The First Open-Source License Built for DeFi DeFi OS License by STORM Partners

The DeFi OS License is an open-source legal framework designed specifically for decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and DAOs. It bridges the gap between the openness of blockchain-based code and the realities of governance, legal risk, and contributor protection.

Developed by STORM Partners’ legal team, the license enables DAO and protocol teams to align code, governance, and legal rights, without compromising innovation or permissionless principles.

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Why MIT, GPL, and Other Licenses Fail in DeFi and Blockchain Protocols

Traditional open-source licenses like the MIT License, GNU GPL, or Creative Commons were built for centrally managed Web2 software. They don’t address the unique challenges of permissionless, on-chain systems, including:

Immutable smart contract deployment on blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon, or Cardano
Frictionless forks that can scale globally within hours
No recognition of DAO governance in license terms
Legal exposure of individual developers and contributors

When code governs capital, outdated licensing creates a structural risk for your project and its community.

What is the DeFi OS License?

The DeFi OS License (DeFOSS) is the first open-source license engineered for decentralized finance ecosystems. It preserves the freedoms of open source while introducing safeguards, governance alignment, and contributor protections for a permissionless environment.

With the DeFi OS License, DAOs and protocol teams can:

Require attribution to original contributors
Define and approve reuse conditions through on-chain governance 
Integrate on-chain enforcement tools such as staking requirements or cryptographic signatures
Limit contributor liability for downstream forks and code modifications

This is not about restricting innovation; it’s about licensing with intent, ensuring open code serves your community, contributors, and long-term roadmap.