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 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.
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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.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 263 platforms. See the full comparison.
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