Verified Oct 25, 2026
Overview of Apache License 2.0
The Apache License, Version 2.0 is a permissive open-source license established by the Apache Software Foundation.
While originally drafted for open-source code repositories, Apache 2.0 is famously utilized for prominent typefaces such as Google’s Roboto, the default system font for earlier versions of Android. Like the SIL OFL, it allows broad commercial adoption, modification, and redistribution with minimal operational friction.
Permission Summary by Use Case
| Use Case | Status | Practical Rule & Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Use | Allowed | SaaS applications, commercial websites, enterprise products, and marketing material |
| Logo & Brand Mark | Allowed | Corporate identities, product wordmarks, and graphic symbols |
| Web Embedding | Allowed | Self-hosting as @font-face web fonts in WOFF, WOFF2, or TTF formats |
| App Embedding | Allowed | Bundling font assets directly into binary releases (iOS, Android, desktop applications) |
| Modification & Derivatives | Allowed | Modifying font outlines or subsetting glyph tables (change notices must be stated) |
| Redistribution | Conditional | Permitted provided copies of the license and copyright statements accompany the files |
| Standalone Sale | Conditional | Permitted under Apache 2.0 conditions, though almost all fonts are distributed freely |
Key Compliance Requirements
License & Copyright Attribution
- Any redistribution of the font software or derivative works must include a copy of the Apache 2.0 license and retain all existing copyright, patent, and trademark notices.
State Changes & NOTICE Preservation
- If you modify the font files, you must add prominent notices stating that you changed the files. If the original distribution includes a
NOTICEtext file, you must include an attribution notice in your redistribution.
- If you modify the font files, you must add prominent notices stating that you changed the files. If the original distribution includes a
Explicit Patent Grant, No Trademark Rights
- Apache 2.0 includes an express grant of patent rights from contributors. However, it does not grant permissions to use the trademarks, trade names, or service marks of the licensor.
Notable Fonts in FontLens Under Apache 2.0
- Roboto: Google's widely utilized neo-grotesque sans-serif typeface designed by Christian Robertson for digital user interfaces
Official Source Text & Citations
The canonical license text and governance policies can be accessed via the Apache Software Foundation:
- Apache License 2.0 Official Text: https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
- Apache Software Foundation Licensing Page: https://www.apache.org/licenses/
