License Agreement

Legal

License agreement

Last updated: March 2026

This Software License Agreement ("Agreement") is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or an entity, "Licensee") and ThinCMS ("Licensor") for the ThinCMS content management software ("Software"). By purchasing, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

1. License grant

Solo license

The Solo license grants the Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable right to install and operate the Software on a single server or hosting environment for a single site (one site ID). The Licensee may access and modify the source code for their own use. Available as an annual subscription ($99/year) or a one-time purchase ($149) which includes the first year of updates.

Agency Freelancer license

The Agency Freelancer license grants the Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable right to install and operate the Software on one or more servers for up to 10 sites (site IDs). The Licensee may use the Software to build and manage websites for clients. Annual subscription: $299/year.

Agency Studio license

The Agency Studio license grants the Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable right to install and operate the Software on one or more servers for up to 50 sites (site IDs). Includes priority support. Annual subscription: $599/year.

Agency Enterprise license

The Agency Enterprise license grants the Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable right to install and operate the Software on one or more servers for an unlimited number of sites (site IDs). Includes priority support and a dedicated onboarding session. Annual subscription: $999/year.

2. Permitted use

Under all license tiers, the Licensee may:

— Install and run the Software on servers they own or control
— Access, read, and modify the source code for their own use
— Create and manage content for websites operated by the Licensee or their clients
— Create derivative works based on the Software for their own use (not for redistribution)
— Make backup copies of the Software for archival purposes

3. Restrictions

The Licensee may not:

— Redistribute, resell, lease, sublicense, or otherwise transfer the Software or source code to any third party
— Publish or share the source code in any public repository, forum, or distribution channel
— Use the Software to create a competing CMS product or service
— Exceed the site limit specified by their license tier
— Remove or alter any copyright notices, license files, or proprietary markings in the Software
— Use the ThinCMS name, logo, or trademarks without written permission

4. Updates and support

Annual licenses: Active annual subscribers receive all Software updates and bug fixes released during their subscription period. Support is provided via email with response times dependent on the license tier (standard for Solo and Freelancer; priority for Studio and Enterprise).

One-time licenses (Solo only): One-time purchasers receive updates for the first 12 months. After the initial period, continued updates require purchasing an annual renewal or a new license. The Software continues to function indefinitely — you are not required to renew to keep using the version you have.

5. Ownership

The Software is licensed, not sold. ThinCMS retains all ownership rights, title, and interest in the Software, including all intellectual property rights. This Agreement does not transfer any ownership rights to the Licensee.

All content, data, and media files created or managed by the Licensee using the Software remain the sole property of the Licensee. ThinCMS claims no rights over Licensee content.

6. Warranty disclaimer

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. THE LICENSOR DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SOFTWARE WILL BE ERROR-FREE OR UNINTERRUPTED.

7. Limitation of liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE OF ACTION OR THE THEORY OF LIABILITY. THE LICENSOR'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE LICENSEE FOR THE SOFTWARE IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

8. Termination

This Agreement is effective until terminated. The Licensor may terminate this Agreement if the Licensee breaches any of its terms. Upon termination, the Licensee must cease using the Software and destroy all copies. Termination does not affect the Licensee's right to retain their own content and data.

If the Licensee's annual subscription lapses without renewal, the license reverts to a non-supported state: the installed Software continues to function, but the Licensee is no longer entitled to updates, new versions, or support.

9. Governing law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Licensor is incorporated, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

10. Entire agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and communications, whether written or oral. Any modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and agreed upon by both parties.

11. Contact

For questions about this License Agreement, contact us at legal@thincms.com.