We intend to use LGPL-based (GNU Lesser General public License) software to our business project that is privately used only. We modify, rewrite, rebuild large parts of that software to fit our need. We don't sell or ship to any other partners, what we do is running our business on that software. Do we have to publish our modifications as open source? We do not want to do this because of our business-secret. Are we violate the law if keeping new modifications silent?
2007-01-23 00:24:43 · 5 answers · asked by vmc 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
if you have a business and are making money of it, you should contact a (good) lawyer about this, they can give you the information you need and are more reliable then "some guys from the Internet"
2007-01-23 00:30:40 · answer #1 · answered by Preykill 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your seoftware development is all in-house then you don't need a LGPL on it. But with the LGPL if you share it with one entity, you must make it available to everybody. The difference between the LGPL and the GPL is that the LGPL allows you to impliment the software into a proprietary program. This is mainly used for libraries.
GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) for example, is a program under the LGPL. It is a compiler for several computer languages. It is acceptable to place it in proprietary programs and other programs that are not under the GPL or a compatable license.
But keeping new modifications secret would be a violation. If you make any change and distribute it to one entity, you must make the original program and the changes to everyone so that the whole community benefits. As Richard Stallman puts it, "If programmers are to be praised for creating innovative software, by the same token they should be punished for restricting the use of these programs".
2007-01-23 00:33:50 · answer #2 · answered by RMS4EVER 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No u aren't leagally, but That's not right! even u had used the previous modifications done by other developers(like me :)). So not all but publishsize some of modifications. This is'nt illegal if u keeping is hidden, but yes it is breaking the thumb rule of GNU, code and modifications can be rewrite, modify anytime when user requires for their own purpose, but they have to distribute this code forward for further modification, so this is not really good idea to hide the code from other. This can help others also.
U can hide it without hasitation but think about millions of free developers which are giving their valuable time to this network. Help them help GNU.
2007-01-23 00:37:33 · answer #3 · answered by iMaXX 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
read GPL details on GNU web site and on wikipedia
2007-01-23 00:32:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try This.... Hope I helped...
2016-05-24 00:29:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋