License
Last updated: January 17, 2026
Elastic License 2.0
A source-available license for commercial software
Skillsmith and all packages in the @skillsmith/* namespace
are licensed under the Elastic License 2.0 (ELv2).
Quick Summary
Permitted
- ✓ Use - Use Skillsmith for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial
- ✓ Self-host - Deploy Skillsmith on your own infrastructure
- ✓ Modify - Modify the source code for your own use
- ✓ Distribute - Distribute copies with proper attribution
- ✓ Internal tools - Build internal tools and integrations
Prohibited
- ✕ Managed service - Offer Skillsmith as a hosted/managed service to third parties
- ✕ Competing SaaS - Create a competing SaaS product using Skillsmith
- ✕ License circumvention - Remove or circumvent license key functionality
- ✕ Remove notices - Remove copyright or license notices
Common Use Cases
Using Skillsmith in your development workflow
You can use Skillsmith to discover, install, and manage Claude Code skills for your projects. This is the primary intended use case.
Self-hosting for your company
You can deploy Skillsmith on your own servers for use by your team or organization. This includes private skill registries and custom integrations.
Building integrations and plugins
You can build tools that integrate with Skillsmith, such as IDE plugins, CI/CD integrations, or custom dashboards for your organization.
Forking and modifying for internal use
You can fork Skillsmith and modify it for your organization's specific needs, as long as you don't offer it as a service to third parties.
Offering "Skillsmith as a Service"
You cannot host Skillsmith and offer it as a managed service to customers. This would compete directly with our hosted offering and is prohibited under ELv2.
Rebranding and reselling
You cannot rebrand Skillsmith and sell it as your own product or include it as a component in a competing skill management service.
Why Elastic License 2.0?
We chose the Elastic License 2.0 because it balances openness with sustainability:
- Source available: You can read, audit, and learn from the code
- Permissive for users: Most use cases are fully permitted
- Sustainable business: Prevents cloud providers from offering competing services without contributing back
- Clear boundaries: Simple rules about what's allowed and what's not
Packages Covered
The following packages are covered by the Elastic License 2.0:
| Package | Description | License |
|---|---|---|
@skillsmith/core | Core library and database | ELv2 |
@skillsmith/mcp-server | MCP server for Claude Code | ELv2 |
@skillsmith/cli | Command-line interface | ELv2 |
@skillsmith/enterprise | Enterprise features (SSO, RBAC, audit) | ELv2 |
Third-Party Dependencies
Skillsmith includes open-source dependencies under various licenses (MIT, Apache-2.0, etc.).
These dependencies retain their original licenses. A full list of dependencies and their
licenses can be found in the package.json and
LICENSE-THIRD-PARTY files in our repository.
Third-party skills indexed by Skillsmith are subject to their own licenses as specified by their respective authors.
Full License Text
The complete Elastic License 2.0 text is available at:
View Full License Text
Elastic License 2.0 (ELv2)
Acceptance
By using the software, you agree to all of the terms and conditions below.
Copyright License
The licensor grants you a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, non-sublicensable,
non-transferable license to use, copy, distribute, make available, and prepare
derivative works of the software, in each case subject to the limitations below.
Limitations
You may not provide the software to third parties as a hosted or managed service,
where the service provides users with access to any substantial set of the features
or functionality of the software.
You may not move, change, disable, or circumvent the license key functionality in
the software, and you may not remove or obscure any functionality in the software
that is protected by the license key.
You may not alter, remove, or obscure any licensing, copyright, or other notices of
the licensor in the software. Any use of the licensor's trademarks is subject to
applicable law.
Patents
The licensor grants you a license, under any patent claims the licensor can license,
or becomes able to license, to make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale, import
and have imported the software, in each case subject to the limitations and conditions
in this license. This license does not cover any patent claims that you cause to be
infringed by modifications or additions to the software.
No Other Rights
These terms do not imply any licenses other than those expressly granted in these terms.
Termination
If you use the software in violation of these terms, such use is not licensed, and your
license will automatically terminate. If the licensor provides you with a notice of your
violation, and you cease all violation of this license no later than 30 days after you
receive that notice, your license will be reinstated retroactively. However, if you
violate these terms after such reinstatement, any additional violation of these terms
will cause your license to terminate automatically and permanently, without the
opportunity for reinstatement.
No Liability
As far as the law allows, the software comes as is, without any warranty or condition,
and the licensor will not be liable to you for any damages arising out of these terms
or the use or nature of the software, under any kind of legal claim.
Definitions
The "licensor" is the entity offering these terms.
The "software" is the software the licensor makes available under these terms, including
any portion of it.
"You" refers to the individual or entity agreeing to these terms.
"Your company" is any legal entity, sole proprietorship, or other kind of organization
that you work for, plus all organizations that have control over, are under the control
of, or are under common control with that organization.
"Control" means ownership of substantially all the assets of an entity, or the power to
direct its management and policies by vote, contract, or otherwise. Control can be direct
or indirect.
"Your license" is the license granted to you for the software under these terms.
"Use" means anything you do with the software requiring your license.
"Trademark" means trademarks, service marks, and similar rights.Enterprise Licensing
If you need licensing terms beyond what ELv2 permits (such as offering a managed service or OEM distribution), please contact us to discuss enterprise licensing options.
Enterprise License Inquiries
For custom licensing arrangements, volume discounts, or partnership opportunities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Skillsmith in a commercial product?
Yes, you can use Skillsmith as a tool in your commercial development workflow. You can also integrate it into internal tools. You just can't offer Skillsmith itself as a service to your customers.
Can I modify Skillsmith for my company?
Yes, you can fork and modify Skillsmith for your organization's internal use. You can add features, customize behavior, and integrate with your systems.
Is Skillsmith open source?
Skillsmith is "source available" rather than "open source" by the OSI definition. The source code is publicly available and you can use it freely, but ELv2 includes restrictions on offering it as a managed service.
What if I'm unsure if my use case is permitted?
If you're unsure whether your intended use is permitted under ELv2, please contact us. We're happy to clarify and, if needed, discuss alternative licensing arrangements.
Contact
For licensing questions or to report license violations:
Smith Horn Group Ltd.
Licensing Department
General Inquiries:
Enterprise Licensing: