Open-Source Licensing and Contributions Policy

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Open-Source Licensing and Contributions Policy

Version 1.1 · Last updated: 12 February 2026

1. Purpose of This Policy

This Open-Source Licensing and Contributions Policy explains how the NautilusTrader open-source software is licensed, how contributions are handled, and how this policy relates to other legal documents published by Nautech Systems Pty Ltd (“Nautech Systems”). This policy is intended to provide clarity for users, contributors, and downstream adopters and does not replace or modify the applicable open-source license.

2. Open-Source Licence

The NautilusTrader open-source software is made available under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), as published by the Free Software Foundation, or such later version as specified in the source repository. The LGPL governs all rights to use, modify, and distribute the open-source code, including any obligations that apply to combined works or linked libraries. Nothing in this policy limits or alters the rights or obligations imposed by the LGPL.

3. Open-Source Availability Commitment

The NautilusTrader core repository is intended to remain available as open-source software on an ongoing basis. Nothing in this policy limits the project’s ability to evolve, including changes to licensing terms for future contributions or the introduction of separate proprietary products or services.

4. Scope and Separation

This policy applies only to the open-source NautilusTrader software. Proprietary products, services, compiled binaries, encrypted container images, hosted services, and subscription-based offerings are governed by separate terms, including the Terms of Service. Where proprietary products incorporate, link against, or are combined with LGPL-licensed components, the applicable LGPL requirements continue to apply to those components and any combined work to the extent required by the LGPL.

5. Contributions

Contributions to the NautilusTrader open-source project are welcome. By submitting a contribution, you represent that you have the right to do so and that your contribution does not infringe third-party rights. Contributions are subject to review and acceptance at the discretion of the project maintainers.

6. Contributor License Agreement (CLA)

Execution of a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) is required for all contributions accepted into the NautilusTrader codebase. The CLA grants Nautech Systems broad rights to use, modify, commercialise, sublicense, and relicense contributions, while contributors retain copyright in their work.

7. Use of Contributions in Proprietary Products

Contributions accepted into the NautilusTrader project may be used by Nautech Systems in both open-source and proprietary products or services, subject to the rights granted under the CLA and the applicable open-source license.

8. Patent and Trademark Rights

The open-source license grants rights only as expressly stated in the license text, including any patent licenses provided by that license. This policy does not grant any rights to use NautilusTrader trademarks, logos, or branding, which are governed separately by the Trademark and Brand Usage Policy.

9. Relationship to Other Documents

This policy should be read together with the open-source license text, the Trademark and Brand Usage Policy, and other legal documents published by Nautech Systems. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of the applicable open-source license prevail for open-source software.

10. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in project governance or contribution processes. Updated versions will be published on the NautilusTrader website or source repository.

11. Contact

Questions regarding this document may be directed to legal@nautechsystems.io.

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NautilusTrader™ is a product of Nautech Systems Pty Ltd (ABN 88 609 589 237). Nautech Systems provides algorithmic trading software only. We do not operate as a broker, dealer, or exchange, nor offer financial advisory services. Users are solely responsible for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Subject to non-excludable consumer guarantees, we make no warranties and accept no liability for trading losses or regulatory violations arising from use of the software. Read full disclaimer.