Subj : Re: Copyright and addons or comercial GUI for a GPL software
To   : comp.programming
From : Giannis Papadopoulos
Date : Fri Aug 05 2005 12:04 pm

MiniMe wrote:
> Hi guys
> 
> Are there any restrictions in using GPL code in comercial applicatins?
> I have seen the Linux Kernel used on a lot of appliances.
> My intention as I mentioned in an earlier  thread is to design a good
> interface for some GPL applications and to sell this interface. I will
> not charge for the application itself but I think it is fair to charge
> for the interface. The design requires a lot of work for design and
> implementation. 
> 
> Thank you
> MineMe
> 
> 

If you use anything that is under the GPL (library, program but not 
derivative work) you must supply full source code of your application.

The only exception I have seen is when they are using the Linux kernel 
with some proprietary tools they supply the source of the OS but not of 
the proprietary tool.

LGPL is somewhat less restrictive and allows linking to proprietary 
applications, but not distribution with them.

If you violate any of the GPL or LGPL restrictions, then you are subject 
to legal consequences.

-- 
one's freedom stops where other's begin

Giannis Papadopoulos
http://dop.users.uth.gr/
University of Thessaly
Computer & Communications Engineering dept.

.