The Idea Club
The best ideas are shared ideas.

The Idea Club Open Hardware & Software License (TIC-OHSL)

by Paul O'Rorke — published 2025/10/30 15:34:00 GMT+0, last modified 2026-05-06T20:59:25+00:00
The Idea Club exists to share ideas about making tangible things. This license ensures these ideas remain free for everyone to use, modify, and improve—while supporting the creators who make them possible. If you use these ideas commercially and profit significantly, we ask you to give back a small share to sustain the commons.

1. Definitions

"Work": Hardware designs, software, or documentation covered by this license.

"Derivative Work": Any modification or extension of the Work.

"Commercial Use": Any use of the Work generating revenue exceeding USD $1,000,000 in a calendar year.

"You/Your": The person or entity using the Work.

2. Permissions

You are free to:

  • Use, reproduce, and distribute the Work for any purpose.
  • Modify and distribute Derivative Works.
  • Manufacture and sell products based on the Work.

Under the following conditions:

3. Conditions

A. Attribution

You must clearly attribute the Work to its creator and link to theidea.club.

Example: "This design uses the Torque Monster by Paul O'Rorke (theidea.club)."

B. Share-Alike

Derivative Works must be licensed under this same license (TIC-OHSL).

You must publish source files (CAD, code, schematics) for any Derivative Work.

C. Commercial Revenue Sharing

If your product using the Work generates revenue exceeding USD $1,000,000 in a calendar year, you must:

  • Pay 2% of annual revenue to the original creator.
  • Self-report revenue annually via theidea.club.
  • Make payment within 90 days of the end of each calendar year.

Note: Hobbyists, students, and non-profits are exempt regardless of revenue.

D. No Liability

The Work is provided "as is". You assume full responsibility for its use.

E. Hardware/Software Licenses

  • Hardware: TAPR Open Hardware License (OHL).
  • Software: GNU General Public License (GPL) v3.

4. How to Comply

Non-Commercial Use: Attribute and share improvements. No payment required.

Commercial Use Under $1,000,000/year: Attribute and share improvements. No payment required.

Commercial Use Over $1,000,000/year: Attribute the Work to Paul O'Rorke and link to theidea.club. Share all improvements under TIC-OHSL. Remit 2% of annual revenue to support ongoing development as described in Section 3C.

5. Termination

Violations terminate your rights to use the Work. Reinstatement requires correcting the violation and notifying theidea.club.

6. Contact

Questions or commercial licensing enquiries: theidea.club