Is it legal to use GPL code in a proprietary, closed source program?

So: as long as it’s honest-to-God communication via userspace, where the calling proprietary code forks-and-execs the called GPL wrapper program, the GPL obligations of the called program do not extend to the calling program.

Why is GPL covered software better than proprietary software?

This is for two reasons: to make sure that users who get the software get the freedom they should have, and to encourage people to give back improvements that they make. However, in many cases you can distribute the GPL-covered software alongside your proprietary system.

Is the GPL code in a derivative work public?

Now, the entirety of the original work has been copied into a work that is GPL licenced and thus the source code is public, so the original work’s code is now public, true. But it is public because it was included in a derivative work. It’s a subtle but important difference.

Can a GPL-covered program be released under the FSF?

The FSF has this to say in the GNU FAQ, emphasis mine: A system incorporating a GPL-covered program is an extended version of that program. The GPL says that any extended version of the program must be released under the GPL if it is released at all.

Can a GPL program run on anyone else’s computer?

That code runs on your computer, nobody else’s. Since the GPL code doesn’t execute on anyone else’s machine, they cannot demand to see the source for the running program, even if it was modified.

Can a closed source application be open source?

If I create a closed source application which uses some GPL licensed libraries but don’t actually distribute the software, only its output, can I keep the software closed sourced? Specifically, I am talking about a biological data analysis pipeline. Internally, our software will be using some GPL libraries to generate its output.

Can a company run a modified version of a GPL ed program?

A company is running a modified version of a GPL’ed program on a web site. Does the GPL say they must release their modified sources? (#UnreleasedMods) The GPL permits anyone to make a modified version and use it without ever distributing it to others. What this company is doing is a special case of that.

Can you sell a modified version of the GPL?

You are allowed to sell copies of the modified program commercially, but only under the terms of the GNU GPL. Thus, for instance, you must make the source code available to the users of the program as described in the GPL, and they must be allowed to redistribute and modify it as described in the GPL.

Can a library link be licensed under the GPL?

Yes, because the program actually links to the library. As such, the terms of the GPL apply to the entire combination. The software modules that link with the library may be under various GPL compatible licenses, but the work as a whole must be licensed under the GPL.

Can a non-GPL software dynamically call a GPL library?

A key dispute related to the GPL is whether or not non-GPL software can be dynamically linked to GPL libraries. The GPL is clear in requiring that all derivative works of code under the GPL must themselves be under the GPL.

Can a company make a modified version of the GPL?

(#UnreleasedMods) The GPL permits anyone to make a modified version and use it without ever distributing it to others. What this company is doing is a special case of that. Therefore, the company does not have to release the modified sources.

What’s the difference between LGPL and GPL code?

With that behind us, IMHO if the code you are linking against is LGPL, you are in the clear. If it is GPL technically it is a problem. The difference between GPL and LGPL, is that linking against LGPL code, does not trigger the need to share.

How are GPL libraries used in software development?

Internally, our software will be using some GPL libraries to generate its output. However, the software itself will not be distributed. Users will either receive a virtual machine with the pipeline set up which they can run locally, or submit their input data to us and access their results from a web interface.

Do you have to make GPL source available?

(b) If you do distribute YOUR APPLICATION, and you used something GPL as part of your application (even if only linking at run-time to a library) – and even if you do not charge money – and even if you do not change that GPL s/w in any way – then you MUST make the source of YOUR APPLICATION available. Making source available does not mean download.

Is it legal to distribute GPL program as binary?

The legal problem (law) raise when you do an act of distributing GPL program as binary or library on non GPL OS. GPL program is infecting and infected the parent and the child non GPL process (proprietary and even other open source license) from the perspective of law.

Can a company run a modified version of the GPL?

A company is running a modified version of a program licensed under the GNU Affero GPL (AGPL) on a web site. Does the AGPL say they must release their modified sources? Is use within one organization or company “distribution”?

Can a patent license be granted under GPLv3?

If a user decides to take the project’s code (incorporating my contributions) under GPLv3, does that mean I’ve automatically granted GPLv3’s explicit patent license to that user? If I distribute a GPLv3-covered program, can I provide a warranty that is voided if the user modifies the program?

Is it legal to use GPL code in a proprietary, closed source program?