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June 1st, 2006 at 10:42 am
As I understand it, as long as Foo Bah does not include and distribute any GPL code, there is no way the GPL is involved with Foo Bah itself. Just because someone else can choose to download and use GPLed code with Foo Bah cannot impact Foo Bah itself.
June 1st, 2006 at 10:49 am
Surely by using the interface that the application exposes it is a derivative work?
That’s the argument of the GPL - that by writing to a GPL’d interface, you are building a derivative work - no matter the distribution requirement. Of course, this could go quite far - for example, something that merely called gcc could be arguably a derivative work of gcc if it was designed around it.
I think in general it is wise to avoid developing plugins for GPL’d applications unless you are willing to GPL the plugin, or alternatively the license permits it.
June 1st, 2006 at 2:01 pm
@Andrew
If Foo Bah doesn’t accept the GPL license, which is within his rights as he hasn’t signed it, he doesn’t get the right to distribute the GPL’ed program or its derivative works.
The key points are - derivative works and scope of GPL license.
The definition of derivative work is under the copyright law.
via
Also the GPL license states that:
“Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are not covered by this License; they are outside its scope.”
In wikipedia some rule of thumbs are defined:
link
Looking forward to hear your thoughts and Kevin’s.
June 1st, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Technology Law offices of Rosenlaw & Einschlag has this to say on derivative works:
June 2nd, 2006 at 7:12 am
“I am not a lawyer”
They key point here is that these are all copyright issues. If you do not distribute or modify any GPL code, then how could you be breaking any copyright rules?
- Don
June 2nd, 2006 at 10:41 am
@Donald
That’s a very good point. I have to agree with you on that.
At this point it appears clear to me that any plugins for GPL software doesn’t fall under GPL, specifically if it isn’t shipped with the GPL’ed product. Yay.