Licensed review
A focused open-source tool for repository-based dependency license checks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Licensed is an open-source Ruby gem for documenting and checking software dependency licenses. It is designed for teams that need repository-based checks across dependencies from supported package managers and frameworks. Licensed caches dependency metadata and legal text in a repository, then checks whether dependencies have metadata, use approved licenses, or have been reviewed. It supports Linux and macOS, and can run manually or through automated workflows.
The configuration model is its main strength. Teams can define allowed licenses, ignore specific dependencies, mark dependencies as reviewed, and include additional license terms obtained from dependency owners. Multiple applications can be managed in one configuration file, which suits repositories that contain more than one application. Licensed also supports dependency enumeration across multiple package managers and frameworks, while Bundler and GitHub Actions provide the named integration points. GitHub Actions workflows can bring license checks into automated development processes.
Licensed is available as free, open-source software and supports on-premise deployment. Its focused scope makes it suitable for surfacing dependency licensing issues early, especially where repository configuration and GitHub Actions fit the development process. The project is in low-maintenance mode, and its published description states that it is not a complete open-source license compliance solution. Organizations needing broader platform or integration coverage, or a replacement for legal and human review, should consider a different approach. Choose Licensed for configurable dependency checks; avoid treating it as the sole compliance process.
Licensed pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Caches dependency license metadata and legal text in a repository
- Supports allowed, ignored, reviewed, and additional license terms
- Automates checks through GitHub Actions workflows
- Where it doesn't
- Project is in low-maintenance mode
- Not a complete open-source license compliance solution
- Platform and integration coverage centers on Linux, macOS, Bundler, and GitHub Actions
Licensed fact sheet, pricing and score →
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