Is MIT compatible with BSD-3?
MIT-licensed code is compatible with a BSD-3 project. Here is what that means for your obligations, conflicts, and distribution.
The license of the code you want to use.
The license you are applying to your project.
The short answer
Both licenses are permissive and place minimal restrictions on combining, modifying, and distributing the code.
Key obligations
Retain copyright notices and disclaimers for the MIT code.
Potential conflicts
None. Both licenses allow free incorporation into other works.
Distribution notes
Distribute under BSD-3, respecting the notice requirements of MIT.
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What this means in practice
MIT License is a permissive license and BSD 3-Clause is a permissive license. That combination is generally safe to ship: you can include the MIT library in a BSD-3 project as long as you meet the notice and distribution requirements below. Internal-only use rarely triggers copyleft obligations, while shipping binaries or running a public network service is more likely to.
Compliance checklist for MIT → BSD-3
- Retain the original MIT copyright and license notices.
- Record that your project bundles MIT-licensed components (e.g. in an attribution or NOTICE file).
- Distribute the combined work under terms that satisfy BSD-3.
- Re-check the verdict if you switch to SaaS delivery or start modifying the component.
About these licenses
MIT License
LibraryA short, highly permissive license. Use it almost anywhere as long as you keep the copyright and license notice.
- Type
- Permissive
- Patent grant
- None
- Source sharing
- Not required
BSD 3-Clause
ProjectPermissive like MIT, plus a clause barring use of the project's name to endorse derived products.
- Type
- Permissive
- Patent grant
- None
- Source sharing
- Not required
MIT and BSD-3: frequently asked questions
Common questions about combining MIT License and BSD 3-Clause.
Is MIT compatible with BSD-3?
Both licenses are permissive and place minimal restrictions on combining, modifying, and distributing the code.
Can I use MIT code in a BSD-3 SaaS or cloud application?
Both licenses are permissive and place minimal restrictions on combining, modifying, and distributing the code.
What are my obligations when combining MIT and BSD-3?
Retain copyright notices and disclaimers for the MIT code. Distribute under BSD-3, respecting the notice requirements of MIT.