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GPLv2 - licensing for commercial use


Would I violate anything if I use vlclib for android in my closed-source app?Is it legal to charge for distributing the source of a software which uses GPLv2 components?GNU GPL LicensingCan I distribute unmodified GPLv2 binaries without the source code?How can a GPLv2 dependency affect licensing of adjacent components that form an aggregate project?Using GPL licensed library over a service for non-GPL softwareslicense - how to skip GPLv2Is this restriction of Cheerp community edition in violation of GPLv2?FPDF & GPLv2 & distributing changed codeEffect of 'download separately' on GPL linking













3















I have a few questions regarding the GPLv2 license:



  1. For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?


  2. If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?


  3. What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




















  • 3. This is known as a "proprietary license" or "EULA". Each software product or company tends to have a slightly different one, written by its lawyers.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • 1. If you do not provide source files, you can alternatively provide a "Written Offer". See the GPL license for more about this.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • @Brandin That still means providing access to the source files, though - if someone takes you up on that offer, you can't just refuse, you've legally agreed that you will send them something if they ask. See also the FSF FAQ.

    – IMSoP
    1 hour ago















3















I have a few questions regarding the GPLv2 license:



  1. For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?


  2. If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?


  3. What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




















  • 3. This is known as a "proprietary license" or "EULA". Each software product or company tends to have a slightly different one, written by its lawyers.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • 1. If you do not provide source files, you can alternatively provide a "Written Offer". See the GPL license for more about this.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • @Brandin That still means providing access to the source files, though - if someone takes you up on that offer, you can't just refuse, you've legally agreed that you will send them something if they ask. See also the FSF FAQ.

    – IMSoP
    1 hour ago













3












3








3








I have a few questions regarding the GPLv2 license:



  1. For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?


  2. If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?


  3. What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?










share|improve this question









New contributor




Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












I have a few questions regarding the GPLv2 license:



  1. For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?


  2. If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?


  3. What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?







licensing commercial gpl-2






share|improve this question









New contributor




Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question









New contributor




Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 2 hours ago









unor

3,8591443




3,8591443






New contributor




Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









asked 9 hours ago









CptnCptn

191




191




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Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor





Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






Cptn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












  • 3. This is known as a "proprietary license" or "EULA". Each software product or company tends to have a slightly different one, written by its lawyers.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • 1. If you do not provide source files, you can alternatively provide a "Written Offer". See the GPL license for more about this.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • @Brandin That still means providing access to the source files, though - if someone takes you up on that offer, you can't just refuse, you've legally agreed that you will send them something if they ask. See also the FSF FAQ.

    – IMSoP
    1 hour ago

















  • 3. This is known as a "proprietary license" or "EULA". Each software product or company tends to have a slightly different one, written by its lawyers.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • 1. If you do not provide source files, you can alternatively provide a "Written Offer". See the GPL license for more about this.

    – Brandin
    6 hours ago











  • @Brandin That still means providing access to the source files, though - if someone takes you up on that offer, you can't just refuse, you've legally agreed that you will send them something if they ask. See also the FSF FAQ.

    – IMSoP
    1 hour ago
















3. This is known as a "proprietary license" or "EULA". Each software product or company tends to have a slightly different one, written by its lawyers.

– Brandin
6 hours ago





3. This is known as a "proprietary license" or "EULA". Each software product or company tends to have a slightly different one, written by its lawyers.

– Brandin
6 hours ago













1. If you do not provide source files, you can alternatively provide a "Written Offer". See the GPL license for more about this.

– Brandin
6 hours ago





1. If you do not provide source files, you can alternatively provide a "Written Offer". See the GPL license for more about this.

– Brandin
6 hours ago













@Brandin That still means providing access to the source files, though - if someone takes you up on that offer, you can't just refuse, you've legally agreed that you will send them something if they ask. See also the FSF FAQ.

– IMSoP
1 hour ago





@Brandin That still means providing access to the source files, though - if someone takes you up on that offer, you can't just refuse, you've legally agreed that you will send them something if they ask. See also the FSF FAQ.

– IMSoP
1 hour ago










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes


















11














  1. Yes, to people to whom you have distributed the binary.


  2. No, they can also get it from someone else who has a (presumably paid-for) binary, and lawfully use that copy. Because GPLv2 s3 says "You may copy and distribute the Program ... in object code or executable form" someone who gets the software from you has the right to copy it for their friends, and because s0 says "The act of running the Program is not restricted" anyone who comes into possession of such a copy may use it. s6 makes their position even clearer: it explicitly gives them a licence from you to do so.


  3. The GNU GPL is fine with you charging for your software; it just requires you to deliver freedom along with your binary. If what you're asking is "what licence should I use if I want to charge for my software and forbid my paying users from exercising the freedoms associated with free software", that would be off-topic for this site.






share|improve this answer

























  • When I see the phrase "deliver freedom", I envision an accompanying Team America: World Police montage.

    – R.M.
    17 mins ago


















0















For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?




If you create software that includes someone else's GPL-licensed code (in such a way that your software is a derivative of the other code under copyright law) then you must make available to recipients of your software (if any) the complete corresponding source code of your software, under the same GPL terms. Failure to do so makes you liable for copyright infringement.



If you are not using any GPL-licensed material from other authors, but merely decide to license your work under the GPL, you have no obligations to yourself (even if you did, you can't sue yourself anyway for violating your own terms) but you will create obligations for downstream recipients who incorporate your software into their own work.




If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?




No. Users may obtain the software from other users who purchased copies from you. You cannot prevent users who purchase a copy from sharing copies to other people, and you cannot prevent those secondhand recipients from enjoying the same freedom to use, modify, and redistribute the software.




What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?




The GPL does not stop you from charging for the software; you may indeed legally sell GPL-licensed software for profit. However, you cannot have a monopoly on distribution, since all recipients could begin offering the software for a lower price, or free of charge. Any free software license has this property.



If you want a monopoly on distribution, you do not want to use a free or open source license.






share|improve this answer






















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    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

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    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    11














    1. Yes, to people to whom you have distributed the binary.


    2. No, they can also get it from someone else who has a (presumably paid-for) binary, and lawfully use that copy. Because GPLv2 s3 says "You may copy and distribute the Program ... in object code or executable form" someone who gets the software from you has the right to copy it for their friends, and because s0 says "The act of running the Program is not restricted" anyone who comes into possession of such a copy may use it. s6 makes their position even clearer: it explicitly gives them a licence from you to do so.


    3. The GNU GPL is fine with you charging for your software; it just requires you to deliver freedom along with your binary. If what you're asking is "what licence should I use if I want to charge for my software and forbid my paying users from exercising the freedoms associated with free software", that would be off-topic for this site.






    share|improve this answer

























    • When I see the phrase "deliver freedom", I envision an accompanying Team America: World Police montage.

      – R.M.
      17 mins ago















    11














    1. Yes, to people to whom you have distributed the binary.


    2. No, they can also get it from someone else who has a (presumably paid-for) binary, and lawfully use that copy. Because GPLv2 s3 says "You may copy and distribute the Program ... in object code or executable form" someone who gets the software from you has the right to copy it for their friends, and because s0 says "The act of running the Program is not restricted" anyone who comes into possession of such a copy may use it. s6 makes their position even clearer: it explicitly gives them a licence from you to do so.


    3. The GNU GPL is fine with you charging for your software; it just requires you to deliver freedom along with your binary. If what you're asking is "what licence should I use if I want to charge for my software and forbid my paying users from exercising the freedoms associated with free software", that would be off-topic for this site.






    share|improve this answer

























    • When I see the phrase "deliver freedom", I envision an accompanying Team America: World Police montage.

      – R.M.
      17 mins ago













    11












    11








    11







    1. Yes, to people to whom you have distributed the binary.


    2. No, they can also get it from someone else who has a (presumably paid-for) binary, and lawfully use that copy. Because GPLv2 s3 says "You may copy and distribute the Program ... in object code or executable form" someone who gets the software from you has the right to copy it for their friends, and because s0 says "The act of running the Program is not restricted" anyone who comes into possession of such a copy may use it. s6 makes their position even clearer: it explicitly gives them a licence from you to do so.


    3. The GNU GPL is fine with you charging for your software; it just requires you to deliver freedom along with your binary. If what you're asking is "what licence should I use if I want to charge for my software and forbid my paying users from exercising the freedoms associated with free software", that would be off-topic for this site.






    share|improve this answer















    1. Yes, to people to whom you have distributed the binary.


    2. No, they can also get it from someone else who has a (presumably paid-for) binary, and lawfully use that copy. Because GPLv2 s3 says "You may copy and distribute the Program ... in object code or executable form" someone who gets the software from you has the right to copy it for their friends, and because s0 says "The act of running the Program is not restricted" anyone who comes into possession of such a copy may use it. s6 makes their position even clearer: it explicitly gives them a licence from you to do so.


    3. The GNU GPL is fine with you charging for your software; it just requires you to deliver freedom along with your binary. If what you're asking is "what licence should I use if I want to charge for my software and forbid my paying users from exercising the freedoms associated with free software", that would be off-topic for this site.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited 5 hours ago

























    answered 8 hours ago









    MadHatterMadHatter

    9,5421837




    9,5421837












    • When I see the phrase "deliver freedom", I envision an accompanying Team America: World Police montage.

      – R.M.
      17 mins ago

















    • When I see the phrase "deliver freedom", I envision an accompanying Team America: World Police montage.

      – R.M.
      17 mins ago
















    When I see the phrase "deliver freedom", I envision an accompanying Team America: World Police montage.

    – R.M.
    17 mins ago





    When I see the phrase "deliver freedom", I envision an accompanying Team America: World Police montage.

    – R.M.
    17 mins ago











    0















    For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?




    If you create software that includes someone else's GPL-licensed code (in such a way that your software is a derivative of the other code under copyright law) then you must make available to recipients of your software (if any) the complete corresponding source code of your software, under the same GPL terms. Failure to do so makes you liable for copyright infringement.



    If you are not using any GPL-licensed material from other authors, but merely decide to license your work under the GPL, you have no obligations to yourself (even if you did, you can't sue yourself anyway for violating your own terms) but you will create obligations for downstream recipients who incorporate your software into their own work.




    If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?




    No. Users may obtain the software from other users who purchased copies from you. You cannot prevent users who purchase a copy from sharing copies to other people, and you cannot prevent those secondhand recipients from enjoying the same freedom to use, modify, and redistribute the software.




    What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?




    The GPL does not stop you from charging for the software; you may indeed legally sell GPL-licensed software for profit. However, you cannot have a monopoly on distribution, since all recipients could begin offering the software for a lower price, or free of charge. Any free software license has this property.



    If you want a monopoly on distribution, you do not want to use a free or open source license.






    share|improve this answer



























      0















      For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?




      If you create software that includes someone else's GPL-licensed code (in such a way that your software is a derivative of the other code under copyright law) then you must make available to recipients of your software (if any) the complete corresponding source code of your software, under the same GPL terms. Failure to do so makes you liable for copyright infringement.



      If you are not using any GPL-licensed material from other authors, but merely decide to license your work under the GPL, you have no obligations to yourself (even if you did, you can't sue yourself anyway for violating your own terms) but you will create obligations for downstream recipients who incorporate your software into their own work.




      If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?




      No. Users may obtain the software from other users who purchased copies from you. You cannot prevent users who purchase a copy from sharing copies to other people, and you cannot prevent those secondhand recipients from enjoying the same freedom to use, modify, and redistribute the software.




      What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?




      The GPL does not stop you from charging for the software; you may indeed legally sell GPL-licensed software for profit. However, you cannot have a monopoly on distribution, since all recipients could begin offering the software for a lower price, or free of charge. Any free software license has this property.



      If you want a monopoly on distribution, you do not want to use a free or open source license.






      share|improve this answer

























        0












        0








        0








        For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?




        If you create software that includes someone else's GPL-licensed code (in such a way that your software is a derivative of the other code under copyright law) then you must make available to recipients of your software (if any) the complete corresponding source code of your software, under the same GPL terms. Failure to do so makes you liable for copyright infringement.



        If you are not using any GPL-licensed material from other authors, but merely decide to license your work under the GPL, you have no obligations to yourself (even if you did, you can't sue yourself anyway for violating your own terms) but you will create obligations for downstream recipients who incorporate your software into their own work.




        If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?




        No. Users may obtain the software from other users who purchased copies from you. You cannot prevent users who purchase a copy from sharing copies to other people, and you cannot prevent those secondhand recipients from enjoying the same freedom to use, modify, and redistribute the software.




        What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?




        The GPL does not stop you from charging for the software; you may indeed legally sell GPL-licensed software for profit. However, you cannot have a monopoly on distribution, since all recipients could begin offering the software for a lower price, or free of charge. Any free software license has this property.



        If you want a monopoly on distribution, you do not want to use a free or open source license.






        share|improve this answer














        For it to be GPLv2, I need provide access to my source files?




        If you create software that includes someone else's GPL-licensed code (in such a way that your software is a derivative of the other code under copyright law) then you must make available to recipients of your software (if any) the complete corresponding source code of your software, under the same GPL terms. Failure to do so makes you liable for copyright infringement.



        If you are not using any GPL-licensed material from other authors, but merely decide to license your work under the GPL, you have no obligations to yourself (even if you did, you can't sue yourself anyway for violating your own terms) but you will create obligations for downstream recipients who incorporate your software into their own work.




        If I use the v2 license, but charge for use, do users HAVE to purchase my license in order to use it?




        No. Users may obtain the software from other users who purchased copies from you. You cannot prevent users who purchase a copy from sharing copies to other people, and you cannot prevent those secondhand recipients from enjoying the same freedom to use, modify, and redistribute the software.




        What is the alternative license in creating software if I want to charge for it?




        The GPL does not stop you from charging for the software; you may indeed legally sell GPL-licensed software for profit. However, you cannot have a monopoly on distribution, since all recipients could begin offering the software for a lower price, or free of charge. Any free software license has this property.



        If you want a monopoly on distribution, you do not want to use a free or open source license.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 13 mins ago









        apsillersapsillers

        15.5k12652




        15.5k12652




















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