How are you handling Gemma’s license for commercial apps?
I’m planning to use Gemma in a commercial desktop app (local inference via Ollama), and I want to make sure I’m interpreting Section 3.1 of the license correctly.
Here’s how I’m thinking of satisfying each requirement:
Use restrictions (Section 3.2):
I plan to include the use restrictions referenced in the installer, so users see them before installation. The user restrictions will be displayed as shown at https://ai.google.dev/gemma/terms#3.2-use:"You must not use any of the Gemma Services:
- for the restricted uses set forth in the Gemma Prohibited Use Policy at ai.google.dev/gemma/prohibited_use_policy ("Prohibited Use Policy"), which is hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement; or
- in violation of applicable laws and regulations.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Google reserves the right to restrict (remotely or otherwise) usage of any of the Gemma Services that Google reasonably believes are in violation of this Agreement."
Including the agreement:
I’m planning to include the entire Gemma license text in the app’s “Licenses” section.Prominent notice of modifications:
I'm not modifying any of the distribution files.Distribution notice:
I’m adding the required notice to a LICENSE.txt included with the app.
Before I finalize this, I’d love to hear how others are handling these requirements in their own commercial apps. Does this approach align with what you’re doing, or is there anything I’m missing?
Here is the link to Section 3.1, for reference:
https://ai.google.dev/gemma/terms#3.1-distribution
Thank you for taking the time.
Hi,
Would love to hear any thoughts on this :)
Hi @Anonymoose107 ,
Thanks for taking the time to review the Gemma Terms of Use and for describing how you’re planning to handle distribution in your application.
Questions about whether a particular implementation satisfies the requirements of the Gemma Terms of Use involve legal interpretation, so I’m not able to confirm whether a specific packaging or installer flow complies with the license.
What I can point to is the relevant language in Section 3.1 of the Gemma Terms of Use. That section outlines the conditions under which Gemma models may be redistributed. In general, it requires that:
- recipients are subject to the use restrictions referenced in Section 3.2 (including the Prohibited Use Policy and applicable laws),
- a copy of the Gemma Terms of Use is provided to recipients,
- prominent notices are included if the model files are modified, and
- non-hosted distributions include the required notice referencing the Gemma Terms of Use.
For questions about whether a specific implementation meets those requirements in a commercial product, it’s best to review the terms with legal counsel to ensure your distribution approach aligns with the obligations in the license.
Thank you!