Apertus AXIOM
AXIOM is a community built open hardware and free software digital cinema camera.
Licenses
Hardware
CERNThe AXIOM’s internal hardware is mostly functional and is therefore unlikely to be protected by copyright. However, the cases and other external elements incorporate a number of creative elements protectable by copyright. The CERN license will allow users to copy and modify the parts without fear of infringement.
Software
GPLAll of the software that operates the AXIOM is protected by copyright. The GPL license allows others to copy and build upon that software as long as they follow the GPL licensing requirements.
The documentation for AXIOM mostly consists of information on the AXIOM website. This documentation is protected by copyright and licensed under a CC-BY license. That means that others can copy and build upon AXIOM’s documentation as long as they give credit to AXIOM.
Branding
Information
AXIOM is a name that does not merely describe what the hardware does. Therefore it could be protected by trademark, which would allow AXIOM to allow others to copy the camera while preventing others from suggesting that the new camera comes from AXIOM directly.
Protectability Spectrum of Project Components
AXIOM Internal Hardware
The internal hardware is mostly functional and therefore not likely to be protected.
AXIOM External Hardware
The external hardware is designed to achieve functional goals while incorporating a number of artistic elements. These elements make it protectable.
AXIOM Documentation
The documentation incorporates a number of design elements to make the presentation aesthetically attractive in addition to being functional.
AXIOM Name and Logo
Both the name and logo depicting that name are unique and protectable under trademark.
AXIOM Software
Software is protectable under copyright.
