line with the values of the SSE (Social and Solidarity Economy).

Preventing Capitalist Appropriation

The license prevents non-cooperative companies from appropriating the code and turning it into a profit-driven business.

Building a Cooperative Ecosystem

Every new cooperative strengthens a growing network and supports the broader transition towards a solidarity economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions to better understand the principles and conditions of the Coopyleft license.

I’m not a cooperative. Can I use CoopCycle?

The Coopyleft license restricts the commercial use of the software to cooperatives, associations, or limited-profit organizations. Please refer to Article 3 of the license for detailed conditions.

Do I have to join the CoopCycle federation to use the software?

No. You can install the software yourself and use it freely. Visit the GitHub project to learn more. However, for commercial use, you must comply with the criteria defined in Article 3 of the Coopyleft license.

What’s the difference between Coopyleft and free software?

Free software guarantees everyone four fundamental freedoms: to use, study, modify, and redistribute a program — including for commercial purposes. These freedoms are unconditional, regardless of the user’s nature or values.

The Coopyleft license is inspired by this model but adds a condition based on legal structure: only cooperative or non-profit projects are allowed to use the platform.

What’s the difference between Coopyleft and open-source?

Open source is a technical approach to making code accessible. CoopCycle goes further: our priority is political. The code is open, but not for just any use. We believe in a digital ecosystem that serves the commons, not private profit. Critiquing the political aims of open source is at the heart of our commitment to a license like Coopyleft.