How do I use FFmpeg in commercial software?

How do I use FFmpeg in commercial software?

1 Answer

1. Compile FFmpeg without “–enable-gpl” and without “–enable-nonfree”.
2. Use dynamic linking (on windows, this means linking to dlls) for linking with FFmpeg libraries.
3. Distribute the source code of FFmpeg, no matter if you modified it or not.

Is FFmpeg free?

FFmpeg is a free and open-source software project consisting of a suite of libraries and programs for handling video, audio, and other multimedia files and streams.

Is LGPL free for commercial use?

You can use and distribute LGPL libraries on your website and use them in combination with commercial code. The only big restriction is that you must keep the library open source, including any modifications you make to it, and allow your users to obtain the source, licence and copyright information for the library.

What is the difference between GPL and LGPL licenses?

The main difference between the GPL and the LGPL is that the latter allows the work to be linked with (in the case of a library, “used by”) a non-(L)GPLed program, regardless of whether it is free software or proprietary software.

Does GPL allow commercial use?

Software under the GPL may be run for all purposes, including commercial purposes and even as a tool for creating proprietary software, such as when using GPL-licensed compilers. Users or companies who distribute GPL-licensed works (e.g. software), may charge a fee for copies or give them free of charge.

Is mp4 patented?

Just to clear up some terminology: mp4 (the container format) may be covered by some patents, but nobody charges license fees for software or content. h. 264, aka AVC aka MPEG-4 part10 is heavily patented, and software or hardware for encoding/decoding h.

Is it legal to use FFmpeg?

FFmpeg is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) version 2.1 or later. However, FFmpeg incorporates several optional parts and optimizations that are covered by the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later. If those parts get used the GPL applies to all of FFmpeg.

Does Apache license allow commercial use?

You can use any Apache License 2.0 licensed software in your commercial products for free. However, you must not name your product in a way that it looks like an endorsement from Apache. You must also not use any of the Apache marks (like the multi-colored feather) anywhere in your product or its documentation.

Is LGPL a viral license?

Now you may think you already do this, but looking at the licenses, I see little to no difference between GPL and LGPL unless I really study it (or already know the difference) LGPL is not viral like GPL.

Can I use GPL software for commercial purposes?

How to distribute the source code of FFmpeg?

Distribute the source code of FFmpeg, no matter if you modified it or not. Make sure the source code corresponds exactly to the library binaries you are distributing. Run the command “git diff > changes.diff” in the root directory of the FFmpeg source code to create a file with only the changes.

Is the FFmpeg license covered by the GPL?

However, FFmpeg incorporates several optional parts and optimizations that are covered by the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later. If those parts get used the GPL applies to all of FFmpeg. Read the license texts to learn how this affects programs built on top of FFmpeg or reusing FFmpeg.

Do you have to mention FFmpeg in your Eula?

Mention in your EULA that your program uses FFmpeg under the LGPLv2.1. If your EULA claims ownership over the code, you have to explicitly mention that you do not own FFmpeg, and where the relevant owners can be found. Remove any prohibition of reverse engineering from your EULA. Apply the same changes to all translations of your EULA.