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EasyCLA is the Linux Foundation’s hosted service for managing contributor license agreements (CLAs) and checking whether contributors are authorized to submit code to projects that require them. Whether you sign an Individual CLA (ICLA), use your employer’s Corporate CLA (CCLA), or need to clear a failed check depends on whose behalf you are contributing and the project’s rules.
What is EasyCLA?
LFX EasyCLA automates individual and corporate CLA workflows. It includes a Project Console for project setup, a Contributor Console for signing and authorization, and a Corporate Console for company-level management. Projects decide whether they require a CLA; EasyCLA is not a universal requirement for open-source contributions. Some projects use alternatives such as Developer Certificate of Origin (DCO) sign-off. See the Linux Foundation EasyCLA overview.
A project may require a CLA to ensure contributions comply with its intellectual-property policies. The agreement and workflow that apply depend on the project.
What is the difference between an ICLA and a CCLA?
| Question | ICLA | CCLA |
|---|---|---|
| When it applies | You contribute on your own behalf. | You contribute on behalf of a company. |
| Who signs | The individual contributor. | A person authorized to sign legal agreements for the company. |
| Whose contribution rights are involved | The individual’s contribution rights. | The company’s contribution rights. |
| Company authorization | Not required when you own the contribution rights and are acting personally. | Required; the contributor must also be approved for the project. |
| Who maintains the approved-contributor list | Not applicable. | The company’s CLA manager. |
| Project coverage | Applies to contributions to the project covered by the agreement. | Applies to contributions to the project covered by the agreement. |
Do not choose an ICLA simply because it is the quickest route if you are contributing under your employer’s rights. A CCLA must be signed by an authorized corporate signatory, and the company’s CLA manager must maintain the approved contributor list for the project. The applicable agreement and your authority depend on the project and your relationship with your employer. The Linux Foundation EasyCLA FAQ describes these workflows.
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Do I need to sign a CLA for every contribution?
No. Once you have signed the required CLA for a project, it covers your contributions to that project. A different project may require its own agreement, so check the requirements for each project rather than assuming one signature covers all repositories or communities.
I contribute on behalf of my employer. What should I do?
- Check whether your company has already signed a CCLA for the project.
- Confirm with the company’s CLA manager that you are on the approved contributor list.
- When submitting code, confirm your company association as prompted by EasyCLA.
- If the company has no CCLA for the project, or you are not on the approved list, ask the company’s authorized signatory or CLA manager to complete the required agreement and authorization steps.
Do not sign on behalf of an employer or other third party unless you have authority to do so.
How do I clear a failed EasyCLA check?
A failed check generally means EasyCLA does not yet have the agreement or authorization needed for the contribution. Use the Contributor Console and follow the path that matches how you are contributing:
- Contributing personally: sign an ICLA for the project.
- Contributing for a company: identify the company and follow the CCLA authorization process. The company must have a signed CCLA and you must be approved for the project.
The official EasyCLA Getting Started guide describes the contributor workflow. If you are unsure whether the contribution is personal or employer-owned, resolve that with your employer before choosing an agreement.
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How do I contribute to a GitHub or Gerrit repository using EasyCLA?
Follow the repository’s contribution instructions and complete the EasyCLA prompt or check when it appears. The project manager configures which repositories are covered, so a repository’s inclusion and the exact submission flow are project-specific.
GitHub
If the repository’s check blocks your contribution, use the Contributor Console to sign an ICLA or complete the company authorization path, depending on whose behalf you are contributing. Once the required status is cleared, continue with the project’s normal contribution process.
Gerrit
If Gerrit or the command line still reports that no agreement is available after you complete the required steps, sign out of Gerrit and sign back in before trying to push again. For an individual contributor, the FAQ also recommends waiting a few seconds or refreshing the page if the status has not updated.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why has my EasyCLA status not updated?
- Individual contributor: wait a few seconds, then refresh the page.
- Gerrit command line still reports no agreement: sign out of Gerrit, sign back in, and retry the push.
- Company contributor: verify that the CCLA is signed and that the company’s CLA manager has approved you for the project.
If the status remains incorrect after those checks, contact the project or EasyCLA support through the channel provided by the project.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat roles are involved in EasyCLA?
- Project manager: configures CLA templates and covered repositories.
- Contributor: submits code and completes the necessary agreement or authorization.
- CLA manager: maintains the company’s approved contributor list.
- CLA signatory: executes the company’s CCLA and must have authority to sign for it.
How do I get a copy of my signed ICLA?
EasyCLA emails the signed ICLA to the address you provided during signing. If you cannot find the email, open a support ticket and request that it be resent.
Does EasyCLA’s service agreement replace a CLA?
No. The Linux Foundation’s service terms say the agreement governs use of the EasyCLA service and “does not itself constitute a Contributor License Agreement.” They also state that the Linux Foundation is not providing legal advice about a CLA. Read the terms at EasyCLA Service Agreement; for questions about the agreement that applies to your contribution or your authority to sign, consult the project and, where appropriate, your employer’s legal team.
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