Let\'s say I want to initiate publication of some source code under an open-sour

Question

Let's say I want to initiate publication of some source code under an open-source license like Apache or MIT, but I know that I'm only the Creator of the source code in its initial form, and I'm unlikely to be the one who maintains it long term. I just want to get it out there and make sure it's free for others to use per one of these licenses.

What do I need to do as far as copyright statement? Do I need to put my name or company down in order for the open-source license to apply? Is there a way that source code can be published anonymously, or without a designated "owner"?

Alternatively, if I put my name or company down, can this ownership be reassigned later?

Explanation / Answer

Is there a way that source code can be published anonymously, or without a designated "owner"?

Of course it can be published anonymously. But then you may find enforcing the open source license (if any) difficult.

Source code without an owner is called "public domain". But public domain only exists in some jurisdictions, so in others you would still be the owner (I guess). So that doesn't achieve what you want.

Alternatively, if I put my name or company down, can this ownership be reassigned later?

Yes, copyright assignment is a completely standard procedure. Hundreds of people (including me) have reassigned the copyright in their contributions to particular GNU projects to the Free Software Foundation, for example.

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