The update only impacts Blockscout resellers who want to resell Blockscout as a paid service (hosted explorers, managed offerings, RaaS platforms, anything where customers pay another provider for functionality powered by Blockscout). These projects now need a Commercial Licence. Any interface built on Blockscout also must show a clear “Powered by Blockscout” credit linking to blockscout.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: April 2026 Applies to: Blockscout Software Licence v1.0 (April 22 2026)General Questions
Can I still self-host Blockscout for my own chain?
Yes. The licence grants you the right to download, deploy, use, copy, modify, and create Derivative Works of the Software. If you are running Blockscout as a block explorer for your own chain and not charging others to access it, you do not need a Commercial Licence.Do I need a Commercial Licence if I don’t charge anyone to use the explorer?
No. The Commercial Licence requirement is triggered when you sell, licence, monetise, or otherwise make the Software available to a third party in exchange for a fee or other consideration. If you are running Blockscout as a free, public-facing explorer for your own project or chain, the licence covers your use.Can I modify the Blockscout UI or add custom features for my own chain?
Yes. You are free to create Derivative Works (modifications, custom modules, UI changes, etc.) and deploy them on your own chain. The restriction on Derivative Works applies to distribution — you may not distribute, sublicence, or offer your modifications to other parties for a fee without a Commercial Licence. Using your modified version on your own chain is permitted.If I modify the Software, do I still need to display the Blockscout attribution?
Yes. Regardless of any modifications you make, the licence requires that any user interface powered by the Software includes clear and prominent attribution to Blockscout. This must include the “Blockscout” brand name (e.g., “Powered by Blockscout”), a link to blockscout.com, and any branding or notices provided by Blockscout, matching the format displayed in the footer of eth.blockscout.com.Can I fork Blockscout and distribute it under a different name?
No. The licence prohibits distributing the Software or Derivative Works under any name or branding that is identical or confusingly similar to Blockscout’s marks, or that could cause confusion about origin or endorsement. Additionally, distribution of Derivative Works to third parties requires a Commercial Licence, regardless of branding.Does this licence apply to older versions of Blockscout I already have deployed?
No. The licence applies solely to the version of the Software distributed under it. Prior versions (“Prior Software”) released before April 22, 2026 and distributed under GPL v3.0 are not affected by this licence. However, any new version you download after the Effective Date will be governed by this licence.What versions are covered under the new licence?
All versions moving forward, starting from backend v11.0+ and frontend v2.8. These versions are effective from April 22, 2026. Versions up to v10.2.0 and frontend v2.7.1 were released under GPL v3.0 and are not affected by this licence.Commercial Licence
When do I need a Commercial Licence?
A Commercial Licence is required if you intend to sell, licecse, monetise, or commercially make the Software available to any third party in exchange for fees or consideration. This includes, but is not limited to:- Hosting Blockscout for third parties as a paid service
- Offering the Software on a SaaS, RaaS, or managed-service basis
- Bundling Blockscout into a commercial product or platform
- Charging for support, consulting, implementation, customisation, or maintenance services that depend on the Software
- Distributing Derivative Works to third parties
How do I obtain a Commercial Licence?
Contact Blockscout directly at eaas.blockscout.com/#contact to discuss pricing and terms. Any commercial use is unauthorised until a Commercial Licence has been expressly agreed in writing. Blockscout is not obligated to grant a Commercial Licence.RaaS Providers
I’m a RaaS provider and bundle Blockscout as the default explorer for chains I deploy. Do I need a Commercial Licence?
Yes, for backend versions v11.0+ and frontend version v2.8.0+. The licence explicitly covers offerings made on a “hosted, as-a-service, or managed basis.” Providing Blockscout as part of a Rollup-as-a-Service or chain deployment offering requires a Commercial Licence, regardless of whether the explorer is itemised separately or bundled into a broader platform fee.What if I don’t charge separately for the explorer?
A Commercial Licence is still required. The restriction covers direct and indirect monetisation. If the explorer is included as part of a paid chain deployment or platform service, the Software is being made available in exchange for consideration, even if there is no separate line item for the explorer.What if Blockscout is just one component of a larger platform I offer?
A Commercial Licence is still required. The licence applies wherever your product or service “incorporates, uses, depends on, or is materially enabled by the Software.” If Blockscout is a component of your commercial offering, the restriction applies.Can I offer Blockscout to my customers under my own brand?
No. You must maintain the required Blockscout attribution on all user interfaces, and you may not distribute the Software or Derivative Works under branding that is confusingly similar to Blockscout’s or that could suggest endorsement or affiliation. Your customers’ explorers must display the “Powered by Blockscout” attribution.What if my customer self-hosts Blockscout and I only help configure it?
Consulting, implementation, and customisation services that depend on the Software are explicitly listed as uses requiring a Commercial Licence when provided in exchange for fees. If you are being paid to configure, deploy, or maintain Blockscout for a customer, contact us to discuss a Commercial Licence.If I already have chains running Blockscout under the old GPL licence, are those grandfathered?
Prior versions of the Software distributed under the GPL v3.0 are governed by their original licence terms. However, any new version (backend v11.0+ and fronted v2.8.0+) you download or deploy will be subject to this licence. If you update your deployments to a version covered by this licence, the new terms will apply.Why should I upgrade to the new licence if older instances are running well in my RaaS environment?
New Blockscout versions will include new and upgraded features, updated EIP support, and optimisations for speed and storage. Blockscout also provides technical support for newer versions (there is no technical support available for older versions). Blockscout offers no guarantees that previous versions of the software will continue to run properly.Derivative Works
What qualifies as a Derivative Work?
A Derivative Work is any work based on or derived from the Software in which modifications (revisions, additions, deletions, annotations, etc.) constitute an original work of authorship. Works that remain separable from or merely link to the Software are not considered Derivative Works.Can I create and deploy Derivative Works?
Yes, for your own use. You may create Derivative Works and deploy them on your own chain or for your own internal purposes. You do not need a Commercial Licence to run a modified version of Blockscout on your own chain.Can I distribute my Derivative Works to others?
No — not without a Commercial Licence. You may not distribute, sublicence, sell, or make available any Derivative Works to third parties without first obtaining a Commercial Licence from Blockscout.Does Blockscout have rights to my Derivative Works?
Yes. By creating Derivative Works, you grant Blockscout a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, modify, incorporate, and otherwise exploit your Derivative Works for any purpose, including to develop, improve, or distribute the Software.Termination and Breach
What happens if I breach the licence?
The licence terminates automatically and immediately upon any breach. There is no cure period. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software, delete all copies, and stop distributing any Derivative Works.If my Commercial Licence is terminated, what happens to chains I’ve already deployed?
Upon termination, all rights under both the base licence and any Commercial Licence cease immediately. You must stop using the Software, uninstall it from all systems under your control, and destroy all copies — including copies held by your contractors or service providers. There is no grace period or wind-down provision in the base licence. If continuity is important to your business, we recommend addressing this in your Commercial Licence terms.Legal and Disputes
What law governs this licence?
The licence is governed by the laws of England and Wales.How are disputes resolved?
Parties must first attempt to resolve disputes informally by contacting community@blockscout.com. If unresolved after 30 days, disputes are referred to binding arbitration under LCIA Rules in London. Claims may only be brought individually, class or collective actions are not permitted.What is the liability cap?
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Blockscout’s total liability is capped at the amount you paid under the licence in the 12 months preceding the claim, or USD $100 if no payments were made.Transition from GPL
Blockscout was previously licenced under the GPL. What changed?
The Blockscout Software Licence replaces the GPL for all new versions of the Software distributed from April 26 onward. The key differences are:- Commercial use: The GPL permitted unrestricted commercial use including SaaS and RaaS. The new licence requires a Commercial Licence for commercial or monetised use.
- Distribution of modifications: Under the GPL, you could distribute modified versions provided you shared the source under the GPL. Under the new licence, distribution of Derivative Works to third parties requires a Commercial Licence.
- Copyleft: The GPL required derivative works to be licenced under the GPL. The new licence does not impose copyleft, instead, it prohibits third-party distribution entirely without a Commercial Licence.
- Licensor rights: Under the GPL, the project had no special rights to your modifications. Under the new licence, you grant Blockscout a perpetual, irrevocable license to use your Derivative Works.
- Attribution: The GPL required preserving copyright notices. The new licence adds a mandatory, prominent UI attribution requirement (“Powered by Blockscout”).
- Termination: GPL v3 includes a 30-day cure period for breach. The new licence terminates automatically on breach. The Licensor can also terminate at any time at its sole discretion.
- SaaS / RaaS: The GPL did not restrict RaaS and SaaS resellers. The new licence explicitly closes this by requiring a Commercial Licence for any managed or as-a-service offering.
- Licence updates: Under the GPL, you could choose which version of the GPL to comply with. Under the new licence, continued use of the Software after a licence update constitutes acceptance of the new terms.