Essentially, to be certified under the new program, a hardware product must run , allow users to modify that software, support free data formats, and be usable with free tools.

For those that qualify, the maker can display the "Respects Your Freedom" certification mark as well as use the FSF name and related materials in press releases and advertising, and benefit from promotion through the FSF's own channels.

Along with announcing the new program on Wednesday, the FSF also awarded its first Respects Your Freedom certification to the sold by Aleph Objects.

"All of our printers ship with hardware designs, software, and documentation all under free licenses," said Jeff Moe, Aleph's company founder. "You get it all--source code, design documents, and specifications--everything needed to control, tinker, fix, and improve upon every aspect of the printer."