# Can I use DeepSeek License commercially?

**Short answer:** Commercial use: Yes. Commercial use, modified and redistributed: Yes.

DeepSeek License Agreement (LicenseRef-DeepSeek): Use, reproduce, modify and distribute the model and derivatives, including commercially, under use-based restrictions (Attachment A) that must be passed on in every distribution.

## Commercial use — Yes

License: [DeepSeek License Agreement](https://github.com/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-LLM/blob/main/LICENSE-MODEL) (`LicenseRef-DeepSeek`, curated_provisional)

- Every use you described is granted by DeepSeek License, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: license_notice, use_restrictions, pass_on_restrictions
## Commercial use, modified and redistributed — Yes

License: [DeepSeek License Agreement](https://github.com/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-LLM/blob/main/LICENSE-MODEL) (`LicenseRef-DeepSeek`, curated_provisional)

- Every use you described is granted by DeepSeek License, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: license_notice, use_restrictions, pass_on_restrictions

## Context
- Summary — verify against the official license text before relying on it: https://github.com/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-LLM/blob/main/LICENSE-MODEL
- DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1 weights were later released under MIT; check the model card for which license applies.

## Sources
- [DeepSeek License Agreement: official text](https://github.com/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-LLM/blob/main/LICENSE-MODEL)

## Check it yourself (free, no key)
```json
{
  "tool": "check_license",
  "arguments": {
    "license": "LicenseRef-DeepSeek",
    "intended_use": {
      "commercial_use": true
    }
  }
}
```
REST: POST https://www.rightshold.com/v1/licenses/check

_Computed from Rightshold's license profiles; not legal advice. Updated 2026-10-19. JSON: https://www.rightshold.com/answers/can-i-use-deepseek-license-commercially.json_