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.
• The Software License governs distribution of W3C 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. W3C encourages people to contribute to W3C test suites; contributors agree to the Test Case Contribution Policy.
• 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.

Trademarks

W3C trademarks and logos are governed by the trademark license. There are also some additional usage policies for some logos, such as the W3C logo usage policies.

Patent Policy

In February 2004, W3C adopted a Patent Policy to enable continued innovation and widespread adoption of Web standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. The W3C Patent Policy governs the handling of patents in the process of producing Web Standards. The goal of this policy is to assure that Recommendations produced under this policy can be implemented on a Royalty-Free (RF) basis. See the Patent Policy FAQ for additional information.

Privacy Policies

The W3C Privacy sets expectations about how W3C will make use of information gathered during the course of your interactions with our Web site. W3C works to ensure that people can interact with the site with confidence. Please find below information about the W3C Intellectual Rights Notice, Legal Disclaimers, and more.

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.

Caches of W3C materials should comply with the "maximum time to live" information provided with the materials. After such materials have expired they should not be served from caches without first validating the contents of the W3C Site. Organizations that want to mirror W3C content must abide by the W3C Mirroring Policy.