diff --git a/pre-upload.py b/pre-upload.py
index 7990b34..60a772b 100755
--- a/pre-upload.py
+++ b/pre-upload.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 import optparse
 import os
 import re
+import socket
 import sys
 import subprocess
 
@@ -365,6 +366,11 @@
   )
   FAIL_MSG = "Copyright must match"
 
+  # Avoid blocking partners and external contributors.
+  fqdn = socket.getfqdn()
+  if not fqdn.endswith(".corp.google.com"):
+    return None
+
   return _verify_header_content(commit, LICENSE_HEADER, FAIL_MSG)