You own mods you create for Minecraft Java Edition from scratch, but you cannot sell them or use them to make money, and you cannot distribute versions of the game that include your mods.
This analysis describes what Minecraft'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 prohibition on selling mods directly limits the commercial opportunities available to Minecraft Java Edition modders, distinguishing this from some other game ecosystems that permit paid mod marketplaces.
Interpretive note: The 'substantial part of our copyrightable code or content' standard is a legal threshold requiring case-by-case analysis and may be interpreted differently in different jurisdictions.
Removed incomplete text fragment "Yo" at the end of the previous version excerpt.
View full change record →Minecraft Java Edition modders can freely share their original mods but cannot monetize them directly; this means popular mod creators cannot charge for their work or build a direct commercial business around Java Edition mods.
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"Any Mods you create for Minecraft: Java Edition from scratch belong to you (including pre-run Mods and in-memory Mods) and you can do whatever you want with them, as long as you don't sell them for money / try to make money from them and so long as you don't distribute Modded Versions of the game. Remember that a Mod means something that is your original work and that does not contain a substantial part of our code or content. You only own what you created; you do not own our code or content.— Excerpt from Minecraft's Minecraft End User License Agreement
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision is grounded in copyright law, with Mojang asserting that mods incorporating substantial parts of its code or content would infringe its IP. The FTC has no direct jurisdiction here absent deceptive practices. The provision is standard in game EULAs and generally enforceable where the distinction between original work and derivative of protected code is respected. (2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Low to Medium. The phrase 'substantial part of our copyrightable code or content' as the dividing line between a permissible mod and an infringing derivative is a legal standard that requires case-by-case analysis, creating some uncertainty for complex mods. (3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU and UK copyright law may provide different treatment of interoperability-enabling modifications under software directive provisions; the practical impact for modders in those jurisdictions depends on the nature of the mod and local interpretation. (4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Third-party mod distribution platforms hosting Java Edition mods should ensure their terms require mod authors to comply with this provision, particularly the no-monetization requirement, to avoid platform-level liability. (5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Mod developers who want to monetize their work should review whether the Minecraft Marketplace (Bedrock Edition) or a formal licensing arrangement with Mojang provides a compliant commercial pathway, rather than attempting to monetize Java Edition mods directly.
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The prohibition on selling mods directly limits the commercial opportunities available to Minecraft Java Edition modders, distinguishing this from some other game ecosystems that permit paid mod marketplaces.
Minecraft Java Edition modders can freely share their original mods but cannot monetize them directly; this means popular mod creators cannot charge for their work or build a direct commercial business around Java Edition mods.
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