Examining an attack on the GPL

Examining an attack on the GPL

Posted Nov 27, 2003 3:14 UTC (Thu) by bignose (subscriber, #40)
In reply to: Examining an attack on the GPL by ekj
Parent article: Examining an attack on the GPL

> It *does* follow that either
> a) You reach some agreement with the copyrigth-holder(s) of the GPL-code
> in question to license it to you on other terms or
> b) You release your code also under the GPL or
> c) You do none of the two above, and are then infringing on the copyrigth
> of those writing the GPL-code.

b) ii) You satisfy the GPL by not redistributing the GPL code (i.e. you include it in a modified program that you never distribute)

The GPL only affects derived works if you then redistribute them to others. There are plenty of parties modifying GPL works and never redistributing them under any license terms; this is a perfectly valid, if far less visible, use of the work.

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