> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://openchemfacts.gitbook.io/openchemfacts-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://openchemfacts.gitbook.io/openchemfacts-docs/data/licence-odbl.md).

# Licence (ODbL)

## Open Database Licence (ODbL)

All datasets made publicly available throughOpenChemFacts are distributed under the [Open Data Commons Open Database Licence](https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/summary/) (ODbL).

The ODbL, developed and maintained by the **Open Knowledge Foundation**, promotes the free use and sharing of databases while ensuring that contributors and the community receive proper recognition.

The full text of the license is available at :\
<https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1-0/>

{% hint style="info" %}
The ODbL applies only to datasets that are publicly released through OpenChemFacts.&#x20;

Some source datasets, proprietary data, third-party resources, or computational workflows used to generate indicators may be subject to their own terms and are not necessarily distributed under ODbL.&#x20;

Such non-public resources are notably used to provide value-added services through OpenChemFacts founder operating firm [Lumens](https://www.pappers.fr/entreprise/lumens-990906950).
{% endhint %}

## What you can do&#x20;

Under the ODbL, you are free to:

* **Share** — copy, distribute and use the database
* **Create** — produce works from the database
* **Adapt** — modify, transform and build upon the database

These freedoms apply for **any purpose**, including commercial use.

## What you must respect

When using OpenChemFacts data, you must comply with the following obligations:

1. **Attribution**\
   You must attribute OpenChemFacts as the source of the data. Attribution should be reasonable and clearly visible, for example by mentioning *“Data © OpenChemFacts contributors, licensed under ODbL”*.
2. **Share-Alike**\
   If you publicly share a modified version of the database, or a database derived from it, you must distribute it under the **same ODbL license**.
3. **Keep the Data Open**\
   If you use the database in a way that results in a publicly accessible database or service, you must ensure that users can access the underlying data under ODbL terms.

## Produced Works vs. Derived Databases

The ODbL distinguishes between:

* **Produced Works** (e.g. analyses, visualizations, reports, or applications built using the data) : \
  These are *not* required to be licensed under ODbL, as long as the underlying database itself is not redistributed.
* **Derivative Databases** (e.g. enriched, filtered, or merged datasets) :\
  These must be shared under the ODbL if they are made publicly available.

## Why ODbL ?

The ODbL ensures that OpenChemFacts data remains:

* **Open and reusable**
* **Protected against proprietary enclosure**
* **Enriched by community contributions**

{% hint style="info" %}
By adopting the ODbL, OpenChemFacts aims to foster a sustainable and collaborative ecosystem for environmental chemistry and life cycle assessment.
{% endhint %}