AGPL Shackle Warning

The FSF made clear that you cannot impose further restrictions on top of AGPLv3 when distributing it.

OnlyOffice states in its README that the software is provided under AGPLv3, but the LICENSE file and some source code comments include conditions such as "keep the original logo when distributing." The FSF explained that such conditions are not additional terms permitted by the GPL, but rather extra constraints that restrict users' freedom.

The key points are as follows.

• You can attach additional terms to GNU licenses, but only within the scope permitted by the GPL.
• If a term conflicts with the GPL, users can remove that additional restriction.
• The FSF demanded that OnlyOffice clearly settle its actual license status as AGPLv3 and remove the conflicting wording in its documentation and source code.

The FSF noted that there had been an opportunity to sort this out through prior coordination, but emphasized that publicly altering a GNU license in a way that confuses users cannot be tolerated.