Sage-Tips

Does GPLv2 allow commercial use?

There is no field of use restriction in the GPLv2 – users are free to use if however they like, including for commercial purposes.

Can I use GPL in 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.”) The other “license type” that SaaS companies should watch out for is no license.

Can I use GPL v3 to distribute my software?

You may copy, distribute and modify the software as long as you track changes/dates of in source files and keep modifications under GPL. You can distribute your application using a GPL library commercially, but you must also provide the source code. GPL v3 tries to close some loopholes in GPL v2.

Should I use the GPL or a more permissive license?

Using the GNU GPL will require that all the released improved versions be free software. This means you can avoid the risk of having to compete with a proprietary modified version of your own work. However, in some special situations it can be better to use a more permissive license.

Who does the GPL License Modified versions of programs to?

The GPL says that modified versions, if released, must be “licensed … to all third parties.” Who are these third parties? Does the GPL allow me to sell copies of the program for money?

Will you make an exception for a GNU program under the GPL?

Using a certain GNU program under the GPL does not fit our project to make proprietary software. Will you make an exception for us? It would mean more users of that program. If a programming language interpreter is released under the GPL, does that mean programs written to be interpreted by it must be under GPL-compatible licenses?