[PyKDE] OT QT4 GPL query.

[John Layt]

On Tuesday 08 August 2006 08:11, Andreas Pakulat wrote:
> On 07.08.06 19:51:20, dave s wrote:
> > So I write mt QT4 code, put a GPL license on it, my company uses it
> > internally without distributing it in any way and its OK ?
>
> You don't need to put it under _any_ license as long as you do not
> distribute it, I _think_ (IANAL)
>

Technically, you DO have to license it under the GPL, you have no choice as 
that is the requirement of the license under which you have received the 
original code.  However, the requirement to PROVIDE the source ONLY kicks in 
if you DISTRIBUTE the program outside your company AND any 3rd party requests 
the code within 3 years.

Dave should probably read the GPL FAQ:
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html

Some examples:

 
"You have a GPL'ed program that I'd like to link with my code to build a 
proprietary program. Does the fact that I link with your program mean I have 
to GPL my program?

Yes."


"The GPL does not require you to release your modified version. You are free 
to make modifications and use them privately, without ever releasing them. 
This applies to organizations (including companies), too; an organization can 
make a modified version and use it internally without ever releasing it 
outside the organization.  But if you release the modified version to the 
public in some way, the GPL requires you to make the modified source code 
available to the program's users, under the GPL."


"Is making and using multiple copies within one organization or 
company "distribution"?

No, in that case the organization is just making the copies for itself. As a 
consequence, a company or other organization can develop a modified version 
and install that version through its own facilities, without giving the staff 
permission to release that modified version to outsiders. 

However, when the organization transfers copies to other organizations or 
individuals, that is distribution. In particular, providing copies to 
contractors for use off-site is distribution."


"Is there some way that I can GPL the output people get from use of my 
program? For example, if my program is used to develop hardware designs, can 
I require that these designs must be free?

In general this is legally impossible; copyright law does not give you any say 
in the use of the output people make from their data using your program. If 
the user uses your program to enter or convert his own data, the copyright on 
the output belongs to him, not you. More generally, when a program translates 
its input into some other form, the copyright status of the output inherits 
that of the input it was generated from."


"In what cases is the output of a GPL program covered by the GPL too?

Only when the program copies part of itself into the output."


Cheers!

John.

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