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May I include GPL software in propietary software?
Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 12:43 pm
by danf_1979
I was thinking about that and I really dont know if it can be done. For example, You could develop a propietary software and use a WYSIWYG editor like xinya in it. I think (believe) you can sell your software and state that some parts of it are from *and* for public domain use. Explicitely state that those GPL codes are not your property. It's like making your propietary software "interact" with public domain software... I don't see really a problem with this, but I can't really tell. I just don't know. Any thoughts?

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 12:55 pm
by feyd
GPL works cannot be used inside a proprietary system. LGPL can, but there are some requirements.
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html
http://www.fsf.org/licensing/licenses/index_html for more information on many licenses in use for many works.
Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 1:09 pm
by danf_1979
Thank you. I didn't know I could use LGPL, I knew I could use only BSD... I'll read more about LGPL.
Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 3:49 pm
by timvw
As long as your own software does not depend (it works withouth) the GPL software i don't see a problem to distribute it together with your software (as long as you respect their terms, eg: let the users know under which rights they can use the GPL software).
Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 5:01 pm
by danf_1979
Yes. My idea is to use the software as an included plugin. I will not modify it, nor my code will depend on the software. I read at LGPL that that could be done, although I do not know yet the details. I'll be reading that next week or so...
