Apache 2.0 vs BSD 3-Clause: what is the difference?

Short answer: Apache 2.0: commercial use, modification, redistribution: Yes. BSD 3-Clause: the same uses: Yes.

Apache 2.0: Use, reproduce, modify, sublicense and distribute for any purpose, with an express patent license; keep notices, include the license and mark changed files. BSD 3-Clause: Redistribute and use with or without modification, keeping the notice, conditions and disclaimer; contributors' names may not be used to endorse your product.

Apache 2.0: commercial use, modification, redistribution: Yes

License: Apache License 2.0 (Apache-2.0, curated)

• Every use you described is granted by Apache 2.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes

BSD 3-Clause: the same uses: Yes

License: BSD 3-Clause "New" or "Revised" License (BSD-3-Clause, curated)

• Every use you described is granted by BSD 3-Clause, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, no_endorsement

Duties and notes compared

• Apache-2.0: duties attribution, license_notice, state_changes. Includes an express patent license that ends for anyone who sues over patents in the work (section 3). Does not grant rights to the licensor's trademarks (section 6).
• BSD-3-Clause: duties attribution, license_notice, no_endorsement. Sublicensing is not mentioned, so it is not treated as granted.

Combined in one work: compatible.

Context

• The duties differ: compare the duties and notes listed for each license below.

Sources

• Apache License 2.0: official text
• Apache-2.0 on the SPDX License List
• BSD 3-Clause "New" or "Revised" License: official text
• BSD-3-Clause on the SPDX License List

Check it yourself (free, no key)

{
  "tool": "check_license",
  "arguments": {
    "license": "Apache-2.0",
    "intended_use": {
      "commercial_use": true,
      "modification": true,
      "redistribution": true
    }
  }
}

Computed from Rightshold's license profiles; not legal advice. Updated 2026-10-19. JSON · Markdown