GPL 2.0 and copyright issue

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by thinkjayant, May 14, 2009.

  1. #1
    i am using a product which is GPL 2.0 liscenced. I added some modification which needs the paretn product and my modification to sell together...

    no i want to give my source code away, but restrict the buyers to modify and sell my part of the code ie the addon module...

    they can do what ever they want with the parent GPL 2.0 liscence but i want to restrict their rights to redistribute my modifications.

    can it be done.. i never understand law words properly.. but i think it can be done.. can someone confirm????

    here's the faq link

    http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0-faq.html

    thanks in advance
    TJ
     
    thinkjayant, May 14, 2009 IP
  2. starfall87

    starfall87 Peon

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    #2
    From my understanding of the GPL, you are allowed to modify the source code for private use without being forced to redistribute it. But you are forced to release any modifications under the GPL if you do redistribute it.

    Your act of selling the software is releasing it to the public. As such, it is required to be released under the GPL. Not only can you not restrict them from redistributing the code for money (through "service" licenses and such) you cannot stop them from giving it away even.
     
    starfall87, May 14, 2009 IP
  3. wanderinglex47

    wanderinglex47 Active Member

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    #3
    The buyers will have the same rights to modify and USE & Share your module, not SELL it. They can only sell their own developed add-ons... I think I remember there being a modified GNU License allowing only the private use, and a version specific for commercial use (i.e. the rights to sell your add-on), gotta search it on their site...
     
    wanderinglex47, May 17, 2009 IP
  4. CMS Tandoori

    CMS Tandoori Peon

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    #4
    you can of course sell your own script commercially without being GPL.

    on the other side if you sell it as "commercial GPL" as they do with many joomla addons, anyone will be free to fork your script and resell it.

    to further protect your script you can crypt it and obfuscate it.
     
    CMS Tandoori, May 19, 2009 IP