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Define "use". The GPL explicitly allows internal use / modification of software, for example[1]. It's only when you sell / distribute software that includes OSS
by dahfizz 5y ago
Define "use". The GPL explicitly allows internal use / modification of software, for example[1]. It's only when you sell / distribute software that includes OSS components that licenses matter.
I can do whatever I want with OSS code and I can modify consumer electronics I've bought any way I want; there is no need to be concerned with licenses and patents. Only if I want to sell my creation do patents matter.
[1] https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#InternalDistribution https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#InternalDistributi...
- sulam 5y agoI honestly believe you're wrong here. There's no exclusion for not profiting from your unlicensed use of a patent, you're infringing regardless of how you use it. Whether or not someone will sue you obviously brings into question damages and how they would collect them, but I don't believe infringing behavior is contingent on a monetary exchange. Here you go, a source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/patent_infringement https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/patent_infringement [...] one commits patent infringement by making, using, offering to sell, or selling something that contains every element of a patented claim [...]