diff --git a/changes/1812.feature.rst b/changes/1812.feature.rst
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0950eb030
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changes/1812.feature.rst
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+The name of the LICENSE file can now be specified in the PEP621-section of the pyproject.toml file
diff --git a/src/briefcase/commands/base.py b/src/briefcase/commands/base.py
index 160108308..15d2a0274 100644
--- a/src/briefcase/commands/base.py
+++ b/src/briefcase/commands/base.py
@@ -831,6 +831,7 @@ def parse_config(self, filename, overrides):
                     config_file,
                     platform=self.platform,
                     output_format=self.output_format,
+                    logger=self.logger,
                 )
 
                 # Create the global config
diff --git a/src/briefcase/commands/convert.py b/src/briefcase/commands/convert.py
index b8afcad3b..48c6c9652 100644
--- a/src/briefcase/commands/convert.py
+++ b/src/briefcase/commands/convert.py
@@ -647,16 +647,8 @@ def migrate_necessary_files(self, project_dir, test_source_dir, module_name):
 
         # Copy license file if not already there
         license_file = self.pep621_data.get("license", {}).get("file")
-        if license_file is not None and Path(license_file).name != "LICENSE":
-            self.logger.warning(
-                f"\nLicense file found in '{self.base_path}', but its name is "
-                f"'{Path(license_file).name}', not 'LICENSE'. Briefcase will create a "
-                "template 'LICENSE' file, but you might want to consider renaming the "
-                "existing file."
-            )
-            copy2(project_dir / "LICENSE", self.base_path / "LICENSE")
 
-        elif not (self.base_path / "LICENSE").exists():
+        if license_file is None and not (self.base_path / "LICENSE").exists():
             self.logger.warning(
                 f"\nLicense file not found in '{self.base_path}'. "
                 "Briefcase will create a template 'LICENSE' file."
diff --git a/src/briefcase/config.py b/src/briefcase/config.py
index 34d50800a..e9e08997a 100644
--- a/src/briefcase/config.py
+++ b/src/briefcase/config.py
@@ -154,6 +154,7 @@ def __init__(
         project_name,
         version,
         bundle,
+        license=None,
         url=None,
         author=None,
         author_email=None,
@@ -166,6 +167,7 @@ def __init__(
         self.url = url
         self.author = author
         self.author_email = author_email
+        self.license = license
 
         # Version number is PEP440 compliant:
         if not is_pep440_canonical_version(self.version):
@@ -187,6 +189,7 @@ def __init__(
         bundle,
         description,
         sources,
+        license,
         formal_name=None,
         url=None,
         author=None,
@@ -228,6 +231,7 @@ def __init__(
         self.test_requires = test_requires
         self.supported = supported
         self.long_description = long_description
+        self.license = license
 
         if not is_valid_app_name(self.app_name):
             raise BriefcaseConfigError(
@@ -393,7 +397,7 @@ def maybe_update(field, *project_fields):
 
     # Keys that map directly
     maybe_update("description", "description")
-    maybe_update("license", "license", "text")
+    maybe_update("license", "license")
     maybe_update("url", "urls", "Homepage")
     maybe_update("version", "version")
 
@@ -426,7 +430,7 @@ def maybe_update(field, *project_fields):
         pass
 
 
-def parse_config(config_file, platform, output_format):
+def parse_config(config_file, platform, output_format, logger):
     """Parse the briefcase section of the pyproject.toml configuration file.
 
     This method only does basic structural parsing of the TOML, looking for,
@@ -551,4 +555,17 @@ def parse_config(config_file, platform, output_format):
         # of configurations that are being handled.
         app_configs[app_name] = config
 
+    old_license_format = False
+    for config in [global_config, *app_configs.values()]:
+        if isinstance(config.get("license"), str):
+            config["license"] = {"file": "LICENSE"}
+            old_license_format = True
+    if old_license_format:
+        logger.warning(
+            "The license was specified using a string, however Briefcase prefers a PEP621 "
+            "compatible dictionary on the form {'file': '{filename}'} or {'text': '{license_text}'}.\n"
+            "Therefore, when given the license as a string, Briefcase ignores the license string and "
+            "defaults to {'file': 'LICENSE'}."
+        )
+
     return global_config, app_configs
diff --git a/src/briefcase/platforms/linux/system.py b/src/briefcase/platforms/linux/system.py
index e6cd5ea75..5013c52e3 100644
--- a/src/briefcase/platforms/linux/system.py
+++ b/src/briefcase/platforms/linux/system.py
@@ -704,9 +704,28 @@ def build_app(self, app: AppConfig, **kwargs):
         doc_folder.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
         with self.input.wait_bar("Installing license..."):
-            license_file = self.base_path / "LICENSE"
-            if license_file.is_file():
-                self.tools.shutil.copy(license_file, doc_folder / "copyright")
+            if license_file := app.license.get("file"):
+                license_file = self.base_path / license_file
+                if license_file.is_file():
+                    self.tools.shutil.copy(license_file, doc_folder / "copyright")
+                else:
+                    raise BriefcaseCommandError(
+                        f"""\
+You specified that the license file is {license_file}. However, this file does not exist.
+
+Make sure you spelled the name of the license file correctly in `pyproject.toml`.
+"""
+                    )
+            elif license_text := app.license.get("text"):
+                (doc_folder / "copyright").write_text(license_text, encoding="utf-8")
+                if len(license_text.splitlines()) <= 1:
+                    self.logger.warning(
+                        """
+You specified the license using a text string. However, this string is only one line.
+
+Make sure that the license text is a full license (or specify a license file).
+"""
+                    )
             else:
                 raise BriefcaseCommandError(
                     """\
@@ -1037,7 +1056,7 @@ def _package_rpm(self, app: AppConfig, **kwargs):  # pragma: no-cover-if-is-wind
                             f"Release:        {getattr(app, 'revision', 1)}%{{?dist}}",
                             f"Summary:        {app.description}",
                             "",
-                            f"License:        {getattr(app, 'license', 'Unknown')}",
+                            "License:        Unknown",  # TODO: Add license information (see #1829)
                             f"URL:            {app.url}",
                             "Source0:        %{name}-%{version}.tar.gz",
                             "",
diff --git a/tests/commands/base/conftest.py b/tests/commands/base/conftest.py
index d1c2a2585..b8e251602 100644
--- a/tests/commands/base/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/base/conftest.py
@@ -114,4 +114,5 @@ def my_app():
         version="1.2.3",
         description="This is a simple app",
         sources=["src/my_app"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
diff --git a/tests/commands/base/test_finalize.py b/tests/commands/base/test_finalize.py
index e0740702b..98f001f48 100644
--- a/tests/commands/base/test_finalize.py
+++ b/tests/commands/base/test_finalize.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ def first_app():
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/first"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -24,6 +25,7 @@ def second_app():
         version="0.0.2",
         description="The second simple app",
         sources=["src/second"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/commands/base/test_parse_config.py b/tests/commands/base/test_parse_config.py
index 03fa549f6..25d9aaf60 100644
--- a/tests/commands/base/test_parse_config.py
+++ b/tests/commands/base/test_parse_config.py
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ def test_incomplete_global_config(base_command):
         [tool.briefcase]
         version = "1.2.3"
         description = "A sample app"
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my-app]
     """,
@@ -47,6 +48,7 @@ def test_incomplete_config(base_command):
         version = "1.2.3"
         bundle = "com.example"
         description = "A sample app"
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my-app]
     """,
@@ -71,6 +73,7 @@ def test_parse_config(base_command):
         description = "A sample app"
         bundle = "org.beeware"
         mystery = 'default'
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.firstapp]
         sources = ['src/firstapp']
@@ -127,6 +130,7 @@ def test_parse_config_with_overrides(base_command):
         description = "A sample app"
         bundle = "org.beeware"
         mystery = 'default'
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.firstapp]
         sources = ['src/firstapp']
@@ -197,6 +201,7 @@ def test_parse_config_with_invalid_override(base_command):
         description = "A sample app"
         bundle = "org.beeware"
         mystery = 'default'
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.firstapp]
         sources = ['src/firstapp']
diff --git a/tests/commands/build/conftest.py b/tests/commands/build/conftest.py
index af40d3f79..89d7c78da 100644
--- a/tests/commands/build/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/build/conftest.py
@@ -95,6 +95,7 @@ def second_app_config():
         version="0.0.2",
         description="The second simple app",
         sources=["src/second"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/commands/convert/test_migrate_necessary_files.py b/tests/commands/convert/test_migrate_necessary_files.py
index 0a4a4610c..02a478eca 100644
--- a/tests/commands/convert/test_migrate_necessary_files.py
+++ b/tests/commands/convert/test_migrate_necessary_files.py
@@ -102,12 +102,31 @@ def test_warning_without_license_file(
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("test_source_dir", ["tests"])
-def test_pep621_wrong_license_filename(
+def test_file_is_copied_if_no_license_file_specified(
     convert_command,
     project_dir_with_files,
     dummy_app_name,
     test_source_dir,
 ):
+    """A license file is copied if no license file is specified in pyproject.toml."""
+    create_file(convert_command.base_path / "CHANGELOG", "")
+    assert not (convert_command.base_path / "LICENSE").exists()
+    convert_command.migrate_necessary_files(
+        project_dir_with_files,
+        test_source_dir,
+        dummy_app_name,
+    )
+    assert (convert_command.base_path / "LICENSE").exists()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("test_source_dir", ["tests"])
+def test_pep621_specified_license_filename(
+    convert_command,
+    project_dir_with_files,
+    dummy_app_name,
+    test_source_dir,
+):
+    """No license file is copied if a license file is specified in pyproject.toml."""
     convert_command.logger.warning = mock.MagicMock()
     license_name = "LICENSE.txt"
     create_file(convert_command.base_path / license_name, "")
@@ -121,11 +140,7 @@ def test_pep621_wrong_license_filename(
         test_source_dir,
         dummy_app_name,
     )
-    convert_command.logger.warning.assert_called_once_with(
-        f"\nLicense file found in '{convert_command.base_path}', but its name is "
-        f"'{license_name}', not 'LICENSE'. Briefcase will create a template 'LICENSE' "
-        "file, but you might want to consider renaming the existing file."
-    )
+    assert not (convert_command.base_path / "LICENSE").exists()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("test_source_dir", ["tests"])
@@ -162,7 +177,11 @@ def test_no_warning_with_license_and_changelog_file(
     """No warning is raised if both license file and changelog file is present."""
     convert_command.logger.warning = mock.MagicMock()
 
-    create_file(convert_command.base_path / "LICENSE", "")
+    create_file(
+        convert_command.base_path / "pyproject.toml",
+        '[project]\nlicense = { file = "LICENSE.txt" }',
+    )
+    create_file(convert_command.base_path / "LICENSE.txt", "")
     create_file(convert_command.base_path / "CHANGELOG", "")
     convert_command.migrate_necessary_files(
         project_dir_with_files,
diff --git a/tests/commands/create/conftest.py b/tests/commands/create/conftest.py
index 50f067f18..b6de00c45 100644
--- a/tests/commands/create/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/create/conftest.py
@@ -199,6 +199,7 @@ def tracking_create_command(tmp_path, mock_git, monkeypatch_tool_host_os):
                 version="0.0.1",
                 description="The first simple app",
                 sources=["src/first"],
+                license={"file": "LICENSE"},
             ),
             "second": AppConfig(
                 app_name="second",
@@ -206,6 +207,7 @@ def tracking_create_command(tmp_path, mock_git, monkeypatch_tool_host_os):
                 version="0.0.2",
                 description="The second simple app",
                 sources=["src/second"],
+                license={"file": "LICENSE"},
             ),
         },
     )
@@ -223,6 +225,7 @@ def myapp():
         url="https://example.com",
         author="First Last",
         author_email="first@example.com",
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/commands/create/test_create_app.py b/tests/commands/create/test_create_app.py
index 2a7b2e1ea..36fd3fdfc 100644
--- a/tests/commands/create/test_create_app.py
+++ b/tests/commands/create/test_create_app.py
@@ -155,6 +155,7 @@ def test_create_app_not_supported(tracking_create_command, tmp_path):
                 description="The third simple app",
                 sources=["src/third"],
                 supported=False,
+                license={"file": "LICENSE"},
             )
         )
 
diff --git a/tests/commands/create/test_generate_app_template.py b/tests/commands/create/test_generate_app_template.py
index 4b5ed110c..e73fd8323 100644
--- a/tests/commands/create/test_generate_app_template.py
+++ b/tests/commands/create/test_generate_app_template.py
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ def full_context():
         "custom_permissions": {},
         "requests": {},
         "document_types": {},
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         # Properties of the generating environment
         "python_version": platform.python_version(),
         "host_arch": "gothic",
diff --git a/tests/commands/create/test_install_app_resources.py b/tests/commands/create/test_install_app_resources.py
index 9fae614e7..43d6de01b 100644
--- a/tests/commands/create/test_install_app_resources.py
+++ b/tests/commands/create/test_install_app_resources.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ def test_no_resources(create_command):
         version="1.2.3",
         description="This is a simple app",
         sources=["src/my_app"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # Prime the path index with no targets
@@ -37,6 +38,7 @@ def test_icon_target(create_command, tmp_path):
         description="This is a simple app",
         sources=["src/my_app"],
         icon="images/icon",
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # Prime the path index with 2 icon targets
@@ -106,6 +108,7 @@ def test_icon_variant_target(create_command, tmp_path):
             "round": "images/round",
             "square": "images/square",
         },
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # Prime the path index with 2 icon targets
@@ -190,6 +193,7 @@ def test_splash_target(create_command, capsys):
         description="This is a simple app",
         sources=["src/my_app"],
         splash="images/splash",
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # Prime an empty path index
@@ -221,6 +225,7 @@ def test_splash_variant_target(create_command, capsys):
             "portrait": "images/portrait",
             "landscape": "images/landscape",
         },
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # Prime an empty path index
@@ -254,6 +259,7 @@ def test_doctype_icon_target(create_command, tmp_path):
                 "icon": "images/other-icon",
             },
         },
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # Prime the path index with 2 document types;
diff --git a/tests/commands/dev/conftest.py b/tests/commands/dev/conftest.py
index 6974b81c6..cc37ed8cf 100644
--- a/tests/commands/dev/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/dev/conftest.py
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ def first_app_uninstalled(tmp_path):
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/first"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -55,6 +56,7 @@ def second_app(tmp_path):
         version="0.0.2",
         description="The second simple app",
         sources=["src/second"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -75,4 +77,5 @@ def third_app(tmp_path):
         description="The third simple app",
         sources=["src/third", "src/common", "other"],
         test_sources=["tests", "path/to/other"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
diff --git a/tests/commands/open/conftest.py b/tests/commands/open/conftest.py
index 4a8b2f0df..6fd9b3d7c 100644
--- a/tests/commands/open/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/open/conftest.py
@@ -89,6 +89,7 @@ def open_command(tmp_path):
                 version="0.0.1",
                 description="The first simple app",
                 sources=["src/first"],
+                license={"file": "LICENSE"},
             ),
             "second": AppConfig(
                 app_name="second",
@@ -96,6 +97,7 @@ def open_command(tmp_path):
                 version="0.0.2",
                 description="The second simple app",
                 sources=["src/second"],
+                license={"file": "LICENSE"},
             ),
         },
     )
diff --git a/tests/commands/package/conftest.py b/tests/commands/package/conftest.py
index 78df51592..5ec68a229 100644
--- a/tests/commands/package/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/package/conftest.py
@@ -132,6 +132,7 @@ def first_app_config():
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/first"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -167,6 +168,7 @@ def second_app_config():
         version="0.0.2",
         description="The second simple app",
         sources=["src/second"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/commands/publish/conftest.py b/tests/commands/publish/conftest.py
index 9a7a63d43..e8d77b1c4 100644
--- a/tests/commands/publish/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/publish/conftest.py
@@ -104,6 +104,7 @@ def first_app_config():
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/first"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -146,6 +147,7 @@ def second_app_config():
         version="0.0.2",
         description="The second simple app",
         sources=["src/second"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/commands/run/conftest.py b/tests/commands/run/conftest.py
index e14070bdd..eb3c9451b 100644
--- a/tests/commands/run/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/run/conftest.py
@@ -108,6 +108,7 @@ def first_app_config():
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/first"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -150,6 +151,7 @@ def second_app_config():
         version="0.0.2",
         description="The second simple app",
         sources=["src/second"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/commands/update/conftest.py b/tests/commands/update/conftest.py
index 3bf783e88..68ab2d022 100644
--- a/tests/commands/update/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/commands/update/conftest.py
@@ -88,6 +88,7 @@ def update_command(tmp_path):
                 version="0.0.1",
                 description="The first simple app",
                 sources=["src/first"],
+                license={"file": "LICENSE"},
             ),
             "second": AppConfig(
                 app_name="second",
@@ -95,6 +96,7 @@ def update_command(tmp_path):
                 version="0.0.2",
                 description="The second simple app",
                 sources=["src/second"],
+                license={"file": "LICENSE"},
             ),
         },
     )
diff --git a/tests/config/test_AppConfig.py b/tests/config/test_AppConfig.py
index bddd122c7..f6ca05807 100644
--- a/tests/config/test_AppConfig.py
+++ b/tests/config/test_AppConfig.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ def test_minimal_AppConfig():
         bundle="org.beeware",
         description="A simple app",
         sources=["src/myapp", "somewhere/else/interesting", "local_app"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # The basic properties have been set.
@@ -49,6 +50,7 @@ def test_extra_attrs():
         bundle="org.beeware",
         description="A simple app",
         long_description="A longer description\nof the app",
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         template="/path/to/template",
         sources=["src/myapp"],
         requires=["first", "second", "third"],
@@ -111,6 +113,7 @@ def test_valid_app_name(name):
             bundle="org.beeware",
             description="A simple app",
             sources=["src/" + name.replace("-", "_")],
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
     except BriefcaseConfigError:
         pytest.fail(f"{name} should be valid")
@@ -137,6 +140,7 @@ def test_invalid_app_name(name):
             bundle="org.beeware",
             description="A simple app",
             sources=["src/invalid"],
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
 
 
@@ -157,6 +161,7 @@ def test_valid_bundle(bundle):
             bundle=bundle,
             description="A simple app",
             sources=["src/myapp"],
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
     except BriefcaseConfigError:
         pytest.fail(f"{bundle} should be valid")
@@ -186,6 +191,7 @@ def test_invalid_bundle_identifier(bundle):
             bundle=bundle,
             description="A simple app",
             sources=["src/invalid"],
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
 
 
@@ -197,6 +203,7 @@ def test_valid_app_version():
             bundle="org.beeware",
             description="A simple app",
             sources=["src/myapp"],
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
     except BriefcaseConfigError:
         pytest.fail("1.2.3 should be a valid version number")
@@ -213,6 +220,7 @@ def test_invalid_app_version():
             bundle="org.beeware",
             description="A simple app",
             sources=["src/invalid"],
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
 
 
@@ -230,6 +238,7 @@ def test_module_name(name, module_name):
         bundle="org.beeware",
         description="A simple app",
         sources=["src/" + module_name],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     assert config.module_name == module_name
@@ -249,6 +258,7 @@ def test_package_name(bundle, package_name):
         bundle=bundle,
         description="A simple app",
         sources=["src/myapp"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     assert config.package_name == package_name
@@ -268,6 +278,7 @@ def test_bundle_name(app_name, bundle_name):
         bundle="com.example",
         description="A simple app",
         sources=["src/my_app"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     assert config.bundle_name == bundle_name
@@ -289,6 +300,7 @@ def test_bundle_identifier(app_name, bundle_name):
         bundle=bundle,
         description="A simple app",
         sources=["src/my_app"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     assert config.bundle_identifier == f"{bundle}.{bundle_name}"
@@ -313,6 +325,7 @@ def test_duplicated_source(sources):
             bundle="org.beeware",
             description="A simple app",
             sources=sources,
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
 
 
@@ -326,4 +339,5 @@ def test_no_source_for_app():
             bundle="org.beeware",
             description="A simple app",
             sources=["src/something", "src/other"],
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
diff --git a/tests/config/test_GlobalConfig.py b/tests/config/test_GlobalConfig.py
index efae046ec..9cab990fd 100644
--- a/tests/config/test_GlobalConfig.py
+++ b/tests/config/test_GlobalConfig.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ def test_minimal_GlobalConfig():
         project_name="My Project",
         version="1.2.3",
         bundle="org.beeware",
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # The basic properties have been set.
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ def test_extra_attrs():
         author_email="jane@example.com",
         first="value 1",
         second=42,
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
     # The basic properties have been set.
@@ -56,6 +58,7 @@ def test_valid_app_version():
             project_name="My Project",
             version="1.2.3",
             bundle="org.beeware",
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
     except BriefcaseConfigError:
         pytest.fail("1.2.3 should be a valid version number")
@@ -69,4 +72,5 @@ def test_invalid_app_version():
             project_name="My Project",
             version="foobar",
             bundle="org.beeware",
+            license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         )
diff --git a/tests/config/test_merge_pep621_config.py b/tests/config/test_merge_pep621_config.py
index 3bf42455f..f1a2f7813 100644
--- a/tests/config/test_merge_pep621_config.py
+++ b/tests/config/test_merge_pep621_config.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def test_base_keys():
         "key": "value",
         "description": "It's cool",
         "version": "1.2.3",
-        "license": "BSD License",
+        "license": {"text": "BSD License"},
         "url": "https://example.com",
     }
 
@@ -70,13 +70,24 @@ def test_missing_subkeys():
         briefcase_config,
         {
             "urls": {"Sponsorship": "https://example.com"},
+        },
+    )
+
+    assert briefcase_config == {"key": "value"}
+
+
+def test_specified_license_file():
+    "The license file is included in the briefcase config if specified in the PEP621 config"
+    briefcase_config = {"key": "value"}
+
+    merge_pep621_config(
+        briefcase_config,
+        {
             "license": {"file": "license.txt"},
         },
     )
 
-    assert briefcase_config == {
-        "key": "value",
-    }
+    assert briefcase_config == {"key": "value", "license": {"file": "license.txt"}}
 
 
 def test_empty_authors():
diff --git a/tests/config/test_parse_config.py b/tests/config/test_parse_config.py
index ba24a26cd..1cd15363b 100644
--- a/tests/config/test_parse_config.py
+++ b/tests/config/test_parse_config.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 from io import BytesIO
+from unittest.mock import Mock
 
 import pytest
 
@@ -11,7 +12,9 @@ def test_invalid_toml():
     config_file = BytesIO(b"this is not toml!")
 
     with pytest.raises(BriefcaseConfigError, match="Invalid pyproject.toml"):
-        parse_config(config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode")
+        parse_config(
+            config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
+        )
 
 
 def test_no_briefcase_section():
@@ -25,7 +28,9 @@ def test_no_briefcase_section():
     )
 
     with pytest.raises(BriefcaseConfigError, match="No tool.briefcase section"):
-        parse_config(config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode")
+        parse_config(
+            config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
+        )
 
 
 def test_no_apps():
@@ -39,7 +44,9 @@ def test_no_apps():
     )
 
     with pytest.raises(BriefcaseConfigError, match="No Briefcase apps defined"):
-        parse_config(config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode")
+        parse_config(
+            config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
+        )
 
 
 def test_single_minimal_app():
@@ -48,21 +55,24 @@ def test_single_minimal_app():
         b"""
         [tool.briefcase]
         value = 42
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
         """
     )
 
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # There's a single global option
-    assert global_options == {"value": 42}
+    assert global_options == {"value": 42, "license": {"file": "LICENSE"}}
 
     # The app gets the name from its header line.
     # It inherits the value from the base definition.
-    assert apps == {"my_app": {"app_name": "my_app", "value": 42}}
+    assert apps == {
+        "my_app": {"app_name": "my_app", "value": 42, "license": {"file": "LICENSE"}}
+    }
 
 
 def test_multiple_minimal_apps():
@@ -71,15 +81,17 @@ def test_multiple_minimal_apps():
         b"""
         [tool.briefcase.app.first]
         number=37
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.second]
         app_name="my_app"
         number=42
+        license.file = "LICENSE.txt"
         """
     )
 
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # There are no global options
@@ -88,13 +100,11 @@ def test_multiple_minimal_apps():
     # The apps get their name from the header lines.
     # The second tool overrides its app name
     assert apps == {
-        "first": {
-            "app_name": "first",
-            "number": 37,
-        },
+        "first": {"app_name": "first", "number": 37, "license": {"file": "LICENSE"}},
         "second": {
             "app_name": "my_app",
             "number": 42,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE.txt"},
         },
     }
 
@@ -106,6 +116,7 @@ def test_platform_override():
         [tool.briefcase]
         value = 0
         basevalue = "the base"
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
         value = 1
@@ -126,13 +137,14 @@ def test_platform_override():
     )
 
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The global options are exactly as specified
     assert global_options == {
         "value": 0,
         "basevalue": "the base",
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
     }
 
     # Since a macOS app has been requested, the macOS platform values
@@ -148,12 +160,14 @@ def test_platform_override():
             "basevalue": "the base",
             "appvalue": "the app",
             "platformvalue": "macos platform",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
             "value": 4,
             "basevalue": "the base",
             "platformvalue": "other macos platform",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
@@ -165,6 +179,7 @@ def test_platform_override_ordering():
         [tool.briefcase]
         value = 0
         basevalue = "the base"
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
         value = 1
@@ -185,11 +200,15 @@ def test_platform_override_ordering():
     )
 
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The global options are exactly as specified
-    assert global_options == {"value": 0, "basevalue": "the base"}
+    assert global_options == {
+        "value": 0,
+        "basevalue": "the base",
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
+    }
 
     # Since a macOS app has been requested, the macOS platform values
     # take priority. Linux configuration values are dropped.
@@ -204,12 +223,14 @@ def test_platform_override_ordering():
             "basevalue": "the base",
             "appvalue": "the app",
             "platformvalue": "macos platform",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
             "value": 4,
             "basevalue": "the base",
             "platformvalue": "other macos platform",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
@@ -221,6 +242,7 @@ def test_format_override():
         [tool.briefcase]
         value = 0
         basevalue = "the base"
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
         value = 1
@@ -257,11 +279,15 @@ def test_format_override():
     )
 
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The global options are exactly as specified
-    assert global_options == {"value": 0, "basevalue": "the base"}
+    assert global_options == {
+        "value": 0,
+        "basevalue": "the base",
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
+    }
 
     # Since a macOS app has been requested, the macOS app format values
     # take priority. Linux configuration values are dropped.
@@ -277,12 +303,14 @@ def test_format_override():
             "appvalue": "the app",
             "platformvalue": "macos platform",
             "formatvalue": "app format",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
             "value": 41,
             "basevalue": "the base",
             "formatvalue": "other macos app format",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
@@ -294,6 +322,7 @@ def test_format_override_ordering():
         [tool.briefcase]
         value = 0
         basevalue = "the base"
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
         value = 1
@@ -330,11 +359,15 @@ def test_format_override_ordering():
     )
 
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The global options are exactly as specified
-    assert global_options == {"value": 0, "basevalue": "the base"}
+    assert global_options == {
+        "value": 0,
+        "basevalue": "the base",
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
+    }
 
     # Since a macOS dmg has been requested, the macOS dmg format values
     # take priority. Linux configuration values are dropped.
@@ -350,11 +383,13 @@ def test_format_override_ordering():
             "appvalue": "the app",
             "platformvalue": "macos platform",
             "formatvalue": "app format",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
             "value": 0,
             "basevalue": "the base",
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
@@ -366,6 +401,7 @@ def test_requires():
         [tool.briefcase]
         value = 0
         requires = ["base value"]
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
         requires = ["my_app value"]
@@ -391,13 +427,14 @@ def test_requires():
 
     # Request a macOS app
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The global options are exactly as specified
     assert global_options == {
         "value": 0,
         "requires": ["base value"],
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
     }
 
     # The macOS my_app app specifies a full inherited chain.
@@ -412,6 +449,7 @@ def test_requires():
                 "app value",
             ],
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
@@ -419,17 +457,22 @@ def test_requires():
                 "base value",
             ],
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
     # Request a macOS xcode project
     config_file.seek(0)
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The global options are exactly as specified
-    assert global_options == {"value": 0, "requires": ["base value"]}
+    assert global_options == {
+        "value": 0,
+        "requires": ["base value"],
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
+    }
 
     # The macOS my_app dmg specifies a full inherited chain.
     # The other_app dmg doesn't specify any options.
@@ -443,6 +486,7 @@ def test_requires():
                 "xcode value",
             ],
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
@@ -450,16 +494,21 @@ def test_requires():
                 "base value",
             ],
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
     config_file.seek(0)
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="linux", output_format="appimage"
+        config_file, platform="linux", output_format="appimage", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The global options are exactly as specified
-    assert global_options == {"value": 0, "requires": ["base value"]}
+    assert global_options == {
+        "value": 0,
+        "requires": ["base value"],
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
+    }
 
     # The linux my_app appimage overrides the *base* value, but extends for linux.
     assert apps == {
@@ -472,6 +521,7 @@ def test_requires():
                 "appimage value",
             ],
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
@@ -479,6 +529,7 @@ def test_requires():
                 "base value",
             ],
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
@@ -489,6 +540,7 @@ def test_document_types():
         b"""
         [tool.briefcase]
         value = 0
+        license.file = "LICENSE"
 
         [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
 
@@ -509,7 +561,7 @@ def test_document_types():
 
     # Request a macOS app
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="Xcode", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     # The macOS my_app app specifies a full inherited chain.
@@ -528,10 +580,12 @@ def test_document_types():
                 },
             },
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
         "other_app": {
             "app_name": "other_app",
             "value": 0,
+            "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
         },
     }
 
@@ -578,7 +632,7 @@ def test_pep621_defaults():
     )
 
     global_options, apps = parse_config(
-        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app"
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app", logger=Mock()
     )
 
     awesome = apps["awesome"]
@@ -586,7 +640,7 @@ def test_pep621_defaults():
         "project_name": "Awesome app",
         "bundle": "com.example",
         "version": "1.2.3",
-        "license": "You can use it while standing on one foot",
+        "license": {"text": "You can use it while standing on one foot"},
         "author": "Kim Park",
         "author_email": "kim@example.com",
         "url": "https://example.com/awesome",
@@ -599,3 +653,38 @@ def test_pep621_defaults():
         "formal_name": "Awesome Application",
         "long_description": "The application is very awesome",
     }
+
+
+def test_license_is_string():
+    config_file = BytesIO(
+        b"""
+        [tool.briefcase]
+        value = 0
+        license = "Some license"
+
+        [tool.briefcase.app.my_app]
+        appvalue = "the app"
+        """
+    )
+
+    logger = Mock()
+    global_options, apps = parse_config(
+        config_file, platform="macOS", output_format="app", logger=logger
+    )
+
+    assert global_options == {
+        "value": 0,
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
+    }
+    assert apps["my_app"] == {
+        "app_name": "my_app",
+        "value": 0,
+        "appvalue": "the app",
+        "license": {"file": "LICENSE"},
+    }
+    logger.warning.assert_called_once_with(
+        "The license was specified using a string, however Briefcase prefers a PEP621 "
+        "compatible dictionary on the form {'file': '{filename}'} or {'text': '{license_text}'}.\n"
+        "Therefore, when given the license as a string, Briefcase ignores the license string and "
+        "defaults to {'file': 'LICENSE'}."
+    )
diff --git a/tests/conftest.py b/tests/conftest.py
index 31e4203f3..b703c4f05 100644
--- a/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/conftest.py
@@ -95,6 +95,7 @@ def first_app_config():
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/first"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/integrations/conftest.py b/tests/integrations/conftest.py
index 15c0fcc38..85d6cae47 100644
--- a/tests/integrations/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/integrations/conftest.py
@@ -54,4 +54,5 @@ def first_app_config():
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/first_app"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
diff --git a/tests/integrations/docker/conftest.py b/tests/integrations/docker/conftest.py
index 0af268d1c..252005f6c 100644
--- a/tests/integrations/docker/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/integrations/docker/conftest.py
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ def my_app() -> AppConfig:
         bundle="com.example",
         version="1.2.3",
         description="This is a simple app",
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         sources=["path/to/src/myapp", "other/stuff"],
         system_requires=["things==1.2", "stuff>=3.4"],
         system_runtime_requires=["runtime_things==1.42", "stuff>=3.4"],
diff --git a/tests/platforms/conftest.py b/tests/platforms/conftest.py
index 644877692..4b975e68b 100644
--- a/tests/platforms/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/platforms/conftest.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ def first_app_config():
         sources=["src/first_app"],
         requires=["foo==1.2.3", "bar>=4.5"],
         test_requires=["pytest"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -32,6 +33,7 @@ def uppercase_app_config():
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app",
         sources=["src/First_App"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
     )
 
 
@@ -48,6 +50,7 @@ def underscore_app_config(first_app_config):
         version="0.0.1",
         description="The first simple app \\ demonstration",
         sources=["src/first_app"],
+        license={"file": "LICENSE"},
         requires=["foo==1.2.3", "bar>=4.5"],
         test_requires=["pytest"],
     )
diff --git a/tests/platforms/linux/system/test_build.py b/tests/platforms/linux/system/test_build.py
index 1693b3146..1e315ec63 100644
--- a/tests/platforms/linux/system/test_build.py
+++ b/tests/platforms/linux/system/test_build.py
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@
 from briefcase.exceptions import BriefcaseCommandError
 from briefcase.platforms.linux.system import LinuxSystemBuildCommand
 
+from ....utils import create_file
+
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def build_command(tmp_path, first_app):
@@ -116,7 +118,7 @@ def test_missing_license(build_command, first_app, tmp_path):
     # Build the app; it will fail
     with pytest.raises(
         BriefcaseCommandError,
-        match=r"Your project does not contain a LICENSE file.",
+        match=r"You specified that the license file is ",
     ):
         build_command.build_app(first_app)
 
@@ -128,6 +130,91 @@ def test_missing_license(build_command, first_app, tmp_path):
     )
 
 
+def test_specified_license_file_is_copied(build_command, first_app, tmp_path):
+    """The specified license file is copied if a license file is specified."""
+    create_file(tmp_path / "base_path/LICENSE.txt", "The Actual First App License")
+    first_app.license["file"] = "LICENSE.txt"
+
+    # Build the app
+    build_command.build_app(first_app)
+
+    # The correct license file has been copied
+    doc_folder = (
+        build_command.bundle_path(first_app)
+        / f"{first_app.app_name}-{first_app.version}"
+        / "usr"
+        / "share"
+        / "doc"
+        / first_app.app_name
+    )
+    assert (doc_folder / "copyright").read_text(
+        encoding="utf-8"
+    ) == "The Actual First App License"
+
+
+def test_license_text_is_saved(build_command, first_app):
+    """The license text is saved as a file in the bundle."""
+    first_app.license = {"text": "Some license text"}
+
+    # Build the app
+    build_command.build_app(first_app)
+
+    # The license text has been saved
+    doc_folder = (
+        build_command.bundle_path(first_app)
+        / f"{first_app.app_name}-{first_app.version}"
+        / "usr"
+        / "share"
+        / "doc"
+        / first_app.app_name
+    )
+
+    assert (doc_folder / "copyright").read_text(encoding="utf-8") == "Some license text"
+
+
+def test_license_text_warns_with_single_line_license(build_command, first_app):
+    """A warning is logged if the license text is a single line."""
+
+    first_app.license = {"text": "Some license text"}
+    build_command.logger.warning = mock.MagicMock()
+
+    # Build the app
+    build_command.build_app(first_app)
+
+    build_command.logger.warning.assert_called_once_with(
+        """
+You specified the license using a text string. However, this string is only one line.
+
+Make sure that the license text is a full license (or specify a license file).
+"""
+    )
+
+
+def test_exception_with_no_license(build_command, first_app):
+    """An exception is raised if there is no license."""
+
+    first_app.license = {}
+    build_command.logger.warning = mock.MagicMock()
+
+    # Build the app
+    with pytest.raises(
+        BriefcaseCommandError, match="Your project does not contain a LICENSE file."
+    ):
+        build_command.build_app(first_app)
+
+
+def test_license_text_doesnt_warn_with_multi_line_license(
+    build_command, first_app, tmp_path
+):
+    """No warning is logged if the license text is multi-line."""
+    first_app.license = {"text": "Some license text\nsome more text"}
+    build_command.logger.warning = mock.MagicMock()
+
+    # Build the app
+    build_command.build_app(first_app)
+    build_command.logger.warning.assert_not_called()
+
+
 def test_missing_changelog(build_command, first_app, tmp_path):
     """If the changelog source file is missing, an error is raised."""
     bundle_path = tmp_path / "base_path/build/first-app/somevendor/surprising"
diff --git a/tests/test_mainline.py b/tests/test_mainline.py
index 6af1a200f..9246fa337 100644
--- a/tests/test_mainline.py
+++ b/tests/test_mainline.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ def pyproject_toml(monkeypatch, tmp_path):
 project_name = "Hello World"
 bundle = "com.example"
 version = "0.0.1"
+license.file = "LICENSE"
 
 [tool.briefcase.app.myapp]
 description = "My first application"