Using OpenSource software in closed source componies (how ?)

[Micha]

On 22/11/2009 21:30, Raz wrote:
> GPL version 1 asserts that any software as a whole combined with GPLv1
> software has to be released under the terms of GPL v1.
>

I have to admit I don't know GPL v1 too much

>
> 2009/11/22 Gilad Ben-Yossef <gilad at codefidence.com
> <mailto:gilad at codefidence.com>>
>
>     Hetz Ben Hamo wrote:
>
>>     Hi Boris,
>>
>>     you *CAN* use open source software with closed source application.
>>     The exception is when you're changing the source of the open
>>     source application, which means you'll need to give back the
>>     modification. I think linking to a FOSS product (GPL'd) is a bit
>>     more problematic, but for this you can write some simple wrappers.

A wrapper would still be a problem as the wrapper would also have to be GPL. 
IANAL but I think that an exception may be if you use the GPLed library as a 
sort of plugin that can be fulfilled also by other libraries. For example you 
can implement a simple inefficient proprietary library and a wrapper that allows 
using the GPLed one as well and then you are easier of with your claim.

One of the reasons that a lot of major libraries (at least those that interest 
me) us the LGPL to bypass this problem. Personally I try to stick to using 
LGPLed software to avoid any issues.

In any case, if you distribute a (L)GPLed library you need to distribute the 
source to that in any case.

>     You are wrong. Every distribution triggers the GPL. Changed source
>     code or not does not make any difference and linking to a GPLed
>     library usually (some exceptions apply) triggers the GPL if you are
>     actually distributing the library.
>

I've worked with some companies that linked/used GPLed software and also 
followed some of these arguments previously. Which way dynamic linking goes is a 
debatable issue (whether it can be considered derived work or not) and the 
subject of many a flame war. It's never been tested in court though (neither 
linking nor direct violation) so there is no precedence whether the GPL can be 
enforced.

>
>     Gilad
>
>
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