DeepSeek · DeepSeek Open Source License · View original document ↗

Derivative Works and Attribution Requirements

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Document Record

What it is

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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

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.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

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.

How other platforms handle this

NVIDIA NIM Medium

The Software and all intellectual property rights therein are and shall remain the property of NVIDIA or its licensors. You acknowledge that no title to the intellectual property in the Software is transferred to you. You may not reverse engineer, disassemble, decompile, or otherwise attempt to deri...

Kajabi Medium

"Content" means anything you or your Customers create or make available through the Service in connection with your Account, including your intellectual property (e.g. trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrighted works); the products or services you offer (e.g., courses, coaching, members...

ConvertKit Medium

By posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting your Content you grant Kit, its affiliated companies and necessary sublicensees permission to use your Content in connection with the operation of their Internet businesses including, without limitation, the rights to: copy, distribute, trans...

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
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

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (Compliance & governance intelligence)

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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Provision details

Document information
Document
DeepSeek Open Source License
Entity
DeepSeek
Document last updated
May 11, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 11, 2026
Last verified
May 12, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-010933
Document ID
CA-D-00784
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
5a1eeb26edc0314dea0217553f095f223998aa4e03f5f9f3c2df005738ccb28d
Analysis generated
May 11, 2026 12:01 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: DeepSeek
Document: DeepSeek Open Source License
Record ID: CA-P-010933
Captured: 2026-05-11 12:01:12 UTC
SHA-256: 5a1eeb26edc0314d…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/deepseek/deepseek-open-source-license/derivative-works-and-attribution-requirements/
Accessed: June 27, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does DeepSeek's Derivative Works and Attribution Requirements clause do?

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.

How does this clause affect you?

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.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with DeepSeek?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by DeepSeek.