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Can I use AGPL software for commercial purposes?
iText is available under the open source AGPL license, as well as a commercial license. If you purchase a commercial license, you can keep your source code to yourself allowing you to retain your IP. If you use the AGPL version, you need to release your source code free of charge.
Can I use GPL for SaaS?
SaaS companies are more free to use GPL licensed-code because the obligations of the GPL are triggered upon software distribution and SaaS software by nature is not distributed. (This is often referred to as the GPL “SaaS loophole.”) However, SaaS companies still need to be concerned about software licensing.
Does SaaS count as distribution?
In the AGPL license, SaaS is considered distribution and requires you to provide your users access to your source code.
What kind of license does AGPL v3 have?
The AGPL V3 license is a strong copyleft license that enforces open source on all components derived from any previous work. It closes the server-side loophole, where the source code isn’t made available if the software isn’t released.
Can you use AGPL with closed source applications?
Copyleft is the opposite of copyright, enforcing the rights to use, modify, and redistribute any source code that has a copyleft license like the GPL. Can you use AGPL with closed source applications? The AGPL V3 license is a strong copyleft license that enforces open source on all components derived from any previous work.
Can a GPL code be distributed alongside an app?
The (A)GPL work cannot be distributed alongside the final application even as a separate app (eg, putting them into the same archive or repository), although it’s fine to provide instructions on where to find the GPL work and how to use it with your app. AGPL is the same as GPL; therefore if your app is using AGPL code it has to be AGPL licensed.
How does the copyleft principle work in the AGPL license?
In the standard GPL license, the reciprocity clause comes into effect whenever a developer releases software. The copyleft principle intends to make all of the source code available to the wider open source community. With AGPL, software teams can ensure all changes to the codebase becomes available to the public, even on server-side applications.