{
  "question": "Can I train an AI model on ODbL 1.0 material?",
  "slug": "can-i-train-ai-on-odbl-1-0",
  "url": "https://www.rightshold.com/answers/can-i-train-ai-on-odbl-1-0",
  "short_answer": "Training a model: Needs review. Training a model you use commercially: Needs review.",
  "framing": "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.",
  "checks": [
    {
      "label": "Training a model",
      "license": "ODbL-1.0",
      "license_name": "Open Data Commons Open Database License v1.0",
      "intended_use": {
        "model_training": true
      },
      "verdict": "needs_review",
      "answer": "Needs review",
      "findings": [
        "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"
      ],
      "curation": "curated",
      "official_text": "https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1-0/"
    },
    {
      "label": "Training a model you use commercially",
      "license": "ODbL-1.0",
      "license_name": "Open Data Commons Open Database License v1.0",
      "intended_use": {
        "model_training": true,
        "commercial_use": true
      },
      "verdict": "needs_review",
      "answer": "Needs review",
      "findings": [
        "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"
      ],
      "curation": "curated",
      "official_text": "https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1-0/"
    }
  ],
  "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": [
    {
      "title": "Open Data Commons Open Database License v1.0: official text",
      "url": "https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1-0/"
    },
    {
      "title": "ODbL-1.0 on the SPDX License List",
      "url": "https://spdx.org/licenses/ODbL-1.0.html"
    }
  ],
  "check_it_yourself": {
    "mcp": {
      "tool": "check_license",
      "arguments": {
        "license": "ODbL-1.0",
        "intended_use": {
          "model_training": true
        }
      }
    },
    "rest": "POST https://www.rightshold.com/v1/licenses/check"
  },
  "computed_from": "Rightshold license profiles at render time; not legal advice",
  "updated": "2026-10-19"
}