If you modify or redistribute DeepSeek-V3, you must include a copy of this license, display 'Built with DeepSeek-V3' prominently, keep all original copyright notices, state that you modified the model, and include 'DeepSeek-V3' in the name of your modified version.
This analysis describes what DeepSeek's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The attribution and naming requirements create affirmative branding obligations for any organization that distributes a modified version of the model. The requirement to use 'DeepSeek-V3' in the derivative model name may create trademark or brand-association considerations depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the derivative product.
The agreement requires that any distributed derivative of DeepSeek-V3 carry the DeepSeek-V3 name and display an attribution notice, meaning that products built on modified versions of this model must publicly disclose their relationship to DeepSeek-V3.
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"If you distribute or make available the Model Materials (or any derivative works thereof), you must (i) provide a copy of this Agreement; (ii) prominently display 'Built with DeepSeek-V3' on any derivative work; and (iii) if you modify the Model, you must (a) retain in the Model all pre-existing copyright notices; (b) add a statement that you have modified the Model; and (c) use the name 'DeepSeek-V3' in the name of your derivative model.— Excerpt from DeepSeek's DeepSeek Open Source License
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Attribution and naming requirements interact with trademark law in the EU, US, and other jurisdictions. The mandatory use of the 'DeepSeek-V3' name in derivative model names may raise trademark licensing questions, as the licensor does not appear to grant explicit trademark rights in the agreement text. The FTC's guidelines on endorsements and disclosures may also be relevant where attribution language could be interpreted as an endorsement. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. The naming requirement is operationally specific but creates product branding obligations that must be managed in release pipelines and product documentation. Non-compliance would constitute a license breach. JURISDICTION FLAGS: Trademark law jurisdiction varies by territory. Organizations in the EU should assess whether mandatory use of the 'DeepSeek-V3' name in a product name creates trademark dependency or conflicts with local brand protection strategies. US organizations should similarly assess trademark implications under the Lanham Act. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Software and AI product release processes should include a compliance checkpoint for DeepSeek-V3 attribution requirements. Procurement teams should ensure that downstream distributors and integration partners are contractually required to comply with the same attribution obligations. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Product and legal teams should develop a standard attribution compliance checklist for any product release that incorporates a derivative of DeepSeek-V3, including documentation review, naming verification, and license inclusion confirmation.
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The attribution and naming requirements create affirmative branding obligations for any organization that distributes a modified version of the model. The requirement to use 'DeepSeek-V3' in the derivative model name may create trademark or brand-association considerations depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the derivative product.
The agreement requires that any distributed derivative of DeepSeek-V3 carry the DeepSeek-V3 name and display an attribution notice, meaning that products built on modified versions of this model must publicly disclose their relationship to DeepSeek-V3.
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