Open by Design
OpenProgression exists because fitness assessment should be a shared language, not a proprietary product. The standard is free. The data is free. The code is free. We only protect the brand.
The Standard: Fully Open
Licensed under MIT
All benchmark data, level definitions, assessment methodology, source code, and documentation are released under the MIT License — the most permissive open source license available.
You can freely:
- Use the standard in your gym management software
- Build a mobile app powered by OP benchmarks
- Import the JSON data into your coaching platform
- Modify the benchmarks for your specific community
- Create derivative works and publish them
- Use OP commercially without paying a cent
- Fork the repo and build your own version
- Print benchmark posters for your gym wall
- Teach OP methodology in coaching certifications
- Write articles and books referencing OP
The Brand: Protected
Trademark, not copyright
The name “OpenProgression”, the OP logo, and the 7-level progression gradient mark are trademarks of the OpenProgression project. This is separate from the code license.
The only restrictions:
- Sell merchandise using the "OpenProgression" name or logo without permission
- Imply official endorsement or partnership without permission
- Use the OP logo on commercial products as if they are officially certified
Want to use the brand for something specific? Just ask. We're happy to work with the community.
Why This Approach?
Maximum adoption
The whole point of an open standard is adoption. MIT licensing means zero friction — any developer, coach, or gym can use OP without lawyers, licensing fees, or complicated agreements. The more people who use it, the more valuable it becomes for everyone.
Brand integrity
Protecting the name ensures that when someone sees “OpenProgression” on a product, it actually means something. Without trademark protection, anyone could slap the OP name on low-quality products or misrepresent the standard. The brand protection exists to serve the community, not restrict it.
Industry precedent
This is exactly how the most successful open source projects work. Linux, Firefox, Kubernetes, Docker, and hundreds of others use this same model: open code, protected brand. It's proven to work at every scale, from small community projects to global standards.
Common Questions
Can I use OP benchmarks in my commercial app?
Yes, absolutely. The data and code are MIT licensed. Use them however you want, commercially or otherwise.
Can I modify the benchmarks for my community?
Yes. You can fork, modify, and redistribute the data. MIT license allows full modification.
Can I say my app "uses OpenProgression standards"?
Yes. Describing that your product uses or is compatible with the OP standard is factual and fine. You just can't use the OP logo in a way that implies official certification or endorsement without permission.
Can I print OP benchmark charts for my gym?
Yes. Print them, post them on your wall, hand them out to members. That is exactly what the standard is for.
Can I sell t-shirts that say "OpenProgression"?
Not without permission. The name is trademarked. But reach out — we are open to working with the community on merchandise.
Do I need to credit OpenProgression if I use the data?
The MIT license only requires you to include the copyright notice in copies of the software. Attribution is appreciated but not legally required for the data itself.
Full License Text
The complete MIT License as applied to the OpenProgression project:
View LICENSE on GitHub