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Forge Licensing FAQ

Quick answers to common licensing questions.

🤔 Do I need a license?

I'm building a personal project

✅ No commercial license needed - Use all of Forge freely, including the AI Extension!

I'm a student/researcher

✅ No commercial license needed - Full access for educational and research purposes

I'm building an open source project

🟡 Depends - If your open source project:

  • Makes no revenue → No license needed
  • Generates any revenue/donations → Commercial license needed for AI Extension only

I'm building a commercial product

🟡 Depends:

  • Using Forge Core + other extensions: ✅ Free (MIT License)
  • Using AI Extension in production: ❌ Commercial license required

I work at a company evaluating Forge

✅ No commercial license needed - 90-day evaluation period for internal testing

📦 Component-by-Component

I want to use... Personal Commercial License
Forge Core ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
Auth Extension ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
Cache Extension ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
Database Extension ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
Events Extension ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
GraphQL Extension ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
gRPC Extension ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
All other extensions ✅ Free ✅ Free MIT
AI Extension ✅ Free ❌ License Required Commercial

🚀 Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Building a SaaS product

Q: I'm building a SaaS product. Can I use Forge?

A: Yes!

  • Forge Core + all extensions except AI: ✅ Free (MIT)
  • AI Extension: ❌ Need commercial license

Scenario 2: Internal company tools

Q: Building internal tools for my company. Do I need a license?

A:

  • If the tools help generate revenue or provide competitive advantage: Need commercial license for AI Extension
  • If truly internal with no business impact: 90-day evaluation, then contact us

Scenario 3: API backend for mobile app

Q: Building an API backend for a mobile app that will charge users.

A:

  • Forge Core + other extensions: ✅ Free
  • AI Extension features: ❌ Need commercial license

Scenario 4: Startup MVP

Q: Just starting out, building an MVP to validate the idea.

A:

  • Use the 90-day evaluation period
  • Contact us about startup-friendly pricing
  • We want to support early-stage companies!

Scenario 5: Consulting/Agency work

Q: I build apps for clients. Do I or my clients need licenses?

A:

  • You (consultant): No license needed for development
  • Your clients: Need commercial license if using AI Extension in production
  • Consider bulk licensing for agencies

Scenario 6: Tutorial or blog post

Q: Writing a tutorial about Forge. Can I include AI Extension examples?

A: ✅ Yes! Educational use is explicitly allowed and encouraged.

Scenario 7: Contributing to Forge

Q: I want to contribute code. What license applies?

A: By contributing, you grant xraph rights to use your contribution. You're awesome!

Scenario 8: Forking Forge

Q: Can I fork Forge and use it in my company?

A:

  • Forge Core: ✅ Yes, freely (MIT)
  • AI Extension: 🟡 For internal use yes, for production see FAQ

Scenario 9: Removing the AI Extension

Q: If I don't use the AI Extension, do I need to delete it?

A: No need! If you don't load/use it, you're not subject to its license terms. But feel free to remove it if you prefer.

Scenario 10: Using AI Extension for 91 days

Q: What happens after the 90-day evaluation period?

A:

  • Stop using in production, or
  • Purchase a commercial license
  • We'll send reminders before the period ends

💰 Pricing Questions

How much does a commercial license cost?

Contact licensing@xraph.com - we offer:

  • Startup pricing (based on team size)
  • Enterprise pricing (unlimited use + support)
  • Custom agreements

Do you offer discounts?

Yes! We have special pricing for:

  • Early-stage startups
  • Non-profits
  • Educational institutions
  • Open source projects
  • Bulk/agency licenses

Is there a free tier for small commercial use?

Currently no, but contact us - we're flexible for early-stage companies.

Can I pay monthly or must I pay annually?

Both options available. Monthly has a small premium.

🔒 Legal Questions

What happens if I violate the license?

We prefer to work with you to become compliant. Violations can result in:

  1. Warning and grace period
  2. License termination
  3. Legal action (last resort)

Contact us immediately if you think you're in violation - we can usually work it out.

Can I use Forge in a country under sanctions?

Subject to US export control laws. Contact legal counsel.

Does the license cover my modifications?

  • MIT components: Your modifications can be under any license
  • AI Extension: Modifications for personal use OK; redistribution requires permission

Who owns the copyright?

xraph owns the copyright to Forge. Contributors grant xraph rights to use contributions.

Can the license terms change?

The license for a specific version is fixed. Future versions may have different terms, but you can keep using the version you have under its original license.

🆘 Still Have Questions?

Before purchasing

Email: licensing@xraph.com
Response time: 1-2 business days

Technical questions

GitHub Issues: https://github.com/xraph/forge/issues
GitHub Discussions: https://github.com/xraph/forge/discussions

Legal questions

Email: legal@xraph.com (for questions requiring legal review)

Sales questions

Email: sales@xraph.com
Schedule call: [Link to calendar]

📚 Additional Resources

Last Updated: October 28, 2025

Note: This FAQ is for general guidance only and doesn't constitute legal advice. See the actual license files for legally binding terms.