OpenAI Codex Plugin License: Apache 2.0 Terms and Usage Guide

The OpenAI Codex plugin is released under the Apache License 2.0, a permissive open-source license that allows commercial use, modification, and distribution with proper attribution.

The openai/codex-plugin-cc repository provides the OpenAI Codex plugin under terms that balance open collaboration with legal protection. Understanding the OpenAI Codex plugin license is essential for developers integrating this tool into commercial applications or derivative works without violating intellectual property requirements.

What License Does the OpenAI Codex Plugin Use?

The OpenAI Codex plugin is licensed under the Apache License 2.0. You can view the complete legal text in the repository's top-level LICENSE file at openai/codex-plugin-cc/blob/main/LICENSE.

Apache 2.0 is a permissive license widely adopted by enterprise software projects. It explicitly grants patent rights while maintaining minimal restrictions on how the code can be used, making it suitable for both open-source and proprietary development.

Key Permissions and Requirements

The Apache 2.0 license governing the OpenAI Codex plugin provides several critical permissions:

• Commercial use: You may use the code in commercial projects without royalty payments.
• Modification: You can alter the source code to fit your specific needs.
• Distribution: You are free to distribute original or modified versions of the software.
• Private use: You can use the code internally without publishing your changes.

The license also includes a patent grant, protecting users from patent claims by contributors. However, it explicitly disclaims warranties and limits liability, meaning contributors are not responsible for how the software is implemented.

Critical License Files in the Repository

Several files in the openai/codex-plugin-cc repository define the legal terms:

• LICENSE: Contains the full Apache 2.0 license text at the repository root.
• NOTICE: Preserves attribution notices for third-party components as required by Apache 2.0 section 4(d).
• package.json: Includes the license metadata field ("license": "Apache-2.0") for NPM package management.
• README.md: Provides general project overview and mentions licensing information.

How to Comply with the OpenAI Codex Plugin License

When incorporating this plugin into your projects, you must retain the original copyright notices and provide attribution. Include the Apache 2.0 header in any new source files derived from the codebase:

/**
 * Copyright © 2024 OpenAI
 *
 * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
 * You may obtain a copy of the License at
 *
 *     https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
 * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
 * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
 * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 * limitations under the License.
 */

When distributing the plugin as part of a larger package, ensure the LICENSE file is included in the distribution:

# Verify the license is packaged when publishing to NPM

npm pack

# The generated tarball automatically includes the LICENSE file

Summary

• The OpenAI Codex plugin uses the Apache License 2.0, located in the top-level LICENSE file.
• The license permits commercial use, modification, and distribution without requiring derivative works to be open-sourced.
• You must retain copyright notices and include the NOTICE file attribution when distributing the code.
• The package.json explicitly declares "license": "Apache-2.0" for automated license detection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the OpenAI Codex plugin free for commercial use?

Yes. The Apache 2.0 license explicitly permits commercial use, allowing you to integrate the OpenAI Codex plugin into proprietary applications and commercial products without paying royalties or licensing fees.

Do I need to open-source my project if I use the OpenAI Codex plugin?

No. The Apache 2.0 license does not impose copyleft requirements. You can create derivative works and keep your source code private, provided you include the original copyright notices and required attribution files.

Where is the full license text located in the repository?

The complete Apache 2.0 license text resides in the LICENSE file at the root of the openai/codex-plugin-cc repository. The NOTICE file in the same directory contains additional attribution requirements for third-party components.

What is the purpose of the NOTICE file in the OpenAI Codex plugin repository?

The NOTICE file fulfills the Apache 2.0 requirement to preserve attribution for third-party components. If you distribute this plugin, you must include the contents of this file to ensure proper credit is maintained for all contributors and incorporated libraries.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}