Urgent: MIT License Violation by @faker-js – My Name Removed as Original Author

[Marak]

Pre-Checks

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Describe the bug

Hey @faker-js community,

I’m Marak Squires, the original creator of faker.js. Back in 2011, I built this library from scratch and released it under the MIT License to share with the world—free for all to use, with one simple rule: keep my name in the copyright notice. That’s the deal I set, and it’s what the MIT License legally requires.

But here’s the problem: The @faker-js team broke that deal. In this commit—cf493b3 stripped my name from the LICENSE file, erasing my identity as the founder of this project. No heads-up, no discussion, just gone.

The MIT License says, “The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software.” Removing me isn’t just disrespectful—it’s a violation of that legal contract.

Since this team is based in Germany, this also breaches German copyright law (§ 97 UrhG). I’ve tried reaching out privately, but now it’s time to go public. If my name—“Copyright (c) 2011 Marak Squires”—isn’t restored to the LICENSE file by March 1, 2025, I’m taking legal action against the maintainers personally. Under German law (§ 97a UrhG), they’ll be on the hook for my legal fees—and trust me, I’ve already got a German law firm ready to roll with an Abmahnung.

When you use faker.js, you’re using code I wrote. Scrubbing my name from it isn’t just unfair—it’s against the rules we all play by. I’m asking the community: tell @faker-js to put my name back in the LICENSE file, pronto.

Spread the word. This isn’t how we treat the people who start projects like this. I’d rather not sue. I’d rather see my name back where it belongs and keep this library thriving for everyone. But I won’t let this slide.

What’s your move, @faker-js?

Marak Squires
Original Author of faker.js

Minimal reproduction code

No response

Additional Context

No response

Environment Info

Github

Which module system do you use?

• CJS
• ESM

Used Package Manager

npm

[Shinigami92]

Team Decision:

We will revert to the previous version of the License, and we would also appreciate if you would approve the PR to show your agreement with the solution