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I see it now! Thanks! Taken from the link above: If I distribute GPL'd software for a fee, am I required to also make it available to the public without a cha
by funnyfacts365 10y ago
I see it now! Thanks!
Taken from the link above:
If I distribute GPL'd software for a fee, am I required to also make it available to the public without a charge?
No. However, if someone pays your fee and gets a copy, the GPL gives them the freedom to release it to the public, with or without a fee. For example, someone could pay your fee, and then put her copy on a web site for the general public.
- walterbell 10y agoThere are VC-backed companies distributing binaries based on GPL code, which discourage their customers from releasing (or even asking for) source. E.g. the vendor won't sell to anyone unless the order size is six figures or greater. This reduces the chance that the customer cares about either source or the GPL. Even if the customer cares about the source, they may not want to offend the vendor, e.g. lose early access to new features.
- vog 10y ago> E.g. the vendor won't sell [the source] to anyone unless the order size is six figures or greater Note that this is illegal in GPL v2. It contains a clause to prevent exactly that kind of malicious behaviour: > ... for a charge no more than your cost of physically performing source distribution, a complete machine-readable copy of the corresponding source code ... However, GPL v3 explicitly allows for that practice: > You may charge any price or no price for each copy that you convey, and you may offer support or warranty protection for a fee.
- walterbell 10y agoSadly they are charging for binaries and most customers are unaware there is GPL source associated with the binaries.
- db48x 10y agoIf the customer is inattentive enough that they don't notice the licence, that's their own fault.