Can You Use Material Design Icons Commercially?

Material Design Icons are a versatile and popular set of icons used to enhance the visual appearance of web, app, and product designs. If you are considering using these icons in a commercial project, it is important to understand the licensing terms associated with their use.

Licensing Overview

Material Design Icons have been made available under the Apache License 2.0 (Apache 2.0). This open-source license is permissive and allows you to use, modify, and distribute the icons without requiring payment or attribution in most cases. The key aspect to note is that you must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the license, which includes providing appropriate attribution when required and avoiding any representation that suggests endorsement by Google or the original creators.

The Apache License 2.0

The Apache License 2.0 is a permissive open-source license that gives you the freedom to use and modify these icons for your projects, including commercial ones. This license is widely recognized and accepted by the open-source community due to its flexibility and permissive nature. However, there are certain obligations that you must meet:

Provide Attribution: While attribution is not always required, it is encouraged. This can be done by including a reference to the original creators and the license under which the icons are distributed. No Misleading Endorsements: You must not imply that Google or the original creators endorse your product if you use these icons. This means you cannot use the icons in a way that suggests an association or endorsement with these parties. Preserve Notices: If the icons come with any copyright notices or disclaimers, you must ensure these are preserved in derivative works. kaditional Distribution Terms: If you distribute modified versions of the icons, the modified versions must also be distributed under the Apache License 2.0.

Application of Copyrights and Attribution

In using Material Design Icons in an application, especially a mobile app, you must ensure that you are adhering to the license terms. For an Android or iOS application, where the app is downloaded and installed on the user's device, it is often not possible to include a separate notice or attribution directly within the app. However, many developers choose to include such attributions within the app's documentation or in other accessible areas, such as within the app's settings or about section.

Conclusion

Material Design Icons are a valuable asset for designers, developers, and creators. With the Apache License 2.0, you have the freedom to use these icons in your commercial projects, provided you comply with the terms and conditions. Always ensure to check the specific license details on the official Material Icons website or repository for any updates or additional requirements to maintain full compliance.