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Distribution Policy

Arte edited this page Dec 18, 2025 · 1 revision

Distribution Policy

Deep Learning Protocol
Effective Date: December 18, 2025
License: MIT


1. Overview

This document outlines how the Deep Learning Protocol project may be distributed, shared, and used.

2. License Terms

MIT License

The Deep Learning Protocol is released under the MIT License, which permits:

Permitted Uses

  • Commercial use
  • Modification
  • Distribution
  • Private use
  • Sublicensing

Restrictions

  • Liability — No warranty provided
  • No trademark rights
  • No patent claims waived

License Text: See LICENSE file for complete legal text.


3. Distribution Methods

3.1 GitHub Repository (Primary)

Official Repository:
https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol

Distribution Rights:

  • Clone for personal use ✅
  • Fork for modifications ✅
  • Distribute forks with attribution ✅

Requirements:

  • Include LICENSE file
  • Include ATTRIBUTION.md (if modified)
  • Link back to original repo (recommended)

3.2 NuGet Package (Planned)

Package Name: DeepLearningProtocol

Distribution Through:

  • NuGet.org (official package source)
  • Package managers (when available)

Installation:

dotnet add package DeepLearningProtocol

Terms:

  • Same MIT License applies
  • Version history maintained
  • Automatic updates available

3.3 Docker Image (Planned)

Image Name: quickattach0-tech/deeplearningprotocol

Distribution Through:

  • Docker Hub
  • GitHub Container Registry

Usage:

docker pull quickattach0-tech/deeplearningprotocol:latest
docker run deeplearningprotocol:latest

3.4 Direct Download

Source Code Distributions:

  • Releases on GitHub (zip, tar.gz)
  • Built binaries (when available)
  • Documentation packages

No License Fee Required


4. Acceptable Use Cases

4.1 Educational Use ✅

Permitted:

  • Teaching computer science
  • Academic research
  • University courses
  • Student projects
  • Learning materials
  • Educational papers

No permission required — Just include attribution and LICENSE.

4.2 Commercial Use ✅

Permitted:

  • Incorporate into products
  • Commercial applications
  • SaaS platforms
  • Enterprise software
  • Consulting services

No permission required — Just include LICENSE.

4.3 Open Source Use ✅

Permitted:

  • Include in open source projects
  • Derivative open source works
  • Public contributions

Requirements:

  • Maintain MIT License
  • Include license notice
  • Credit original author

4.4 Internal/Private Use ✅

Permitted:

  • Internal company tools
  • Private applications
  • Proprietary systems
  • Closed-source projects

Requirements:

  • Include LICENSE in distribution
  • No public distribution restrictions

4.5 Modifications ✅

Permitted:

  • Create derivatives
  • Custom extensions
  • Feature additions
  • Language adaptations

Requirements:

  • Document changes
  • Include original LICENSE
  • Update attribution
  • Consider contributing back

5. Distribution Restrictions

5.1 You Must Include

Always Include:

  1. LICENSE file — Original MIT License text
  2. Copyright notice — "Copyright (c) 2025 quickattach0-tech"
  3. ATTRIBUTION.md — If significantly modified

Minimal Attribution:

This project includes code from Deep Learning Protocol
(https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol)
licensed under the MIT License.

5.2 You Must Not Do

Never Do:

  1. Remove license files — Keep LICENSE intact
  2. Claim original authorship — Give proper credit
  3. Imply warranty — State code provided "as-is"
  4. Register trademark — Can't trademark "Deep Learning Protocol" name
  5. Sublicense with restrictions — Must keep MIT terms

5.3 Trademark

Trademark: "Deep Learning Protocol" name

Rules:

  • ❌ Can't use in product name
  • ✅ Can use in attribution
  • ✅ Can mention in documentation
  • ⚠️ Use fairly and accurately

Acceptable:

  • "Based on Deep Learning Protocol"
  • "Uses Deep Learning Protocol architecture"
  • "Inspired by Deep Learning Protocol research"

Not Acceptable:

  • "Deep Learning Protocol Pro" (implies endorsement)
  • "Our Deep Learning Protocol" (implies ownership)
  • Logo use without permission

6. Commercial Use Guidelines

6.1 Incorporating into Products

Permitted:

✅ Use code in your product
✅ Sell the product commercially  
✅ Use in paid services (SaaS)
✅ Include in enterprise software

Requirements:

✅ Include LICENSE file
✅ Include copyright notice
✅ Include list of changes (if modified)
✅ Link to original repository (recommended)

6.2 Reselling/Redistributing

Permitted:

  • Distribute as open source ✅
  • Distribute modified version ✅
  • Include in software packages ✅

Restrictions:

  • Must maintain MIT License ❌
  • Cannot change licensing terms ❌
  • Must include original LICENSE ❌

6.3 Support & Warranty

Important:

MIT License Clause:
"THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED 'AS IS', WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND..."

Implications:

Scenario Your Responsibility
Bug found Inform upstream if possible
Security issue Report to maintainers
Warranty claims Not covered by MIT
Support requests Your responsibility if distributing

7. Academic & Research Use

7.1 Educational Institution Use ✅

Permitted:

  • Use in courses
  • Modify for education
  • Distribute to students
  • Publish in academic papers
  • Reference in research

No Special Permission Needed

7.2 Research Publication

Permitted:

  • Cite in papers
  • Use code in research
  • Publish derivatives
  • Submit to venues

Requirements:

  • Include citation (see Section 9)
  • Acknowledge MIT License
  • Share modifications if possible

7.3 Dataset/Benchmark Use

Permitted:

  • Use for benchmarking
  • Include in datasets
  • Compare performance
  • Publish comparisons

Requirements:

  • Cite original repository
  • Include results accurately
  • No misrepresentation

8. Distribution Channels

8.1 GitHub

Repository: https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol

How to Distribute:

# Clone
git clone https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol.git

# Fork for modifications
# (Fork button on GitHub)

# Push your version
git push origin your-fork

Considerations:

  • Always maintain LICENSE
  • Reference original repo
  • Consider contributing back

8.2 NuGet Package (When Available)

Installation:

dotnet add package DeepLearningProtocol

Distribution:

  • Automatic via package manager
  • Version management built-in
  • License automatically included

8.3 Your Own Repository

Permitted:

✅ Fork and create own repo
✅ Distribute on your platform
✅ Sell if incorporated in product

Requirements:

✅ Keep LICENSE file
✅ Document changes
✅ Link back to original (recommended)

8.4 Package Managers

Permitted To Use In:

  • npm (if JavaScript version)
  • PyPI (if Python version)
  • Maven (if Java version)
  • RubyGems
  • CocoaPods

Requirements:

  • Include LICENSE in package
  • Accurate metadata
  • Link to original

9. Citation & Attribution

9.1 Academic Citation

BibTeX Format:

@software{DeepLearningProtocol2025,
  author = {quickattach0-tech},
  title = {Deep Learning Protocol},
  year = {2025},
  url = {https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol},
  license = {MIT}
}

APA Format:

quickattach0-tech. (2025). Deep Learning Protocol [Software]. 
Retrieved from https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol

Chicago Format:

quickattach0-tech. "Deep Learning Protocol." GitHub. Accessed [date].
https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol

9.2 In-Text Attribution

Minimum (In Documentation):

This project uses [Deep Learning Protocol](https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol)
licensed under the MIT License.

In Code Comments:

// Based on Deep Learning Protocol
// https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol
// Licensed under MIT License

9.3 ATTRIBUTION.md Template

If you create significant derivatives:

# Attribution

## Deep Learning Protocol

This project includes or is derived from code from:
**Deep Learning Protocol**
- Repository: https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol
- License: MIT
- Copyright: 2025 quickattach0-tech
- Changes: [List modifications you made]

Original MIT License is included in LICENSE file.

10. Trademark & Branding

10.1 Name Usage

Acceptable:

  • "Based on Deep Learning Protocol"
  • "Uses Deep Learning Protocol library"
  • "Inspired by Deep Learning Protocol"
  • "Adapted from Deep Learning Protocol"

Not Acceptable:

  • "Deep Learning Protocol Enhanced" (misleading)
  • "Rebranded Deep Learning Protocol" (misleading)
  • Using logo as your logo
  • Implying official endorsement

10.2 Logo & Graphics

Permitted:

  • Include in attribution
  • Link in references
  • Show in "built with" section

Not Permitted:

  • Modify without permission
  • Use in product name
  • Register as your trademark
  • Use to imply endorsement

11. Patent & Intellectual Property

11.1 Patent Grant

MIT License does NOT grant patent rights.
Any patents held by original author are not licensed.

11.2 Your Modifications

You Own:

  • Your modifications and extensions
  • Your derivative works
  • Your implementations

Constraints:

  • Original parts must stay MIT
  • Can't change license of original
  • Must include original LICENSE

11.3 Derivative Works

If You Create Derivative:

Option A: Keep MIT License
  → Free, open source, no restrictions

Option B: Dual License (MIT + Your License)
  → Users can choose either license
  → Allows both open and proprietary use
  
Option C: Proprietary License
  → Only for your modifications
  → Original code must stay MIT licensed

12. International Distribution

12.1 Export Control

No Special Requirements for:

  • Most countries
  • Most use cases
  • Academic distribution

Possible Restrictions for:

  • Countries under US sanctions (if applicable)
  • Military/weapons applications
  • Export controls on encryption (if applicable)

12.2 Data Protection (GDPR)

If Processing Personal Data:

  • Follow GDPR if EU users
  • Follow local privacy laws
  • Include privacy policy
  • Implement data protection

Note: Protocol itself doesn't process personal data by default.

12.3 Localization & Translation

Permitted:

  • Translate documentation
  • Localize for different regions
  • Adapt for different languages
  • Cultural adaptations

Requirements:

  • Maintain MIT License
  • Document translation changes
  • Include original attribution

13. Acceptable Services/Business Models

13.1 Consulting & Services ✅

Permitted:

  • Consulting based on protocol
  • Custom implementation services
  • Training and education
  • Integration services

Model:

Deep Learning Protocol (Free, MIT)
    ↓
Your Services (Paid)
    ↓
Customer Value (Success)

13.2 SaaS Platform ✅

Permitted:

  • Host as SaaS
  • Offer via subscription
  • Cloud-based version
  • Managed service

Requirements:

  • Include LICENSE in terms
  • Link to original (recommended)
  • Document modifications

13.3 Commercial Support ✅

Permitted:

  • Offer paid support
  • Provide SLAs
  • Premium features on top
  • Training courses

Model:

Open Source (Free)
    + Premium Support (Paid)
    = Sustainable Business

13.4 Software Bundling ✅

Permitted:

  • Bundle with your software
  • Include in product suite
  • Combine with other projects
  • Sell as package

Requirements:

  • Include LICENSE
  • Include attribution
  • Maintain all licenses

14. What NOT To Do

14.1 License Violations ❌

❌ Remove or obscure license
❌ Change license terms
❌ Claim authorship
❌ Imply warranty/support not provided
❌ Sublicense with restrictions
❌ Register as trademark
❌ Hide modifications

14.2 Misrepresentation ❌

❌ "Our original work"
❌ "Officially endorsed"
❌ "Supported by original authors"
❌ Changing significant behavior without documenting
❌ Selling as completely different project
❌ Implying features not present

14.3 Harmful Uses

❌ Weapons development
❌ Malware/malicious use
❌ Espionage
❌ Unauthorized surveillance
❌ Discrimination systems
❌ Illegal activities

15. Compliance Checklist

Before Distributing

Use this checklist to ensure compliance:

  • License Included — MIT License file present
  • Attribution Clear — Credit given to original
  • Changes Documented — Modifications listed
  • No Trademark Claim — Not claiming "Deep Learning Protocol" brand
  • Terms Accurate — Not misrepresenting functionality
  • Warranty Clear — Not implying support/warranty not provided
  • Links Present — Link to original repo (recommended)
  • No Restrictions Added — Haven't added restrictions to MIT code

For Commercial Use

  • License Includes Permission — For commercial use ✅
  • Liability Understood — Software "as-is" ✅
  • Support Plan Clear — Know who provides support
  • Legal Review Done — Verify with legal if needed
  • Contracts Clear — Customer knows terms

For Educational Use

  • License Displayed — Students see MIT License
  • Attribution Clear — Credit to original
  • Repository Known — Students know where to find original
  • Fair Use — Not claiming as original work

16. Compliance Examples

Example 1: Using in Commercial Product ✅

Your Product: MyLearningApp (paid software)

✅ Include LICENSE file in distribution
✅ In Help → About: "Uses Deep Learning Protocol"
✅ Include link: https://github.com/quickattach0-tech/DeepLearningProtocol
✅ In terms: "Includes MIT-licensed components"
✅ Document your modifications
✅ Charge for YOUR product, not for the protocol

Result: COMPLIANT ✅

Example 2: Academic Paper ✅

Your Paper: "Adaptive Learning Systems" (published)

✅ Cite in References
✅ Note MIT License
✅ Provide repository link
✅ Describe how you used/modified it
✅ Share code if possible
✅ Include LICENSE with code samples

Result: COMPLIANT ✅

Example 3: Open Source Fork ✅

Your Project: MyExtendedProtocol (GitHub)

✅ Include LICENSE (same MIT)
✅ Attribute original in README
✅ Link to original
✅ Document all changes
✅ Keep open source
✅ Allow others to build on it

Result: COMPLIANT ✅

Example 4: Violation ❌

Your Product: "Deep Learning Protocol Pro"

❌ Removes MIT License
❌ Claims original authorship
❌ Doesn't credit original
❌ Implies endorsement
❌ Restricts redistribution
❌ Makes it seem like your invention

Result: NOT COMPLIANT ❌

17. Questions & Support

I Want To...

...use commercially?
Yes, MIT License permits commercial use. Just include LICENSE.

...modify the code?
Yes, MIT License permits modifications. Document changes.

...distribute my version?
Yes, but maintain MIT License and credit original.

...use in closed-source project?
Yes, just include LICENSE in distribution/documentation.

...remove attribution?
No, you must include original LICENSE and copyright.

...add my own license on top?
Yes (dual licensing), but original code stays MIT.

...claim it as my work?
No, give proper attribution.

...sell it?
Yes, as part of your product/service. No license fee needed.

Contact

Questions about distribution:

Legal concerns:

  • Consult with your legal team
  • Reference MIT License terms
  • Contact original author if needed

18. Changelog

Version 1.0 — December 18, 2025

  • Initial distribution policy
  • MIT License clarification
  • Commercial use guidelines
  • International distribution
  • Compliance checklist

19. Effective Date & Updates

Effective Date: December 18, 2025

Updates:

  • Policy may be updated by original author
  • Updates will be posted in this file
  • Changes apply to future distributions
  • Current license terms always honored

Questions? See CONTRIBUTING.md or open an issue.


20. Summary

TL;DR:

Use Permitted Conditions
Commercial ✅ Yes Include LICENSE
Education ✅ Yes Include LICENSE
Open Source ✅ Yes Keep MIT License
Modification ✅ Yes Document changes
Redistribution ✅ Yes Include LICENSE
Use in Product ✅ Yes Include LICENSE
Remove License ❌ No Must include
Claim Ownership ❌ No Give attribution
Add Restrictions ❌ No Keep MIT terms

Remember: When in doubt, include the LICENSE file and credit the original authors.


For Legal Text: See LICENSE
For Contributing: See CONTRIBUTING.md
For Attribution: See ATTRIBUTION.md (if present)

License: This Distribution Policy document is licensed under CC-BY-4.0

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