Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ covers common questions about CodeLibra, dual licensing, and using the platform. For topic-specific details, see the linked documentation.

General Questions

What is CodeLibra?

CodeLibra is a platform that makes dual licensing simple for open-source developers. It provides the legal framework, payment processing, and administrative infrastructure so developers can offer both open-source and commercial licenses for their modules without the usual complexity.

What is dual licensing?

Dual licensing is when software is available under two different licenses simultaneously. Typically, one is an open-source license (like AGPL) and the other is a commercial license. Users choose which license to accept based on their needs.

Learn more: What is Dual Licensing?

Who is CodeLibra for?

Developers (Creators): Open-source developers who want to monetize their work while keeping it open-source.

Subscribers (Licensees): Organizations that want to use open-source modules in proprietary software and need a commercial license to do so.

How much does CodeLibra cost?

For developers: No upfront cost. CodeLibra takes a 20% commission on license revenue.

For subscribers: Prices are set by module developers. You pay the listed subscription price.

For Developers

How do I get started as a developer?

Create a CodeLibra account
Connect your GitHub repository
Choose your licensing model
Set your price
Publish

Complete guide: Getting Started for Developers

What licensing models are available?

Classic dual licensing: Copyleft (e.g., AGPL) + CodeLibra License. Commercial users must purchase a license for proprietary use.

Voluntary dual licensing: Permissive (e.g., MIT) + CodeLibra License. Commercial license is optional but available for those who want formal terms.

How do I set my price?

Consider the value your module provides, time it saves, and comparable market pricing. You can adjust prices later—changes apply to new subscribers and renewals.

Detailed guidance: Setting Prices

What are license dependencies?

When your module incorporates code from another CodeLibra module, you declare it as a license dependency. Your licensees automatically receive licenses to all dependencies.

Learn more: License Dependencies

When someone licenses your module, revenue is distributed to all developers in the dependency chain based on each module's price. Everyone receives 80% of their module's price; CodeLibra takes 20% total.

Details: Revenue Sharing

When can I withdraw my earnings?

Funds are available 14 days after purchase (after the refund window closes). You can withdraw once funds are available, subject to minimum payout thresholds.

More info: Payouts

What if I add a dependency to an existing module?

Existing subscribers receive the new dependency at no extra charge. You cover the cost of licensing the new dependency for current subscribers.

Can I change my prices?

Yes. Price changes apply to new subscribers immediately and to existing subscribers at renewal.

Can I remove my module from CodeLibra?

You can stop offering new licenses, but existing licenses remain valid according to their terms.

For Subscribers

How do I purchase a license?

Find the module in the CodeLibra catalog
Click Subscribe
Create an account or sign in
Complete payment

Full process: Purchasing Licenses

What do I get with a license?

Legal right to use the module in proprietary software
License to the current release plus all releases during your subscription
Perpetual rights to releases covered by your subscription
Access to any included support or services

What's the difference between subscription and perpetual?

Your subscription is annual—you pay yearly for access to new releases. However, your license to releases covered during your subscription is perpetual—you can use those versions forever.

Explained: Subscriptions and Renewals

What happens when my subscription expires?

You keep your perpetual license to releases covered during your subscription
You don't get access to new releases published after expiration
Renew anytime to get new releases

Do I need a license if the module is MIT-licensed?

If the module uses voluntary dual licensing with a permissive open-source license, you may not need a commercial license. However, some organizations prefer the formal commercial terms, support options, or clarity that come with a CodeLibra License.

Can I get a refund?

Refunds are available within 14 days of purchase. After that, refunds are evaluated case-by-case.

How do I verify my license?

Each license has a verification URL. You can also download license certificates and use the API for programmatic verification.

Guide: License Verification

Do I need a license for each developer on my team?

No. The CodeLibra License is per-organization, not per-developer. Your entire organization operates under one license.

Licensing & Legal

What is the CodeLibra License?

The CodeLibra License is the commercial license used on the platform. It grants rights to use modules in proprietary software without the obligations of the open-source license.

Explained: The CodeLibra License Explained

Can I sublicense to my customers?

You can sublicense use rights—your customers can use your product which includes the licensed module.

You cannot sublicense development rights—if your customers need to develop with the module themselves, they need their own license (or use bundled licensing).

Details: Sublicensing

What about sublicensing development rights?

Use bundled licensing: list the module as a license dependency of your own module. Your customers then receive direct licenses.

Learn more: Bundled Licensing

What if the module I'm using is updated with breaking changes?

Your perpetual license covers the releases you were licensed to. If new versions have breaking changes, you can continue using older versions or adapt to new ones.

Who owns my code if I build on a licensed module?

You own your code. The license gives you rights to the module; it doesn't transfer ownership of your work to the module developer.

What law governs the license?

The CodeLibra License is governed by Delaware law. Disputes follow the procedures in the CodeLibra Website Terms.

Technical Questions

Is there an API?

Yes. CodeLibra provides a REST API for programmatic access to platform functionality.

Overview: API Overview
Full docs: api.codelibra.io/docs

Can I integrate CodeLibra with my CI/CD?

Yes, using the API. You can verify licenses, check subscription status, and integrate with your development workflow.

What repository hosts are supported?

Currently GitHub. Additional hosts are planned.

How do I connect a private repository?

Authorize CodeLibra access to your GitHub account and select the private repository during onboarding. CodeLibra only reads repository information; it doesn't write or store your code.

Payments & Billing

What payment methods are accepted?

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Other methods may be available for specific modules or regions.

How do payouts work for developers?

Connect a payout method (bank account), then request payouts manually or configure automatic payouts.

Details: Payouts

Are there fees for payouts?

Payouts of $50 or more are free. Smaller payouts incur a small processing fee ($0.25 + 0.25%).

What about taxes?

Subscribers may see tax added based on their location. Developers are responsible for their own tax obligations on earnings.

Can I get an invoice?

Yes, invoices are generated automatically for all purchases and available in your account.

Account & Security

How do I create an account?

Visit codelibra.com and sign up with email or connect via GitHub.

What's an organization?

Organizations are the entities that own modules (for developers) and hold licenses (for subscribers). Even individuals need an organization, which can simply be named after yourself.

Can I have multiple organizations?

Yes. You can create and be part of multiple organizations.

How do I manage team access?

Organization settings allow you to invite team members and manage permissions.

What's an elevated API key?

Elevated keys have access to security-sensitive operations like payout management. Regular keys have access to general functionality.

Troubleshooting

I can't find my license

Check that you're looking at the correct organization. Licenses are tied to organizations, not individual users.

My payment failed

Check your card details and available credit. Try a different payment method if issues persist. Contact support if you continue to have problems.

I need to change the organization on a license

Licenses generally cannot be transferred between organizations. Contact support to discuss your specific situation.

I have a question not answered here

Contact support at support@codelibra.com. For documentation issues, let us know what's missing.