I am considering the usage of various open source libraries in a closed source Android app. The libraries are released under various licenses (MIT, BSD modern, Apache 2.0) which allow this kind of usage, but require that the copyright notice is made available verbatim with the application.
I have seen various approaches, at least four:
- A submenu triggers a dialog where project names and relative licenses are displayed, e.g. Google apps.
- A message like "This app uses various projects released under license XXXX" is displayed on the app website. No notice is present inside the application or in the Play Store description, e.g. Whatsapp.
- No mention is done of the libraries being distributed with the application.
- Like 3, but the APK contains a
/license
folder.
What is the best practice? Maybe something else? Are approaches #2 and #3 even in compliance?
As a passionate contributor to various open source projects, I would really go with #1. Unfortunately, I am not in charge, so I must be able to argue about #2 and #3 too and/or propose a better solution.