FSF Weighs In on Neo4j's AGPLv3 License Dispute

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) filed an amicus brief in the legal dispute between Neo4j, Inc. and PureThink, LLC. The core issue revolves around Neo4j adding a commercially restrictive Commons Clause to its software, incompatible with the GNU AGPLv3 license. The FSF argues that GNU licenses permit users to remove restrictions contradicting the four freedoms of software. Following a cease and desist letter in November 2023 highlighting Neo4j's violation of the AGPLv3 spirit, Neo4j removed the offending files and ceased offering its software under the GNU AGPLv3, implicitly acknowledging the FSF's position. The FSF's brief clarifies its intent in drafting the GNU licenses and underscores its commitment to safeguarding software freedom.