Can I train an AI model on ODbL 1.0 material?

Short answer: Training a model: Needs review. Training a model you use commercially: Needs review.

Open Data Commons Open Database License v1.0 (ODbL-1.0): Use, share and adapt the database for any purpose; credit the source, keep adapted databases you publicly use open under the ODbL, and do not lock them away with technical measures without an open copy.

Training a model: Needs review

License: Open Data Commons Open Database License v1.0 (ODbL-1.0, curated)

• The ODbL distinguishes derivative databases (share-alike) from produced works (attribution only). Whether a model trained on the database is a derivative database or a produced work is not settled. A human reviewer should confirm this use for your case.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, share_alike, keep_open

Training a model you use commercially: Needs review

License: Open Data Commons Open Database License v1.0 (ODbL-1.0, curated)

• The ODbL distinguishes derivative databases (share-alike) from produced works (attribution only). Whether a model trained on the database is a derivative database or a produced work is not settled. A human reviewer should confirm this use for your case.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, share_alike, keep_open

Context

• Whether a trained model is a copy or adaptation of its training data is legally unsettled; where the license does not settle it, Rightshold marks training for human review instead of guessing.
• Covers the database; contents may carry their own rights (section 2.1).
• Sublicensing is prohibited: each recipient receives a license directly from the licensor (section 4.8).

Sources

• Open Data Commons Open Database License v1.0: official text
• ODbL-1.0 on the SPDX License List

Check it yourself (free, no key)

{
  "tool": "check_license",
  "arguments": {
    "license": "ODbL-1.0",
    "intended_use": {
      "model_training": true
    }
  }
}

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