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

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

(For hardware: TAPR OHL + Gold Clause | For software: GNU GPL v3 + Gold Clause)

Preamble "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 the value of 333.33 ounces of gold (using the LBMA Gold Price) 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 (Paul O’Rorke) 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. Gold Revenue Sharing (Commercial Use Only)

• If your product using the Work generates revenue exceeding 333.33 ounces of gold/year, you must:
  • Pay 2% of annual profit or revenue (whichever is greater) in gold or gold-equivalent value to the creator.
  • Self-report revenue annually via theidea.club.
  • Note: Hobbyists, students, and non-profits are exempt.

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.
• Commercial Use Under 333.33 Oz/Year: Attribute and share improvements.
• Commercial Use.  
  If your product using the Work generates revenue exceeding 333.33 ounces of gold/year (using the LBMA Gold Price), you must:
  1. Attribute the Work to its creator (Paul O’Rorke) and link to theidea.club.
  2. Share all improvements to the Work under this same license (TIC-OHSL).
  3. (Optional but encouraged) Remit 2% of annual profit or revenue in gold or gold-equivalent value to support ongoing development.

5. Termination

• Violations terminate your rights to use the Work. Reinstatement requires correcting the violation.

6. Contact

• Questions? Reach out via theidea.club.