Open Knowledge Framework

Standards

The current standards in the framework are:

• Open Know-How (OKH)
  Describes meta-data fields for an Open Source Hardware (OSH) design project.
• Open Know-Where (OKW)
  Describes meta-data fields for a hardware manufacturing facility.

Licenses

License for Standards

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (SPDX: CC-BY-4.0)

See LICENSE.standards.md.

Reasoning

Nature of the Project: The inclusion of software and tools in addition to the specification makes the licensing a bit more nuanced. However, since you mentioned an emphasis on the data standard and interoperability, a Creative Commons license might be more appropriate for the data standard, while using a dual licensing approach for the software/tools.

Contributions: The CC-BY-4.0 allows and encourages contributions. Its nature and intent make it clear for derivatives and adaptations.

Usage & Distribution: The CC-BY-4.0 license does not place restrictions on commercial use or derivative works, but derivatives do not have to be open-sourced, aligning with your preference.

Commercial Use: This license permits commercial use without imposing obligations to give back, though users can be encouraged to do so.

Credit & Attribution: This is a fundamental part of the CC BY 4.0 license. Anyone using the work must give appropriate attribution.

Compatibility: While the CC-BY-4.0 license does not impose open source conditions on derivatives, it ensures broad interoperability and is friendly to both open and proprietary use-cases.

Protection & Liability: The license includes a disclaimer of warranties.

Simplicity & Understanding: CC licenses are widely recognized and understood in both commercial and non-commercial communities internationally.

International Use: The "International" in CC-BY-4.0 ensures that the license is crafted for use around the world, regardless of local copyright laws.

Updates & Versioning: The license does not restrict usage to specific versions of your standard.

License for Software and Tools

MIT License (SPDX: MIT)

See LICENSE.software.md.

Reasoning

It is permissive, allows for commercial use, doesn't require open sourcing of derivatives, but does require attribution.