Last updated: August 4, 2026
We want you to know exactly what you’re getting when you download or purchase a theme from BlockWPThemes. This page explains our GPL licensing and how license keys work across our free and premium themes.
1. GPL License
All BlockWPThemes products – both free and premium – are released under the General Public License (GPL), the same license WordPress itself is built on. This means the theme code you receive is free and open: you can use it, modify it, and adapt it as needed, whether for personal projects or client/commercial work. The GPL applies to the theme’s code; it does not extend to third-party demo images or other bundled assets that carry their own separate licenses (see our Terms and Conditions for details on demo photography).
2. Free Themes
Our free themes are fully GPL-licensed and available to download and use at no cost, on any number of sites, for personal or commercial projects. Free themes do not include a license key, priority support, or premium updates – they receive community-level updates through the WordPress.org repository (where applicable) or our changelog.
3. Premium Themes and License Keys
When you purchase a premium theme, you also receive a license key. The license key isn’t required by the GPL – it’s how we track your entitlement to one year of updates and support, and how many sites you can activate the theme on at once:
- Single Theme Purchase: Includes 1 license, valid for activating updates and support on 1 live site at a time.
- All-Access Bundle: Includes 20 licenses, which can be distributed across up to 20 sites, using any combination of themes in our library.
If you need to move a license to a new site, you can deactivate it on the old site and reactivate it on the new one from your account dashboard. If you’re managing more sites than your license count allows, you can purchase additional single licenses or upgrade to the All-Access Bundle.
4. What the License Key Covers
Your license key unlocks automatic updates delivered through the WordPress dashboard, access to our support team for one year from purchase, and access to premium starter templates or demo content bundled with that theme. It does not limit your rights under the GPL to use, copy, or modify the underlying code – it simply governs your access to our updates and support services.
5. License Renewal
License keys are valid for one year from the date of purchase. After expiration, the theme continues to work on your site with no interruption, but you’ll stop receiving new updates and support until you renew your license.
6. Using Themes for Client Work
Because our themes are GPL-licensed, you’re welcome to use them when building sites for clients. Each live client site activation counts toward your license count (1 for a single license, up to 20 for the bundle).
7. Redistribution
Our themes use a split license. The PHP code that interacts with WordPress core is licensed under the GPL, as required by WordPress itself. However, all other components – including but not limited to CSS, JavaScript, images, icons, fonts, and other design assets bundled with the theme – are proprietary and are not covered by the GPL. You may not redistribute, resell, share, or repackage our themes or plugins, in whole or in part, whether for free or for payment, under your own name or any other branding. Each theme or plugin must be obtained directly from BlockWPThemes, and each live site activation must use its own valid license.
8. Questions
If you’re unsure which license fits your project or need help managing your activations, contact us at support@blockwpthemes.com.