The Palimpsest-MPL License (PMPL-1.0) is a file-level copyleft license built on Mozilla Public License 2.0, extended with ethical use guidelines and quantum-safe provenance.
Current Version: PMPL-1.0 (based on MPL-2.0)
Core Features:
- File-level copyleft (MPL-2.0 foundation)
- Ethical use guidelines (Exhibit A)
- Quantum-safe provenance signatures (Exhibit B)
- Emotional lineage recognition
- AI training permitted with documentation
palimpsest-license/
├── legal/ # License texts
│ ├── PALIMPSEST-MPL-1.0.txt # Main license
│ ├── MPL-2.0.txt # Base license
│ ├── exhibits/ # Exhibit A & B
│ └── historical/ # v0.3, v0.4 archives
├── docs/ # Documentation
│ ├── GUIDE.md # User guide
│ ├── FAQ.md # FAQ
│ ├── INTEGRATION.md # Integration guide
│ └── examples/ # Language examples
├── tools/ # Rust CLI tools
│ ├── pmpl-sign/ # Signing tool
│ ├── pmpl-verify/ # Verification tool
│ ├── pmpl-audit/ # Compliance audit
│ └── integrations/ # CI/CD configs
├── spec/ # Formal specifications
│ ├── PMPL-SPEC.adoc
│ ├── ETHICAL-USE-SPEC.adoc
│ └── QUANTUM-SAFE-SPEC.adoc
├── research/ # Papers and presentations
│ ├── papers/
│ └── presentations/
├── .github/ # CI/CD workflows
│
├── LICENSE # MPL-2.0 + Palimpsest
├── README.md # Project overview
├── CONTRIBUTING.adoc # Contribution guidelines
├── GOVERNANCE.md # Decision-making
├── CHANGELOG.adoc # Version history
├── SECURITY.md # Security policy
└── Justfile # Build automation
Built on proven legal framework:
- File-level copyleft (not project-level)
- Compatible with proprietary code in separate files
- Patent grants included
- Well-understood licensing terms
Community norms for responsible use:
- Emotional lineage preservation
- Transparent attribution
- AI/ML training documentation
- Cultural sensitivity
Future-proof attribution:
- Post-quantum cryptographic signatures (ML-DSA, SLH-DSA, FN-DSA)
- Provenance chains for contribution tracking
- NIST-approved algorithms
Managed by the Palimpsest Stewardship Council (7 members):
- 3 Creator Representatives
- 2 Legal Experts
- 1 Technologist
- 1 Cultural Heritage Advocate
# Build all tools
just build
# Run tests
just test
# Check compliance
just validateAll source files must include:
// SPDX-License-Identifier: PMPL-1.0-or-later
// SPDX-FileCopyrightText: YEAR Your Name
- Run
just fmtto format code - Run
just checkto verify builds - Ensure SPDX headers present
- Update CHANGELOG.adoc if needed
- Critical: Legal precision is paramount
- Changes require Council review
- Always maintain versioned copies
- User-facing, accessible language
- Practical examples included
- Keep current with license changes
- Rust CLI tools for compliance
- Must compile and pass tests
- Include SPDX headers
- Formal specification documents
- AsciiDoc format
- Normative requirements
- Primary Implementation: Rust
- Documentation: Markdown, AsciiDoc
- Build System: Justfile
- CI/CD: GitHub Actions, GitLab CI
legal/PALIMPSEST-MPL-1.0.txt- License textdocs/GUIDE.md- User guidedocs/FAQ.md- Common questionsGOVERNANCE.md- Decision-making
- Use license: Copy LICENSE, add SPDX headers
- Build tools:
just build - Run tests:
just test - Audit compliance:
just audit
"This is a license born not just from copyright, but from care. From narrative debt. From cultural refusal. From emotional fidelity."
The Palimpsest-MPL License protects creators' works while enabling open collaboration, with clear guidance for the age of AI.