The LODE Template

# LODE Template License

Before diving into the legal details, let us take a moment to explain why this license exists. The LODE Template is the culmination of years of feedback and refinement, created to make professional book writing and publishing as accessible as possible. To ensure the fair use and sustainability of this resource, we have outlined the terms of use in this license. The following section is formal because it needs to be legally robust. Think of it as a way to protect the creative effort that went into this template while offering clarity to you as a user. Rest assured, this license was designed to empower your projects, with the flexibility to meet your unique needs.

**Version 1.0, January 2025**

If you want to use the LaTeX template, please note that it is licensed under the following *custom license*:

## Definitions

* "Template" refers to the LODE LaTeX template files and associated documentation.
* "Individual Author" refers to a person using the Template to create books.
* "Commercial Integration" refers to any software system that incorporates or automates the Template.
* "Attribution" refers to crediting LODE Publishing as the Template creator.

## Individual Author License

### Grant of Rights

Individual Authors are granted the right to:

A. Use the Template to create unlimited books,
B. Modify the Template for personal use,
C. Sell books created using the Template, and
D. Make personal backup copies of the Template.

### Restrictions

Individual Authors MAY NOT:

A. Redistribute the Template or modified versions,
B. Remove or modify Attribution notices,
C. Integrate the Template into automated systems,
D. Grant licenses or sublicenses of the Template, or
E. Use the Template or any of its modifications for illegal purposes or activities.

Violation of these restrictions will result in termination as outlined in Section 6.

### Attribution Requirements

Individual Authors MUST:

A. Maintain all copyright notices within the Template files,
B. Include "Created using a template by LODE Publishing (https://www.lode.de)" on the book's copyright page or its equivalent location in digital or alternative formats,
C. Not suggest LODE Publishing endorses their books, and
D. Document any substantial modifications made to the Template.

## Commercial Integration License

Commercial Integration of the template in an automated software system to generate a large number of manuscripts requires a separate written agreement with LODE Publishing. Unauthorized commercial integration or use without a written agreement with LODE Publishing shall result in legal action to recover damages and enforce this license.

## Warranty and Liability

THE TEMPLATE IS PROVIDED "AS IS," WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. LODE PUBLISHING SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE TEMPLATE, INCLUDING INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE TEMPLATE.

## Termination

This license automatically terminates upon violation of any terms. Users must immediately discontinue all use of the Template and destroy any copies, including any modified versions, within 30 days.

## General

1. This license is governed by the laws of Germany, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under or in connection with this license shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Düsseldorf, Germany.

2. If any provision of this license is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

3. Changes to this license must be made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of LODE Publishing. Any amendments to this license will be published on the official website (https://www.lode.de/templates) or provided directly to affected licensees.

© 2025 *LODE Publishing*, Düsseldorf. All rights reserved.