Oracle Java Software Licensing

Industry Trends in Software Development

Dramatic technology advances in miniaturization, telecommunications, and digitization has ushered in the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is characterized by devices, embedded software, and large amounts of data (a.k.a., big data).

Several firms I consulted with decided on Oracle's Java platform software to manage IoT design complexity. Each time a business review was required to assess Oracle's software license grants. This posting is for informational and educational purposes to help avoid misunderstanding of the Oracle Binary Code License.

Oracle Binary Code License

Software engineers who use Oracle Java Platform software usually obtain the software because it was pre-installed by a general purpose computer or laptop manufacturer or downloaded from the Oracle website by an engineer. Downloading Oracle Java software requires the user to accept a click-through Oracle Binary Code License (BCL)  prior to the download occurring.  

In both scenarios the software installation directory contain a LICENSE file which contains the Oracle Binary Code License.

Section 1. DEFINITIONS of the BCL defines "Software",  "General Purpose Desktop Computers and Servers",  "Programs", and the relationship between terms. The use of Oracle software that does not satisfy the definitions are excluded and not licensed under the BCL agreement.

If your "Programs" use of the "Software" satisfies the definitions then a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license without license fees to reproduce and use internally Oracle Java Platform Standard Edition (Java SE) complete and unmodified for the sole purpose of running your "Programs". The BCL contains supplemental license terms which grant a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license without fees to reproduce and distribute the "Software" provided additional requirements are satisfied.  Reference 1: Supplemental License Terms, Section C, License to Distribute Software. Reference 2: Oracle Java License and Distribution FAQs.

Oracle Binary License and Redistribution Agreement

An Oracle Binary License and Redistribution Agreement (BLRA) and Oracle Trademark License (TML) are required for commercial distribution rights when your "Programs" use of Oracle Java "Software" does not satisfy the BCL terms and conditions.

The Oracle BLRA and TML are confidential proprietary licenses that grant commercial distribution rights for a defined field of use; specific to your product requirements. A distribution royalty payment is required for commercial distribution rights. Public information indicates processor size is a factor in determining a royalty fee.

Recommendation

Perform due diligence early with engineering, product management and legal counsel to evaluate how Oracle licenses apply to your product.  

A common misunderstanding occurs when a general purpose desktop or server is used as a product design component. Usually the combined product is not a general purpose desktop or server. Therefore the BCL is not an appropriate license. This is particularly true for IoT product designs.

This posting is for informational and educational purposes to help avoid misunderstanding of the Oracle Binary Code License.  

Disclaimer

I am not a lawyer and this information is not legal advice. Contact an attorney for legal counsel.