diff --git a/COPYING b/COPYING
index e12c51414..b4a148494 100644
--- a/COPYING
+++ b/COPYING
@@ -31,6 +31,29 @@ OpenVPN license:
   file, but you are not obligated to do so.  If you do not wish to
   do so, delete this exception statement from your version.
 
+Apache2 linking exemption:
+---------------------------
+OpenVPN is currently undergoing a license change to add an exemption for
+Apache 2 linking. The following exemption is only valid for new contributions
+after COMMITDATE and past contribution where the authors have already agreed
+to the exemption.
+
+  In addition, as a special exception, OpenVPN Inc and the
+  contributors give permission to link the code of this program to
+  libraries (the "Libraries") licensed under the Apache License
+  version 2.0 (this work and any linked library the "Combined Work")
+  and copy and distribute the Combined Work without an obligation to
+  license the Libraries under the GNU General Public License v2
+  (GPL-2.0) as required by Section 2 of the GPL-2.0, and without an
+  obligation to refrain from imposing any additional restrictions in
+  the Apache License version 2 that are not in the GPL-2.0, as
+  required by Section 6 of the GPL-2.0.  You must comply with the
+  GPL-2.0 in all other respects for the Combined Work, including
+  the obligation to provide source code.  If you modify this file, you
+  may extend this exception to your version of the file, but you are
+  not obligated to do so.  If you do not wish to do so, delete this
+  exception statement from your version.
+
 LZO license:
 ------------