Modify Open Source -> sell ?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by luigi777, Nov 13, 2011.

  1. #1
    Hello,
    I was wondering this is allowed:

    -taking an open source software, do some small changes like name and logo.
    -Selling this software

    Most open source softwares are under a GPL license. Anybody an idea about this ?

    Thank you
     
    luigi777, Nov 13, 2011 IP
  2. capturts

    capturts Greenhorn

    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    #2
    You can sell GPL software for any amount you want. But you can't change the license. Also if someone asks you for the source code you have to provide it to the using the same medium you sold the original software on, so if you sell the a CD you have to be willing to send them a CD with the source code on if they ask.

    If you make any great changes to the software then anyone who buys it from you can then go on to sell it for any amount they want.

    Other open source licenses vary, many you must provide the source code and most allow people to modify and sell it on.
     
    capturts, Nov 13, 2011 IP
  3. Kevorkian

    Kevorkian Greenhorn

    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    #3
    You can sell GPL only if you make the modified source code public to all (i.e. give back to the original author(s)). But I'm not sure why you would want to sell open source software in the first place.

    BSD is the least restrictive which allows you to sell without providing the modified sources.
     
    Kevorkian, Nov 13, 2011 IP
  4. capturts

    capturts Greenhorn

    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    #4
    I don't believe you have to provide the source code back to the original authors, only if they buy your modified version. You only have to give the source code to people who have your software.
     
    capturts, Nov 13, 2011 IP
  5. Samrixe

    Samrixe Greenhorn

    Messages:
    51
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    18
    #5
    Yup, I think you have to contact with the author of the software if you wish to do like that. Sometimes he may allow you. Asking wont cost you anything
     
    Samrixe, Nov 16, 2011 IP
  6. flvps

    flvps Peon

    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #6
    By modify in the GPL, it means improve not just change the logo and software name. Trust me, when somebody finds out and they will, you will be ruined by angry customers who you ripped off and if it hits tech websites - they will rip you to shreds for your dishonest business.
     
    flvps, Nov 22, 2011 IP
  7. Laora

    Laora Peon

    Messages:
    140
    Likes Received:
    1
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #7
    i think its allowed
     
    Laora, Nov 23, 2011 IP
  8. nesrinamb

    nesrinamb Member

    Messages:
    94
    Likes Received:
    0
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    43
    #8
    www.gnu.org this should hopefully answer your questions
     
    nesrinamb, Nov 28, 2011 IP
  9. nveid

    nveid Peon

    Messages:
    155
    Likes Received:
    2
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #9
    Your only allowed to pay for distribution of GPL... Such as costs for printing CDs, Mailing, etc.. Thats how the linux distributors get around it, they are 'distributing' to stores. But you can download everything they did for free off their websites... BSD on the other hand, you can sell it all day you want however you want.
     
    nveid, Nov 29, 2011 IP