[PyKDE] OT QT4 GPL query.

[Dave S]

On Tuesday 08 August 2006 11:18, John Layt wrote:
> 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.

Thanks for the extra info ... I will read the GPL faq as suggested. 

Thanks once again Dave