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www/licenses gpl-faq.html
|
From: |
Karl Berry |
|
Subject: |
www/licenses gpl-faq.html |
|
Date: |
Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:29:48 +0000 |
CVSROOT: /web/www
Module name: www
Changes by: Karl Berry <karl> 07/08/28 01:29:48
Modified files:
licenses : gpl-faq.html
Log message:
omit TOC... anchors and links, and consequent reformatting (with ok
from brett)
CVSWeb URLs:
http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewcvs/www/licenses/gpl-faq.html?cvsroot=www&r1=1.110&r2=1.111
Patches:
Index: gpl-faq.html
===================================================================
RCS file: /web/www/www/licenses/gpl-faq.html,v
retrieving revision 1.110
retrieving revision 1.111
diff -u -b -r1.110 -r1.111
--- gpl-faq.html 25 Aug 2007 22:07:45 -0000 1.110
+++ gpl-faq.html 28 Aug 2007 01:29:22 -0000 1.111
@@ -19,203 +19,183 @@
Software Foundation</h4>
<ul>
- <li><a href="#WhatDoesGPLStandFor" name="TOCWhatDoesGPLStandFor">What
- does "GPL" stand for?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhatDoesGPLStandFor">What does “GPL”
+ stand for?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesFreeSoftwareMeanUsingTheGPL"
- name="TOCDoesFreeSoftwareMeanUsingTheGPL">Does free software mean
+ <li><a href="#DoesFreeSoftwareMeanUsingTheGPL">Does free software mean
using the GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhyUseGPL" name="TOCWhyUseGPL">Why should I use the GNU GPL
- rather than other free software licenses?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyUseGPL">Why should I use the GNU GPL rather than
+ other free software licenses?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesAllGNUSoftwareUseTheGNUGPLAsItsLicense"
- name="TOCDoesAllGNUSoftwareUseTheGNUGPLAsItsLicense">Does all GNU
- software use the GNU GPL as its license?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DoesAllGNUSoftwareUseTheGNUGPLAsItsLicense">Does all
+ GNU software use the GNU GPL as its license?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesUsingTheGPLForAProgramMakeItGNUSoftware"
- name="TOCDoesUsingTheGPLForAProgramMakeItGNUSoftware">Does using the
- GPL for a program make it GNU software?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DoesUsingTheGPLForAProgramMakeItGNUSoftware">Does
+ using the GPL for a program make it GNU software?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLOtherThanSoftware" name="TOCGPLOtherThanSoftware">Can
- I use the GPL for something other than software?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLOtherThanSoftware">Can I use the GPL for something
+ other than software?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhyNotGPLForManuals" name="TOCWhyNotGPLForManuals">Why
- don't you use the GPL for manuals?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyNotGPLForManuals">Why don't you use the GPL for
+ manuals?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLTranslations" name="TOCGPLTranslations">Are there
- translations of the GPL into other languages?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLTranslations">Are there translations of the GPL
+ into other languages?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhySomeGPLAndNotLGPL" name="TOCWhySomeGPLAndNotLGPL">Why
- are some GNU libraries released under the ordinary GPL rather than the
- Lesser GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhySomeGPLAndNotLGPL">Why are some GNU libraries
+ released under the ordinary GPL rather than the Lesser GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhoHasThePower" name="TOCWhoHasThePower">Who has the
- power to enforce the GPL?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#AssignCopyright" name="TOCAssignCopyright">Why does the
- FSF require that contributors to FSF-copyrighted programs assign
- copyright to the FSF? If I hold copyright on a GPL'ed program, should
- I do this, too? If so, how?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhoHasThePower">Who has the power to enforce the
+ GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#ModifyGPL" name="TOCModifyGPL">Can I modify the GPL
- and make a modified license?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#AssignCopyright">Why does the FSF require that
+ contributors to FSF-copyrighted programs assign copyright to the
+ FSF? If I hold copyright on a GPL'ed program, should I do this,
+ too? If so, how?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#SeparateAffero" name="TOCSeparateAffero">Why did
- you decide to write the GNU Affero GPLv3 as a separate
+ <li><a href="#ModifyGPL">Can I modify the GPL and make a modified
license?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#SeparateAffero">Why did you decide to write the GNU
+ Affero GPLv3 as a separate license?</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>General understanding of the GPL</h4>
<ul>
- <li><a href="#WhyDoesTheGPLPermitUsersToPublishTheirModifiedVersions"
- name="TOCWhyDoesTheGPLPermitUsersToPublishTheirModifiedVersions">Why does
- the GPL permit users to publish their modified versions?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#GPLRequireSourcePostedPublic"
- name="TOCGPLRequireSourcePostedPublic">Does
- the GPL require that source code of modified versions be posted to the
public?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyDoesTheGPLPermitUsersToPublishTheirModifiedVersions">Why
+ does the GPL permit users to publish their modified versions?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine"
- name="TOCGPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine"> Can I have a GPL-covered
- program and an unrelated non-free program on the same
- computer?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLRequireSourcePostedPublic">Does the GPL require
+ that source code of modified versions be posted to the
+ public?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#CanIDemandACopy" name="TOCCanIDemandACopy">If I know
- someone has a copy of a GPL-covered program, can I demand he give
- me a copy?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine">Can I have a GPL-covered
+ program and an unrelated non-free program on the same computer?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#CanIDemandACopy">If I know someone has a copy of a
+ GPL-covered program, can I demand he give me a copy?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhatDoesWrittenOfferValid"
name="TOCWhatDoesWrittenOfferValid">What
- does this "written offer valid for any third party" mean? Does that mean
everyone
- in the world can get the source to any GPL'ed program no matter
what?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhatDoesWrittenOfferValid">What does this
+ “written offer valid for any third party” mean? Does
+ that mean everyone in the world can get the source to any GPL'ed
+ program no matter what?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#TheGPLSaysModifiedVersions"
name="TOCTheGPLSaysModifiedVersions">The
- GPL says that modified versions, if released, must be "licensed ... to all
third
- parties." Who are these third parties?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#TheGPLSaysModifiedVersions">The GPL says that modified
+ versions, if released, must be “licensed ... to all third
+ parties.” Who are these third parties?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowMoney" name="TOCDoesTheGPLAllowMoney">Does
- the GPL allow me to sell copies of the program for money?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowMoney">Does the GPL allow me to sell
+ copies of the program for money?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee"
- name="TOCDoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee"> Does the GPL allow me to
+ <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee">Does the GPL allow me to
charge a fee for downloading the program from my site?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowRequireFee"
name="TOCDoesTheGPLAllowRequireFee">
- Does the GPL allow me to require that anyone who receives the software
- must pay me a fee and/or notify me?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowRequireFee">Does the GPL allow me to
+ require that anyone who receives the software must pay me a fee
+ and/or notify me?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLRequireAvailabilityToPublic"
- name="TOCDoesTheGPLRequireAvailabilityToPublic">If I distribute GPL'd
- software for a fee, am I required to also make it available to the
- public without a charge?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLRequireAvailabilityToPublic">If I distribute
+ GPL'd software for a fee, am I required to also make it available to
+ the public without a charge?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowNDA" name="TOCDoesTheGPLAllowNDA">Does
- the GPL allow me to distribute a copy under a
- nondisclosure agreement?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowNDA">Does the GPL allow me to
+ distribute a copy under a nondisclosure agreement?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowModNDA" name="TOCDoesTheGPLAllowModNDA">Does
- the GPL allow me to distribute a modified or beta version under a
- nondisclosure agreement?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DoesTheGPLAllowModNDA">Does the GPL allow me to
+ distribute a modified or beta version under a nondisclosure
+ agreement?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DevelopChangesUnderNDA" name="TOCDevelopChangesUnderNDA">Does
- the GPL allow me to develop a modified version under a
- nondisclosure agreement?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DevelopChangesUnderNDA">Does the GPL allow me to
+ develop a modified version under a nondisclosure agreement?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhyMustIInclude" name="TOCWhyMustIInclude">Why does the GPL
- require including a copy of the GPL with every copy of the
program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyMustIInclude">Why does the GPL require including a
+ copy of the GPL with every copy of the program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhatIfWorkIsShort" name="TOCWhatIfWorkIsShort">What
- if the work is not much longer than the license itself?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhatIfWorkIsShort">What if the work is not much longer
+ than the license itself?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#RequiredToClaimCopyright"
- name="TOCRequiredToClaimCopyright">Am I required to claim a copyright on
- my modifications to a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#RequiredToClaimCopyright">Am I required to claim a
+ copyright on my modifications to a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#CombinePublicDomainWithGPL"
- name="TOCCombinePublicDomainWithGPL">If a program combines public-domain
- code with GPL-covered code, can I take the public-domain part and use it
- as public domain code?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#CombinePublicDomainWithGPL">If a program combines
+ public-domain code with GPL-covered code, can I take the
+ public-domain part and use it as public domain code?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#IWantCredit" name="TOCIWantCredit">I want to get credit for
my work. I
- want people to know what I wrote. Can I still get credit if I use the
GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#IWantCredit">I want to get credit for my work. I want
+ people to know what I wrote. Can I still get credit if I use the
+ GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLOmitPreamble" name="TOCGPLOmitPreamble">Can I omit the
- preamble of the GPL, or the instructions for how to use it on your own
- programs, to save space?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLOmitPreamble">Can I omit the preamble of the GPL,
+ or the instructions for how to use it on your own programs, to save
+ space?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhatIsCompatible" name="TOCWhatIsCompatible">What does it
mean to
- say that two licenses are compatible?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhatIsCompatible">What does it mean to say that two
+ licenses are compatible?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhatDoesCompatMean" name="TOCWhatDoesCompatMean">What
- does it mean to say a license is "compatible with the GPL"?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhatDoesCompatMean">What does it mean to say a license
+ is “compatible with the GPL”?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#OrigBSD" name="TOCOrigBSD">Why is the original BSD
- license incompatible with the GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#OrigBSD">Why is the original BSD license incompatible
+ with the GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#MereAggregation" name="TOCMereAggregation">What is the
- difference between "mere aggregation" and "combining two modules into
- one program"?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#MereAggregation">What is the difference between
+ “mere aggregation” and “combining two modules into
+ one program”?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#AssignCopyright" name="TOCAssignCopyright">Why does the
- FSF require that contributors to FSF-copyrighted programs assign
- copyright to the FSF? If I hold copyright on a GPL'ed program, should
- I do this, too? If so, how?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#AssignCopyright">Why does the FSF require that
+ contributors to FSF-copyrighted programs assign copyright to the
+ FSF? If I hold copyright on a GPL'ed program, should I do this,
+ too? If so, how?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLCommercially" name="TOCGPLCommercially">If I use a
- piece of software that has been obtained under the GNU GPL, am I
- allowed to modify the original code into a new program, then
- distribute and sell that new program commercially?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLCommercially">If I use a piece of software that has
+ been obtained under the GNU GPL, am I allowed to modify the original
+ code into a new program, then distribute and sell that new program
+ commercially?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLOtherThanSoftware" name="TOCGPLOtherThanSoftware">Can
- I use the GPL for something other than software?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLOtherThanSoftware">Can I use the GPL for something
+ other than software?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#NoMilitary" name="TOCNoMilitary">I'd like to
- license my code under the GPL, but I'd also like to make it clear
- that it can't be used for military and/or commercial uses. Can I
- do this?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#NoMilitary">I'd like to license my code under the GPL,
+ but I'd also like to make it clear that it can't be used for
+ military and/or commercial uses. Can I do this?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLHardware" name="TOCGPLHardware">Can I use the
- GPL to license hardware?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLHardware">Can I use the GPL to license
+ hardware?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#Prelinking" name="TOCPrelinking">Does prelinking a
- GPLed binary to various libraries on the system, to optimize its
- performance, count as modification?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#Prelinking">Does prelinking a GPLed binary to various
+ libraries on the system, to optimize its performance, count as
+ modification?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#LGPLJava" name="TOCLGPLJava">How does the LGPL
- work with Java?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#LGPLJava">How does the LGPL work with Java?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhyPropagateAndConvey"
- name="TOCWhyPropagateAndConvey">Why did you invent the new terms
- “propagate” and “convey” in GPLv3?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyPropagateAndConvey">Why did you invent the new
+ terms “propagate” and “convey” in
+ GPLv3?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#ConveyVsDistribute" name="TOCConveyVsDistribute">Is
- “convey” in GPLv3 the same thing as what GPLv2 means by
+ <li><a href="#ConveyVsDistribute">Is “convey” in GPLv3
+ the same thing as what GPLv2 means by
“distribute”?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v3MakingAvailable"
- name="TOCv3MakingAvailable">GPLv3 gives “making available to the
- public” as an example of propagation. What does this mean? Is
- making available a form of conveying?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#v3MakingAvailable">GPLv3 gives “making available
+ to the public” as an example of propagation. What does this
+ mean? Is making available a form of conveying?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#PropagationNotConveying"
- name="TOCPropagationNotConveying">Since distribution and making
+ <li><a href="#PropagationNotConveying">Since distribution and making
available to the public are forms of propagation that are also
conveying in GPLv3, what are some examples of propagation that do
not constitute conveying?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#BitTorrent" name="TOCBitTorrent">How does GPLv3
- make BitTorrent distribution easier?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#BitTorrent">How does GPLv3 make BitTorrent
+ distribution easier?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DRMProhibited" name="TOCDRMProhibited">Does GPLv3
- prohibit DRM?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DRMProhibited">Does GPLv3 prohibit DRM?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v3VotingMachine" name="TOCv3VotingMachine">Does
- GPLv3 require that voters be able to modify the software running
- in a voting machine?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#v3VotingMachine">Does GPLv3 require that voters be
+ able to modify the software running in a voting machine?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v3PatentRetaliation"
- name="TOCv3PatentRetaliation">Does GPLv3 have a “patent
+ <li><a href="#v3PatentRetaliation">Does GPLv3 have a “patent
retaliation clause”?</a></li>
</ul>
@@ -223,210 +203,192 @@
<ul>
- <li><a href="#CouldYouHelpApplyGPL" name="TOCCouldYouHelpApplyGPL">Could
- you give me step by step instructions on how to apply the GPL to my
- program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#CouldYouHelpApplyGPL">Could you give me step by step
+ instructions on how to apply the GPL to my program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhyUseGPL" name="TOCWhyUseGPL">Why should I use the GNU GPL
- rather than other free software licenses?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyUseGPL">Why should I use the GNU GPL rather than
+ other free software licenses?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhyMustIInclude" name="TOCWhyMustIInclude">Why does the GPL
- require including a copy of the GPL with every copy of the
program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyMustIInclude">Why does the GPL require including a
+ copy of the GPL with every copy of the program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhatIfWorkIsShort" name="TOCWhatIfWorkIsShort">What
- if the work is not much longer than the license itself?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhatIfWorkIsShort">What if the work is not much longer
+ than the license itself?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLOmitPreamble" name="TOCGPLOmitPreamble">Can I omit the
- preamble of the GPL, or the instructions for how to use it on your own
- programs, to save space?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLOmitPreamble">Can I omit the preamble of the GPL,
+ or the instructions for how to use it on your own programs, to save
+ space?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#HowIGetCopyright" name="TOCHowIGetCopyright">How do I
- get a copyright on my program in order to release it under the
- GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#HowIGetCopyright">How do I get a copyright on my
+ program in order to release it under the GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhatIfSchool" name="TOCWhatIfSchool">What if my school
- might want to make my program into its own proprietary software
- product?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhatIfSchool">What if my school might want to make my
+ program into its own proprietary software product?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#ReleaseUnderGPLAndNF" name="TOCReleaseUnderGPLAndNF">I
- would like to release a program I wrote under the GNU GPL, but I would
- like to use the same code in non-free programs.</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#ReleaseUnderGPLAndNF">I would like to release a
+ program I wrote under the GNU GPL, but I would like to use the same
+ code in non-free programs.</a></li>
- <li><a href="#CanDeveloperThirdParty"
- name="TOCCanDeveloperThirdParty">Can the developer of a program who
- distributed it under the GPL later license it to another party for
- exclusive use?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#CanDeveloperThirdParty">Can the developer of a program
+ who distributed it under the GPL later license it to another party
+ for exclusive use?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLUSGov" name="TOCGPLUSGov">Can the US Government
- release a program under the GNU GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLUSGov">Can the US Government release a program
+ under the GNU GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLUSGovAdd" name="TOCGPLUSGovAdd">Can the US Government
- release improvements to a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLUSGovAdd">Can the US Government release
+ improvements to a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#VersionThreeOrLater" name="TOCVersionThreeOrLater">Why should
- programs say "Version 3 of the GPL or any later version"?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#VersionThreeOrLater">Why should programs say
+ “Version 3 of the GPL or any later
+ version”?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLOutput" name="TOCGPLOutput">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 these
- these designs must be free?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLOutput">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 these these designs
+ must be free?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WhyNotGPLForManuals" name="TOCWhyNotGPLForManuals">Why
- don't you use the GPL for manuals?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhyNotGPLForManuals">Why don't you use the GPL for
+ manuals?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#FontException" name="TOCFontException">How does the
- GPL apply to fonts?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#FontException">How does the GPL apply to
+ fonts?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WMS" name="TOCWMS">What license should I use for
- website maintenance system templates?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WMS">What license should I use for website maintenance
+ system templates?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#NonFreeTools" name="TOCNonFreeTools">Can I release
- a program under the GPL which I developed using non-free tools?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#NonFreeTools">Can I release a program under the GPL
+ which I developed using non-free tools?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GiveUpKeys" name="TOCGiveUpKeys">I use public key
- cryptography to sign my code to assure its authenticity. Is it
- true that GPLv3 forces me to release my private signing
- keys?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GiveUpKeys">I use public key cryptography to sign my
+ code to assure its authenticity. Is it true that GPLv3 forces me to
+ release my private signing keys?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v3InternationalDisclaimers"
- name="TOCv3InternationalDisclaimers">The warranty and liability
+ <li><a href="#v3InternationalDisclaimers">The warranty and liability
disclaimers in GPLv3 seem specific to U.S. law. Can I add my own
disclaimers to my own code?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#NonvisualLegalNotices"
- name="TOCNonvisualLegalNotices">My program has interactive user
- interfaces that are non-visual in nature. How can I comply with
- the Appropriate Legal Notices requirement in GPLv3?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#NonvisualLegalNotices">My program has interactive user
+ interfaces that are non-visual in nature. How can I comply with the
+ Appropriate Legal Notices requirement in GPLv3?</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Distribution of programs released under the GPL</h4>
<ul>
- <li><a href="#ModifiedJustBinary"
- name="TOCModifiedJustBinary">Can I release a modified
- version of a GPL-covered program in binary form only?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#ModifiedJustBinary">Can I release a modified version
+ of a GPL-covered program in binary form only?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#UnchangedJustBinary" name="TOCUnchangedJustBinary">I
- downloaded just the binary from the net. If I distribute copies,
- do I have to get the source and distribute that too?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#UnchangedJustBinary">I downloaded just the binary from
+ the net. If I distribute copies, do I have to get the source and
+ distribute that too?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DistributeWithSourceOnInternet"
- name="TOCDistributeWithSourceOnInternet">I want to distribute
+ <li><a href="#DistributeWithSourceOnInternet">I want to distribute
binaries via physical media without accompanying sources. Can I
provide source code by FTP instead of by mail order?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#RedistributedBinariesGetSource"
- name="TOCRedistributedBinariesGetSource">My friend got a GPL-covered
- binary with an offer to supply source, and made a copy for me.
- Can I use the offer to obtain the source?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#SourceAndBinaryOnDifferentSites"
- name="TOCSourceAndBinaryOnDifferentSites">Can I put the binaries on my
- Internet server and put the source on a different Internet site?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#DistributeExtendedBinary"
- name="TOCDistributeExtendedBinary">I want to distribute an extended
- version of a GPL-covered program in binary form. Is it enough to
- distribute the source for the original version?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#RedistributedBinariesGetSource">My friend got a
+ GPL-covered binary with an offer to supply source, and made a copy
+ for me. Can I use the offer to obtain the source?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#SourceAndBinaryOnDifferentSites">Can I put the
+ binaries on my Internet server and put the source on a different
+ Internet site?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#DistributeExtendedBinary">I want to distribute an
+ extended version of a GPL-covered program in binary form. Is it
+ enough to distribute the source for the original version?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DistributingSourceIsInconvenient"
- name="TOCDistributingSourceIsInconvenient">I want to distribute
+ <li><a href="#DistributingSourceIsInconvenient">I want to distribute
binaries, but distributing complete source is inconvenient. Is it
- ok if I give users the diffs from the "standard" version along with the
- binaries?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#AnonFTPAndSendSources" name="TOCAnonFTPAndSendSources">I
- want to make binaries available for anonymous FTP, but send sources
- only to people who order them.</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#HowCanIMakeSureEachDownloadGetsSource"
- name="TOCHowCanIMakeSureEachDownloadGetsSource">How can I make sure
- each user who downloads the binaries also gets the source?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#ReleaseNotOriginal" name="TOCReleaseNotOriginal"> Can
- I release a program with a license which says that you can distribute
- modified versions of it under the GPL but you can't distribute the
- original itself under the GPL?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#CompanyGPLCostsMoney" name="TOCCompanyGPLCostsMoney"> I
- just found out that a company has a copy of a GPL'ed program, and it
- costs money to get it. Aren't they violating the GPL by not making it
- available on the Internet?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#UnreleasedMods" name="TOCUnreleasedMods"> A company
- is running a modified version of a GPL'ed program on a web site.
- Does the GPL say they must release their modified sources?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#InternalDistribution" name="TOCInternalDistribution">
- Is use within one organization or company "distribution"?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#StolenCopy" name="TOCStolenCopy">
- If someone steals a CD containing a version of a GPL-covered
- program, does the GPL give him the right to redistribute that
- version?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#TradeSecretRelease" name="TOCTradeSecretRelease">
- What if a company distributes a copy as a trade secret?</a></li>
+ ok if I give users the diffs from the "standard" version along with
+ the binaries?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLFairUse" name="TOCGPLFairUse">Do I have "fair use"
- rights in using the source code of a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#DistributeSubsidiary" name="TOCDistributeSubsidiary">
- Does moving a copy to a majority-owned, and controlled, subsidiary
- constitute distribution?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#ClickThrough" name="TOCClickThrough"> Can software
- installers ask people to click to agree to the GPL? If I get some
- software under the GPL, do I have to agree to anything?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#GPLCompatInstaller" name="TOCGPLCompatInstaller">I would
- like to bundle GPLed software with some sort of installation software.
- Does that installer need to have a GPL-compatible license?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#AnonFTPAndSendSources">I want to make binaries
+ available for anonymous FTP, but send sources only to people who
+ order them.</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#HowCanIMakeSureEachDownloadGetsSource">How can I make
+ sure each user who downloads the binaries also gets the
+ source?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#ReleaseNotOriginal">Can I release a program with a
+ license which says that you can distribute modified versions of it
+ under the GPL but you can't distribute the original itself under the
+ GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v3Under4and5" name="TOCv3Under4and5">The beginning
- of GPLv3 section 6 says that I can convey a covered work in object
- code form “under the terms of sections 4 and 5” provided I also
- meet the conditions of section 6. What does that mean?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#CompanyGPLCostsMoney">I just found out that a company
+ has a copy of a GPL'ed program, and it costs money to get it.
+ Aren't they violating the GPL by not making it available on the
+ Internet?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#UnreleasedMods">A company is running a modified
+ version of a GPL'ed program on a web site. Does the GPL say they
+ must release their modified sources?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#InternalDistribution">Is use within one organization
+ or company “distribution”?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#StolenCopy">If someone steals a CD containing a
+ version of a GPL-covered program, does the GPL give him the right to
+ redistribute that version?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#TradeSecretRelease">What if a company distributes a
+ copy as a trade secret?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#GPLFairUse">Do I have “fair use” rights in
+ using the source code of a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#DistributeSubsidiary">Does moving a copy to a
+ majority-owned, and controlled, subsidiary constitute
+ distribution?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#ClickThrough">Can software installers ask people to
+ click to agree to the GPL? If I get some software under the GPL, do
+ I have to agree to anything?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#GPLCompatInstaller">I would like to bundle GPLed
+ software with some sort of installation software. Does that
+ installer need to have a GPL-compatible license?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#v3Under4and5">The beginning of GPLv3 section 6 says
+ that I can convey a covered work in object code form “under
+ the terms of sections 4 and 5” provided I also meet the
+ conditions of section 6. What does that mean?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v2OrLaterPatentLicense"
- name="TOCv2OrLaterPatentLicense">My company owns a lot of
+ <li><a href="#v2OrLaterPatentLicense">My company owns a lot of
patents. Over the years we've contributed code to projects under
- “GPL version 2 or any later version”, and the project itself
has
- been distributed under the same terms. If a user decides to take
- the project's code (incorporating my contributions) under GPLv3,
- does that mean I've automatically granted GPLv3's explicit patent
- license to that user?</a></li>
+ “GPL version 2 or any later version”, and the project
+ itself has been distributed under the same terms. If a user decides
+ to take the project's code (incorporating my contributions) under
+ GPLv3, does that mean I've automatically granted GPLv3's explicit
+ patent license to that user?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v3ConditionalWarranty"
- name="TOCv3ConditionalWarranty">If I distribute a GPLv3-covered
+ <li><a href="#v3ConditionalWarranty">If I distribute a GPLv3-covered
program, can I provide a warranty that is voided if the user
modifies the program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#v3CoworkerConveying"
-name="TOCv3CoworkerConveying">If I give a copy of a GPLv3-covered
-program to a coworker at my company, have I “conveyed” the copy to
-him?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#v3CoworkerConveying">If I give a copy of a
+ GPLv3-covered program to a coworker at my company, have I
+ “conveyed” the copy to him?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#SourceInCVS">Am I complying with GPLv3 if I offer
+ binaries on an FTP server and sources by way of a link to a source
+ code repository in a version control system, like CVS or
+ Subversion?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#RemoteAttestation">Can someone who conveys
+ GPLv3-covered software in a User Product use remote attestation to
+ prevent a user from modifying that software?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#SourceInCVS" name="TOCSourceInCVS">Am I complying
- with GPLv3 if I offer binaries on an FTP server and sources by way
- of a link to a source code repository in a version control system,
- like CVS or Subversion?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#RemoteAttestation" name="TOCRemoteAttestation">Can
- someone who conveys GPLv3-covered software in a User Product use
- remote attestation to prevent a user from modifying that
- software?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#RulesProtocols"
- name="TOCRulesProtocols">What does “rules and protocols for
- communication across the network” mean in GPLv3?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#RulesProtocols">What does “rules and protocols
+ for communication across the network” mean in GPLv3?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#SupportService"
- name="TOCSupportService">Distributors that provide Installation
+ <li><a href="#SupportService">Distributors that provide Installation
Information under GPLv3 are not required to provide “support
- service” for the product. What kind of “support service”
do you
- mean?</a></li>
+ service” for the product. What kind of “support
+ service” do you mean?</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Using programs released under the GPL/LGPL when writing other
@@ -434,41 +396,38 @@
<ul>
- <li><a href="#GPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine"
- name="TOCGPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine"> Can I have a GPL-covered
+ <li><a href="#GPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine">Can I have a GPL-covered
program and an unrelated non-free program on the same
computer?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#CanIUseGPLToolsForNF" name="TOCCanIUseGPLToolsForNF">Can
- I use GPL-covered editors such as GNU Emacs to develop non-free
- programs? Can I use GPL-covered tools such as GCC to compile
- them?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#GPLOutput" name="TOCGPLOutput">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 these
- these designs must be free?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#WhatCaseIsOutputGPL" name="TOCWhatCaseIsOutputGPL">In
- what cases is the output of a GPL program covered by the GPL too?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#PortProgramToGL" name="TOCPortProgramToGL">If I port my
- program to GNU/Linux, does that mean I have to release it as Free
- Software under the GPL or some other Free Software license?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#GPLInProprietarySystem"
- name="TOCGPLInProprietarySystem">I'd like to incorporate GPL-covered
- software in my proprietary system. Can I do this?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#LibGCCException" name="TOCLibGCCException">Does the
- libstdc++ exception permit dynamic linking?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#LGPLv3ContributorVersion"
- name="TOCLGPLv3ContributorVersion">If I distribute a proprietary
- program that links against an LGPLv3-covered library that I've
- modified, what is the “contributor version” for purposes of
- determining the scope of the explicit patent license grant I'm
- making—is it just the library, or is it the whole
+ <li><a href="#CanIUseGPLToolsForNF">Can I use GPL-covered editors
+ such as GNU Emacs to develop non-free programs? Can I use
+ GPL-covered tools such as GCC to compile them?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#GPLOutput">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 these these designs
+ must be free?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#WhatCaseIsOutputGPL">In what cases is the output of a
+ GPL program covered by the GPL too?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#PortProgramToGL">If I port my program to GNU/Linux,
+ does that mean I have to release it as free software under the GPL
+ or some other free software license?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#GPLInProprietarySystem">I'd like to incorporate
+ GPL-covered software in my proprietary system. Can I do
+ this?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#LibGCCException">Does the libstdc++ exception permit
+ dynamic linking?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#LGPLv3ContributorVersion">If I distribute a
+ proprietary program that links against an LGPLv3-covered library
+ that I've modified, what is the “contributor version”
+ for purposes of determining the scope of the explicit patent license
+ grant I'm making—is it just the library, or is it the whole
combination?</a></li>
</ul>
@@ -476,124 +435,119 @@
<ul>
- <li><a href="#v2v3Compatibility" name="TOCv2v3Compatibility">Is
- GPLv3 compatible with GPLv2?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#v2v3Compatibility">Is GPLv3 compatible with
+ GPLv2?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#AllCompatibility" name="TOCAllCompatibility">How are the
- various GNU licenses compatible with each other?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#AllCompatibility">How are the various GNU licenses
+ compatible with each other?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#MereAggregation" name="TOCMereAggregation">What is the
- difference between "mere aggregation" and "combining two modules into
- one program"?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#MereAggregation">What is the difference between
+ “mere aggregation” and “combining two modules into
+ one program”?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLFairUse" name="TOCGPLFairUse">Do I have "fair use"
- rights in using the source code of a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLFairUse">Do I have “fair use” rights in
+ using the source code of a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLUSGovAdd" name="TOCGPLUSGovAdd">Can the US Government
- release improvements to a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLUSGovAdd">Can the US Government release
+ improvements to a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#IfLibraryIsGPL" name="TOCIfLibraryIsGPL">If a library is
- released under the GPL (not the LGPL), does that mean that any program
- which uses it has to be under the GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#IfLibraryIsGPL">If a library is released under the GPL
+ (not the LGPL), does that mean that any program which uses it has to
+ be under the GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#LinkingWithGPL" name="TOCLinkingWithGPL">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?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#LinkingWithGPL">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?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#SwitchToLGPL" name="TOCSwitchToLGPL">If so, is there any
- chance I could get a license of your program under the Lesser GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#SwitchToLGPL">If so, is there any chance I could get a
+ license of your program under the Lesser GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#WillYouMakeAnException"
- name="TOCWillYouMakeAnException">Using a certain GNU program under the
- GPL does not fit our project to make proprietary software. Will you
- make an exception for us? It would mean more users of that
+ <li><a href="#WillYouMakeAnException">Using a certain GNU program
+ under the GPL does not fit our project to make proprietary software.
+ Will you make an exception for us? It would mean more users of that
program.</a></li>
- <li><a href="#IfInterpreterIsGPL" name="TOCIfInterpreterIsGPL">If a
- programming language interpreter is released under the GPL, does that
- mean programs written to be interpreted by it must be under
- GPL-compatible licenses?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#IfInterpreterIsGPL">If a programming language
+ interpreter is released under the GPL, does that mean programs
+ written to be interpreted by it must be under GPL-compatible
+ licenses?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#InterpreterIncompat">If a programming language
+ interpreter has a license that is incompatible with the GPL, can I
+ run GPL-covered programs on it?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#GPLModuleLicense">If I add a module to a GPL-covered
+ program, do I have to use the GPL as the license for my
+ module?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#InterpreterIncompat" name="TOCInterpreterIncompat">If a
- programming language interpreter has a license that is incompatible
- with the GPL, can I run GPL-covered programs on it?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLAndPlugins">If a program released under the GPL
+ uses plug-ins, what are the requirements for the licenses of a
+ plug-in?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLModuleLicense" name="TOCGPLModuleLicense">If I add a
- module to a GPL-covered program, do I have to use the GPL as the
- license for my module?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLPluginsInNF">Can I apply the GPL when writing a
+ plug-in for a non-free program?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLAndPlugins" name="TOCGPLAndPlugins">If a program
- released under the GPL uses plug-ins, what are the requirements for
- the licenses of a plug-in?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#NFUseGPLPlugins">Can I release a non-free program
+ that's designed to load a GPL-covered plug-in?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLPluginsInNF" name="TOCGPLPluginsInNF">Can I apply the
- GPL when writing a plug-in for a non-free program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLInProprietarySystem">I'd like to incorporate
+ GPL-covered software in my proprietary system. Can I do
+ this?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#GPLWrapper">I'd like to incorporate GPL-covered
+ software in my proprietary system. Can I do this by putting a
+ “wrapper” module, under a GPL-compatible lax permissive
+ license (such as the X11 license) in between the GPL-covered part
+ and the proprietary part?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#NFUseGPLPlugins" name="TOCNFUseGPLPlugins">Can I
- release a non-free program that's designed to load a GPL-covered
- plug-in?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#FSWithNFLibs">Can I write free software that uses
+ non-free libraries?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#GPLInProprietarySystem"
- name="TOCGPLInProprietarySystem">I'd like to incorporate GPL-covered
- software in my proprietary system. Can I do this?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#GPLWrapper" name="TOCGPLWrapper">I'd like to
- incorporate GPL-covered software in my proprietary system.
- Can I do this by putting a "wrapper" module, under a GPL-compatible
- lax permissive license (such as the X11 license) in between the
- GPL-covered part and the proprietary part?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#FSWithNFLibs" name="TOCFSWithNFLibs"> Can I write
- free software that uses non-free libraries?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#GPLIncompatibleLibs" name="TOCGPLIncompatibleLibs">
- What legal issues come up if I use GPL-incompatible libraries with
- GPL software?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#WindowsRuntimeAndGPL" name="TOCWindowsRuntimeAndGPL">I'm
- writing a Windows application with Microsoft Visual C++ and I will be
- releasing it under the GPL. Is dynamically linking my program with
- the Visual C++ run-time library permitted under the GPL?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#MoneyGuzzlerInc" name="TOCMoneyGuzzlerInc">I'd like
- to modify GPL-covered programs and link them with the portability
- libraries from Money Guzzler Inc. I cannot distribute the source
- code for these libraries, so any user who wanted to change these
- versions would have to obtain those libraries separately. Why
- doesn't the GPL permit this?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#GPLIncompatibleAlone" name="TOCGPLIncompatibleAlone">If
- license for a module Q has a requirement that's incompatible with the
- GPL, but the requirement applies only when Q is distributed by itself,
- not when Q is included in a larger program, does that make the license
- GPL-compatible? Can I combine or link Q with a GPL-covered
- program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#GPLIncompatibleLibs">What legal issues come up if I
+ use GPL-incompatible libraries with GPL software?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#OOPLang" name="TOCOOPLANG"> In an object-oriented
- language such as Java, if I use a class that is GPL'ed without
- modifying, and subclass it, in what way does the GPL affect the larger
- program?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WindowsRuntimeAndGPL">I'm writing a Windows
+ application with Microsoft Visual C++ and I will be releasing it
+ under the GPL. Is dynamically linking my program with the Visual
+ C++ run-time library permitted under the GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#LinkingOverControlledInterface"
- name="TOCLinkingOverControlledInterface">How can I allow linking of
- proprietary modules with my GPL-covered library under a controlled
- interface only?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#MoneyGuzzlerInc">I'd like to modify GPL-covered
+ programs and link them with the portability libraries from Money
+ Guzzler Inc. I cannot distribute the source code for these
+ libraries, so any user who wanted to change these versions would
+ have to obtain those libraries separately. Why doesn't the GPL
+ permit this?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#GPLIncompatibleAlone">If license for a module Q has a
+ requirement that's incompatible with the GPL, but the requirement
+ applies only when Q is distributed by itself, not when Q is included
+ in a larger program, does that make the license GPL-compatible? Can
+ I combine or link Q with a GPL-covered program?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#OOPLang">In an object-oriented language such as Java,
+ if I use a class that is GPL'ed without modifying, and subclass it,
+ in what way does the GPL affect the larger program?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#LinkingOverControlledInterface">How can I allow
+ linking of proprietary modules with my GPL-covered library under a
+ controlled interface only?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#Consider" name="TOCConsider">Consider this situation:
+ <li><a href="#Consider">Consider this situation:
1. X releases V1 of a project under the GPL.
- 2. Y contributes to the development of V2 with changes and new
code based on V1.
- 3. X wants to convert V2 to a non-GPL license. Does X need Y's
permission?</a></li>
+ 2. Y contributes to the development of V2 with changes and new code
+ based on V1.
+ 3. X wants to convert V2 to a non-GPL license. Does X need Y's
+ permission?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#ManyDifferentLicenses">I have written an application
+ that links with many different components, that have different
+ licenses. I am very confused as to what licensing requirements are
+ placed on my program. Can you please tell me what licenses I may
+ use?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#ManyDifferentLicenses" name="TOCManyDifferentLicenses">I
- have written an application that links with many different components,
- that have different licenses. I am very confused as to what licensing
- requirements are placed on my program. Can you please tell me what
- licenses I may use?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#SourceCodeInDocumentation"
- name="TOCSourceCodeInDocumentation">Can I use snippets of GPL-covered
- source code within documentation that is licensed under
+ <li><a href="#SourceCodeInDocumentation">Can I use snippets of
+ GPL-covered source code within documentation that is licensed under
some license that is incompatible with the GPL?</a></li>
</ul>
@@ -601,42 +555,39 @@
<ul>
- <li><a href="#ReportingViolation" name="TOCReportingViolation">What
- should I do if I discover a possible violation of the GPL?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#WhoHasThePower" name="TOCWhoHasThePower">Who has the
- power to enforce the GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#ReportingViolation">What should I do if I discover a
+ possible violation of the GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#HeardOtherLicense" name="TOCHeardOtherLicense">I heard
- that someone got a copy of a GPL'ed program under another license. Is
- this possible?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#WhoHasThePower">Who has the power to enforce the
+ GPL?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#DeveloperViolate" name="TOCDeveloperViolate">Is the
- developer of a GPL-covered program bound by the GPL? Could the
- developer's actions ever be a violation of the GPL?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#HeardOtherLicense">I heard that someone got a copy of
+ a GPL'ed program under another license. Is this possible?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#CompanyGPLCostsMoney" name="TOCCompanyGPLCostsMoney"> I
- just found out that a company has a copy of a GPL'ed program, and it
- costs money to get it. Aren't they violating the GPL by not making it
- available on the Internet?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#SubscriptionFee" name="TOCSubscriptionFee">Can I
- use GPLed software on a device that will stop operating if
- customers do not continue paying a subscription fee?</a></li>
+ <li><a href="#DeveloperViolate">Is the developer of a GPL-covered
+ program bound by the GPL? Could the developer's actions ever be a
+ violation of the GPL?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#CompanyGPLCostsMoney">I just found out that a company
+ has a copy of a GPL'ed program, and it costs money to get it.
+ Aren't they violating the GPL by not making it available on the
+ Internet?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#SubscriptionFee">Can I use GPLed software on a device
+ that will stop operating if customers do not continue paying a
+ subscription fee?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#Cure" name="TOCCure">What does it mean to “cure”
a
+ <li><a href="#Cure">What does it mean to “cure” a
violation of GPLv3?</a></li>
- <li><a href="#LaptopLoan" name="TOCLaptopLoan">If someone
- installs GPLed software on a laptop, and then lends that laptop to
- a friend without providing source code for the software, have they
- violated the GPL?</a></li>
-
- <li><a href="#TwoPartyTivoization"
- name="TOCTwoPartyTivoization">Suppose that two companies try to
- circumvent the requirement to provide Installation Information by
- having one company release signed software, and the other release
- a User Product that only runs signed software from the first
+ <li><a href="#LaptopLoan">If someone installs GPLed software on a
+ laptop, and then lends that laptop to a friend without providing
+ source code for the software, have they violated the GPL?</a></li>
+
+ <li><a href="#TwoPartyTivoization" >Suppose that two companies try
+ to circumvent the requirement to provide Installation Information by
+ having one company release signed software, and the other release a
+ User Product that only runs signed software from the first
company. Is this a violation of GPLv3?</a></li>
</ul>
@@ -644,7 +595,7 @@
<dl>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhatDoesGPLStandFor" name="WhatDoesGPLStandFor">What does
"GPL" stand for?</a></b></dt>
+<dt><b><a name="WhatDoesGPLStandFor">What does "GPL" stand for?</a></b></dt>
<dd>"GPL" stands for "General Public License". The most widespread such
license is the GNU General Public License, or GNU GPL for short. This
@@ -652,18 +603,18 @@
GPL is the one intended.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesFreeSoftwareMeanUsingTheGPL"
name="DoesFreeSoftwareMeanUsingTheGPL">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesFreeSoftwareMeanUsingTheGPL">
Does free software mean using the GPL?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
Not at all--there are many other free software licenses. We have an
-<a href="/licenses/license-list.html"> incomplete
+<a href="/licenses/license-list.html">incomplete
list</a>. Any license that provides the user <a
href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">certain specific
freedoms</a> is a free software license.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhyUseGPL" name="WhyUseGPL">
+<dt><b><a name="WhyUseGPL">
Why should I use the GNU GPL rather than other free software
licenses?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -672,20 +623,20 @@
software</a>. This means you can avoid the risk of having to compete
with a proprietary modified version of your own work. However, in
some special situations it can be better to use a
-<a href="/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html"> more permissive license</a>.
+<a href="/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html">more permissive license</a>.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesAllGNUSoftwareUseTheGNUGPLAsItsLicense"
name="DoesAllGNUSoftwareUseTheGNUGPLAsItsLicense">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesAllGNUSoftwareUseTheGNUGPLAsItsLicense">
Does all GNU software use the GNU GPL as its license?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
Most GNU software packages use the GNU GPL, but there are a few
GNU programs (and parts of programs) that use looser licenses, such as the
Lesser GPL. When we do this, it is a matter of <a
-href="/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html"> strategy</a>.
+href="/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html">strategy</a>.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesUsingTheGPLForAProgramMakeItGNUSoftware"
name="DoesUsingTheGPLForAProgramMakeItGNUSoftware">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesUsingTheGPLForAProgramMakeItGNUSoftware">
Does using the GPL for a program make it GNU software?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -699,11 +650,11 @@
<a href="mailto:address@hidden";><address@hidden></a>.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCReportingViolation" name="ReportingViolation">
+<dt><b><a name="ReportingViolation">
What should I do if I discover a possible violation of the GPL?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
-You should <a href="/licenses/gpl-violation.html">report it.</a>
+You should <a href="/licenses/gpl-violation.html">report it</a>.
First, check the facts as best you can. Then tell the publisher or
copyright holder of the specific GPL-covered program. If that is the
Free Software Foundation, write to <a
@@ -713,7 +664,7 @@
to the maintainer.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhyDoesTheGPLPermitUsersToPublishTheirModifiedVersions"
name="WhyDoesTheGPLPermitUsersToPublishTheirModifiedVersions">
+<dt><b><a name="WhyDoesTheGPLPermitUsersToPublishTheirModifiedVersions">
Why does the GPL permit users to publish their modified versions?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -738,7 +689,7 @@
reputations of other maintainers.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLRequireSourcePostedPublic"
+<dt><b><a
name="GPLRequireSourcePostedPublic">
Does the GPL require that source code of modified versions be
posted to the public?</a></b></dt>
@@ -759,7 +710,7 @@
release it is up to you.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine"
name="GPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine">
+<dt><b><a name="GPLAndNonfreeOnSameMachine">
Can I have a GPL-covered program and an unrelated non-free program on
the same computer?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
Yes. The "mere aggregation" clause in the GPL makes this permission
@@ -767,7 +718,7 @@
anyway.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCCanIDemandACopy" name="CanIDemandACopy">If I know
+<dt><b><a name="CanIDemandACopy">If I know
someone has a copy of a GPL-covered program, can I demand he give
me a copy?</a></b></dt>
@@ -777,7 +728,7 @@
not to redistribute the program, if that is what he chooses.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhatDoesWrittenOfferValid"
name="WhatDoesWrittenOfferValid">
+<dt><b><a name="WhatDoesWrittenOfferValid">
What does this "written offer valid for any third party" mean?
Does that mean everyone in the world can get the source to any
GPL'ed program no matter what?</a></b></dt>
@@ -799,7 +750,7 @@
can order the source code from you.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCTheGPLSaysModifiedVersions"
name="TheGPLSaysModifiedVersions">The
+<dt><b><a name="TheGPLSaysModifiedVersions">The
GPL says that modified versions, if released, must be
"licensed ... to all third parties." Who are these third
parties?</a></b></dt>
@@ -811,7 +762,7 @@
under the GPL, for your version.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCRequiredToClaimCopyright"
+<dt><b><a
name="RequiredToClaimCopyright">Am I required to claim a copyright
on my modifications to a GPL-covered program?</a></b></dt>
@@ -828,7 +779,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCCombinePublicDomainWithGPL"
+<dt><b><a
name="CombinePublicDomainWithGPL">If a program combines
public-domain code with GPL-covered code, can I take the
public-domain part and use it as public domain code?</a></b></dt>
@@ -840,19 +791,19 @@
has been.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesTheGPLAllowMoney" name="DoesTheGPLAllowMoney">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesTheGPLAllowMoney">
Does the GPL allow me to sell copies of the program for
money?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
Yes, the GPL allows everyone to do this. The <a
-href="/philosophy/selling.html"> right to sell copies </a> is part of
+href="/philosophy/selling.html">right to sell copies</a> is part of
the definition of free software. Except in one special situation,
there is no limit on what price you can charge. (The one exception is
the required written offer to provide source code that must accompany
binary-only release.)
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee"
name="DoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesTheGPLAllowDownloadFee">
Does the GPL allow me to
charge a fee for downloading the program from my site?</a></b></dt>
@@ -863,7 +814,7 @@
download source may not be greater than the fee to download the binary.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesTheGPLAllowRequireFee"
name="DoesTheGPLAllowRequireFee">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesTheGPLAllowRequireFee">
Does the GPL allow me to require that anyone who receives the software
must pay me a fee and/or notify me?</a></b></dt>
@@ -879,7 +830,7 @@
pay anyone a fee for doing so.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesTheGPLRequireAvailabilityToPublic"
+<dt><b><a
name="DoesTheGPLRequireAvailabilityToPublic">If I
distribute GPL'd software for a fee, am I required to also make
it available to the public without a charge?</a></b></dt>
@@ -891,7 +842,7 @@
web site for the general public.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesTheGPLAllowNDA" name="DoesTheGPLAllowNDA">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesTheGPLAllowNDA">
Does the GPL allow me to distribute copies under a
nondisclosure agreement?</a></b></dt>
@@ -910,7 +861,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDoesTheGPLAllowModNDA" name="DoesTheGPLAllowModNDA">
+<dt><b><a name="DoesTheGPLAllowModNDA">
Does the GPL allow me to distribute a modified or beta version under a
nondisclosure agreement?</a></b></dt>
@@ -922,7 +873,7 @@
on a more restrictive basis.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDevelopChangesUnderNDA" name="DevelopChangesUnderNDA">
+<dt><b><a name="DevelopChangesUnderNDA">
Does the GPL allow me to develop a modified version under a
nondisclosure agreement?</a></b></dt>
@@ -942,7 +893,7 @@
but does <em>have</em> the right.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCIWantCredit" name="IWantCredit">I want to get credit
+<dt><b><a name="IWantCredit">I want to get credit
for my work. I want people to know what I wrote. Can I still get
credit if I use the GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -953,7 +904,7 @@
to carry an appropriate copyright notice.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhyMustIInclude" name="WhyMustIInclude">Why does the GPL
+<dt><b><a name="WhyMustIInclude">Why does the GPL
require including a copy of the GPL with every copy of the
program?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -971,7 +922,7 @@
the program.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhatIfWorkIsShort" name="WhatIfWorkIsShort">What
+<dt><b><a name="WhatIfWorkIsShort">What
if the work is not much longer than the license itself?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -979,7 +930,7 @@
all-permissive license for it, rather than the GNU GPL.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLOmitPreamble"
+<dt><b><a
name="GPLOmitPreamble">
Can I omit the preamble of the GPL, or the instructions
for how to use it on your own programs, to save space?</a></b></dt>
@@ -997,7 +948,7 @@
all-permissive license rather than the GNU GPL.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhatIsCompatible" name="WhatIsCompatible">What does it
+<dt><b><a name="WhatIsCompatible">What does it
mean to say that two licenses are "compatible"?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1016,7 +967,7 @@
because this does not combine them into a larger work.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhatDoesCompatMean" name="WhatDoesCompatMean">What
+<dt><b><a name="WhatDoesCompatMean">What
does it mean to say a license is "compatible with the GPL".</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1030,7 +981,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCFSWithNFLibs" name="FSWithNFLibs">Can I write
+<dt><b><a name="FSWithNFLibs">Can I write
free software that uses non-free libraries?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1059,7 +1010,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLIncompatibleLibs" name="GPLIncompatibleLibs">What
+<dt><b><a name="GPLIncompatibleLibs">What
legal issues come up if I use GPL-incompatible libraries with GPL
software?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1145,7 +1096,7 @@
uses non-free libraries</a>.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCHowIGetCopyright" name="HowIGetCopyright">How do I
+<dt><b><a name="HowIGetCopyright">How do I
get a copyright on my program in order to release it under the
GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1173,7 +1124,7 @@
disclaimer.)
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhatIfSchool" name="WhatIfSchool">What if my school
+<dt><b><a name="WhatIfSchool">What if my school
might want to make my program into its own proprietary software
product?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1198,7 +1149,7 @@
liberty, or never be born."
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCCouldYouHelpApplyGPL" name="CouldYouHelpApplyGPL">Could
+<dt><b><a name="CouldYouHelpApplyGPL">Could
you give me step by step instructions on how to apply the GPL to my
program?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1207,7 +1158,7 @@
GPL instructions</a>.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCHeardOtherLicense" name="HeardOtherLicense">I heard
+<dt><b><a name="HeardOtherLicense">I heard
that someone got a copy of a GPL'ed program under another license. Is
this possible?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1222,7 +1173,7 @@
license that applies to your copy.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCReleaseUnderGPLAndNF" name="ReleaseUnderGPLAndNF">I
+<dt><b><a name="ReleaseUnderGPLAndNF">I
would like to release a program I wrote under the GNU GPL, but I would
like to use the same code in non-free programs.</a></b></dt>
@@ -1233,7 +1184,7 @@
non-exclusive licenses at various times.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDeveloperViolate" name="DeveloperViolate">Is the
+<dt><b><a name="DeveloperViolate">Is the
developer of a GPL-covered program bound by the GPL? Could the
developer's actions ever be a violation of the GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1248,7 +1199,7 @@
the community.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCCanDeveloperThirdParty"
+<dt><b><a
name="CanDeveloperThirdParty">Can the developer of a program who
distributed it under the GPL later license it to another party for
exclusive use?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1258,7 +1209,7 @@
the GPL, and this right cannot be withdrawn.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCCanIUseGPLToolsForNF"
+<dt><b><a
name="CanIUseGPLToolsForNF">Can I use GPL-covered editors such as
GNU Emacs to develop non-free programs? Can I use GPL-covered tools
such as GCC to compile them?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1282,7 +1233,7 @@
which already permitted use for non-free programs.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLFairUse" name="GPLFairUse">Do I have "fair use"
+<dt><b><a name="GPLFairUse">Do I have "fair use"
rights in using the source code of a GPL-covered program?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1296,14 +1247,14 @@
kinds of use are considered "fair" varies from country to country.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLUSGov" name="GPLUSGov">Can the US Government
+<dt><b><a name="GPLUSGov">Can the US Government
release a program under the GNU GPL?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
If the program is written by US federal government employees in the
course of their employment, it is in the public domain, which means it
is not copyrighted. Since the GNU GPL is based on copyright, such a
program cannot be released under the GNU GPL. (It can still be <a
-href="/philosophy/free-sw.html"> free software</a>, however; a public
+href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">free software</a>, however; a public
domain program is free.)
<p>
However, when a US federal government agency uses contractors to
@@ -1313,7 +1264,7 @@
the government agency, which can then release the software under the
GNU GPL. </p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLUSGovAdd" name="GPLUSGovAdd">Can the US Government
+<dt><b><a name="GPLUSGovAdd">Can the US Government
release improvements to a GPL-covered program?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
Yes. If the improvements are written by US government employees in
@@ -1325,7 +1276,7 @@
improvements themselves can be GPL-covered.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLOutput" name="GPLOutput">Is there some way that
+<dt><b><a name="GPLOutput">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?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1352,13 +1303,13 @@
have to obey the conditions on redistribution of the copied text.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhatCaseIsOutputGPL" name="WhatCaseIsOutputGPL">In what
cases is the output of a GPL program covered by the GPL too?</a></b></dt>
+<dt><b><a name="WhatCaseIsOutputGPL">In what cases is the output of a GPL
program covered by the GPL too?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
Only when the program copies part of itself into the output.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLModuleLicense" name="GPLModuleLicense">If I add
+<dt><b><a name="GPLModuleLicense">If I add
a module to a GPL-covered program, do I have to use the GPL as the
license for my module?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1373,7 +1324,7 @@
list page</a> gives a partial list of GPL-compatible licenses.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCIfLibraryIsGPL" name="IfLibraryIsGPL">If a library
+<dt><b><a name="IfLibraryIsGPL">If a library
is released under the GPL (not the LGPL), does that mean that any
program which uses it has to be under the GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1381,7 +1332,7 @@
Yes, because the program as it is actually run includes the library.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCIfInterpreterIsGPL" name="IfInterpreterIsGPL">If a
+<dt><b><a name="IfInterpreterIsGPL">If a
programming language interpreter is released under the GPL, does that
mean programs written to be interpreted by it must be under
GPL-compatible licenses?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1403,7 +1354,7 @@
linked dynamically with the Java programs that call them. These
libraries are also linked with the interpreter. If the interpreter is
linked statically with these libraries, or if it is designed to
-<a href="#GPLPluginsInNF"> link dynamically with these specific
+<a href="#GPLPluginsInNF">link dynamically with these specific
libraries</a>, then it too needs to be released in a GPL-compatible
way.</p>
<p>
@@ -1419,7 +1370,7 @@
interpreter that the combined Perl or Java program will run on.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWindowsRuntimeAndGPL"
+<dt><b><a
name="WindowsRuntimeAndGPL">I'm writing a Windows application with
Microsoft Visual C++ (or Visual Basic) and I will be releasing it
under the GPL. Is dynamically linking my program with the Visual
@@ -1433,14 +1384,14 @@
<p>
That doesn't mean it is a good idea to write the program so that it
only runs on Windows. Doing so results in a program that is free
-software but <a href="/philosophy/java-trap.html"> "trapped" </a> (in
+software but “<a href="/philosophy/java-trap.html">trapped</a>” (in
this case, trapped by Windows instead of by Java, but the effect is
the same). (Historical note: As of December 2006 Sun is in the middle
of <a href="http://www.fsf.org/news/fsf-welcomes-gpl-java.html";>rereleasing
its Java platform under GNU GPL</a>.)
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCOrigBSD" name="OrigBSD">Why is the original BSD
+<dt><b><a name="OrigBSD">Why is the original BSD
license incompatible with the GPL?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1459,7 +1410,7 @@
which eliminates the problem.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLAndPlugins" name="GPLAndPlugins">If a program
+<dt><b><a name="GPLAndPlugins">If a program
released under the GPL uses plug-ins, what are the requirements for
the licenses of a plug-in.</a></b></dt>
@@ -1483,7 +1434,7 @@
case.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLPluginsInNF" name="GPLPluginsInNF">Can I apply the
+<dt><b><a name="GPLPluginsInNF">Can I apply the
GPL when writing a plug-in for a non-free program?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1505,7 +1456,7 @@
writing free software that uses a non-free library.</a>
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCNFUseGPLPlugins" name="NFUseGPLPlugins">Can I
+<dt><b><a name="NFUseGPLPlugins">Can I
release a non-free program that's designed to load a GPL-covered
plug-in?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1532,7 +1483,7 @@
writing free software that uses a non-free library.</a>
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCLinkingWithGPL" name="LinkingWithGPL">You have a
+<dt><b><a name="LinkingWithGPL">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?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1541,7 +1492,7 @@
Yes.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCSwitchToLGPL" name="SwitchToLGPL">If so, is there
+<dt><b><a name="SwitchToLGPL">If so, is there
any chance I could get a license of your program under the Lesser
GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1555,7 +1506,7 @@
You always have the legal alternative of not using our code.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCLinkingOverControlledInterface"
+<dt><b><a
name="LinkingOverControlledInterface">How can I allow linking of
proprietary modules with my GPL-covered library under a controlled
interface only?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1597,7 +1548,7 @@
copyright holders of those programs.
</p><p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCManyDifferentLicenses"
+<dt><b><a
name="ManyDifferentLicenses">I have written an application that links
with many different components, that have different licenses. I am
very confused as to what licensing requirements are placed on my
@@ -1617,7 +1568,7 @@
</ul>
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCMereAggregation" name="MereAggregation">What is the
+<dt><b><a name="MereAggregation">What is the
difference between "mere aggregation" and "combining two modules into
one program"?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1654,7 +1605,7 @@
program.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCAssignCopyright" name="AssignCopyright">Why does
+<dt><b><a name="AssignCopyright">Why does
the FSF require that contributors to FSF-copyrighted programs assign
copyright to the FSF? If I hold copyright on a GPL'ed program, should
I do this, too? If so, how?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1681,7 +1632,7 @@
you want more information.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCModifyGPL" name="ModifyGPL">Can I modify the GPL
+<dt><b><a name="ModifyGPL">Can I modify the GPL
and make a modified license?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1704,7 +1655,7 @@
free software licenses is a burden in and of itself.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLCommercially" name="GPLCommercially">If I use a
+<dt><b><a name="GPLCommercially">If I use a
piece of software that has been obtained under the GNU GPL, am I
allowed to modify the original code into a new program, then
distribute and sell that new program commercially?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1721,7 +1672,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLOtherThanSoftware"
+<dt><b><a
name="GPLOtherThanSoftware">Can I use the GPL for something other than
software?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1736,7 +1687,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCLGPLJava"
+<dt><b><a
name="LGPLJava">How does the LGPL
work with Java?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1745,7 +1696,7 @@
<p><a href="/licenses/lgpl-java.html">See this article for details.</a> It
works as designed, intended, and expected.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCConsider" name="Consider">Consider this situation:
+<dt><b><a name="Consider">Consider this situation:
1. X releases V1 of a project under the GPL.
2. Y contributes to the development of V2 with changes and new code
based on V1.
3. X wants to convert V2 to a non-GPL license. Does X need Y's
permission?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1758,7 +1709,7 @@
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLInProprietarySystem"
+<dt><b><a
name="GPLInProprietarySystem">I'd like to incorporate GPL-covered
software in my proprietary system. Can I do this?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1804,7 +1755,7 @@
program, side by side, their rights will be clear.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGCCWrapper" name="GCCWrapper"> I'd like to
+<dt><b><a name="GCCWrapper">I'd like to
incorporate GPL-covered software in my proprietary system.
Can I do this by putting a "wrapper" module, under a GPL-compatible
lax permissive license (such as the X11 license) in between the
@@ -1814,20 +1765,20 @@
a module to the GPL-covered program and put it under the X11 license.
But if you were to incorporate them both in a larger program, that
whole would include the GPL-covered part, so it would have to be
-licensed <em> as a whole </em> under the GNU GPL.</p>
+licensed <em>as a whole</em> under the GNU GPL.</p>
<p>The fact that proprietary module A communicates with GPL-covered
module C only through X11-licensed module B is legally irrelevant;
what matters is the fact that module C is included in the whole.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCLibGCCException" name="LibGCCException"> Does the
+<dt><b><a name="LibGCCException">Does the
libstdc++ exception permit dynamic linking?</a></b></dt>
<dd><p>Yes. The intent of the exception is to allow people to compile
proprietary software using gcc.</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCMoneyGuzzlerInc" name="MoneyGuzzlerInc">I'd like to
+<dt><b><a name="MoneyGuzzlerInc">I'd like to
modify GPL-covered programs and link them with the portability
libraries from Money Guzzler Inc. I cannot distribute the source code
for these libraries, so any user who wanted to change these versions
@@ -1853,7 +1804,7 @@
to change and recompile the program.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLIncompatibleAlone" name="GPLIncompatibleAlone">If
+<dt><b><a name="GPLIncompatibleAlone">If
license for a module Q has a requirement that's incompatible with the GPL,
but the requirement applies only when Q is distributed by itself, not when
Q is included in a larger program, does that make the license
@@ -1879,7 +1830,7 @@
P with Q.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCModifiedJustBinary"
+<dt><b><a
name="ModifiedJustBinary">Can I release a modified
version of a GPL-covered program in binary form only?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -1890,7 +1841,7 @@
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCUnchangedJustBinary"
+<dt><b><a
name="UnchangedJustBinary">I
downloaded just the binary from the net. If I distribute copies,
do I have to get the source and distribute that too?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1900,7 +1851,7 @@
where you received a written offer for source code is quite limited.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDistributeWithSourceOnInternet"
+<dt><b><a
name="DistributeWithSourceOnInternet">I want to distribute binaries
via physical media without accompanying sources. Can I provide
source code by FTP instead of by mail order?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1931,7 +1882,7 @@
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCRedistributedBinariesGetSource"
+<dt><b><a
name="RedistributedBinariesGetSource">My friend got a GPL-covered
binary with an offer to supply source, and made a copy for me.
Can I use the offer myself to obtain the source?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1943,7 +1894,7 @@
binary---so you can take advantage of it.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCSourceAndBinaryOnDifferentSites"
+<dt><b><a
name="SourceAndBinaryOnDifferentSites">Can I put the binaries on my
Internet server and put the source on a different Internet
site?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1965,7 +1916,7 @@
there for as long as you keep the binaries available.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDistributeExtendedBinary"
+<dt><b><a
name="DistributeExtendedBinary">I want to distribute an extended
version of a GPL-covered program in binary form. Is it enough to
distribute the source for the original version?</a></b></dt>
@@ -1985,7 +1936,7 @@
the improved source code under the GPL.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDistributingSourceIsInconvenient"
+<dt><b><a
name="DistributingSourceIsInconvenient">I want to distribute
binaries, but distributing complete source is inconvenient. Is it
ok if I give users the diffs from the "standard" version along with the
@@ -2004,7 +1955,7 @@
the binaries.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCAnonFTPAndSendSources"
+<dt><b><a
name="AnonFTPAndSendSources">I want to make binaries available for
anonymous FTP, but send sources only to people who order them.</a></b></dt>
@@ -2023,7 +1974,7 @@
information next to the binaries saying where to find the sources.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCHowCanIMakeSureEachDownloadGetsSource"
+<dt><b><a
name="HowCanIMakeSureEachDownloadGetsSource">How can I make sure each
user who downloads the binaries also gets the source?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2038,7 +1989,7 @@
source code even if they don't want it.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCUnreleasedMods" name="UnreleasedMods">A company
+<dt><b><a name="UnreleasedMods">A company
is running a modified version of a GPL'ed program on a web site.
Does the GPL say they must release their modified
sources?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2059,7 +2010,7 @@
designed for network server use.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCInternalDistribution"
+<dt><b><a
name="InternalDistribution">Is making and using multiple copies
within one organization or company "distribution"?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2076,7 +2027,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCStolenCopy" name="StolenCopy"> If someone steals
+<dt><b><a name="StolenCopy">If someone steals
a CD containing a version of a GPL-covered program, does the GPL
give him the right to redistribute that version?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2094,7 +2045,7 @@
hasn't released this version, no such violation has occurred.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCTradeSecretRelease"
+<dt><b><a
name="TradeSecretRelease">What if a company distributes a copy as
a trade secret?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2105,7 +2056,7 @@
stolen, so in that case the company has not violated the GPL.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhySomeGPLAndNotLGPL"
+<dt><b><a
name="WhySomeGPLAndNotLGPL">Why are some GNU libraries released under
the ordinary GPL rather than the Lesser GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2128,11 +2079,11 @@
library, changing back would be difficult.</p>
<p>
So we decide which license to use for each library on a case-by-case
-basis. There is a <a href="/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html">
-long explanation</a> of how we judge the question.
+basis. There is a <a href="/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html">long
+explanation</a> of how we judge the question.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWillYouMakeAnException"
+<dt><b><a
name="WillYouMakeAnException">Using a certain GNU program under the
GPL does not fit our project to make proprietary software. Will you
make an exception for us? It would mean more users of that
@@ -2157,7 +2108,7 @@
convincing reasons.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCVersionThreeOrLater" name="VersionThreeOrLater">Why
+<dt><b><a name="VersionThreeOrLater">Why
should programs say "Version 3 of the GPL or any later version"?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2197,7 +2148,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhyNotGPLForManuals" name="WhyNotGPLForManuals">Why
+<dt><b><a name="WhyNotGPLForManuals">Why
don't you use the GPL for manuals?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2230,7 +2181,7 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCFontException" name="FontException">How does the
+<dt><b><a name="FontException">How does the
GPL apply to fonts?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2261,10 +2212,10 @@
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWMS" name="WMS">
-I am writing a website maintenance system</a> (called a "<a
+<dt><b><a name="WMS">
+I am writing a website maintenance system</a> (called a “<a
href="http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html";>content
-management system</a>" by some), or some other application which
+management system</a>” by some), or some other application which
generates web pages from templates. What license should I use for
those templates?</b></dt>
@@ -2302,7 +2253,7 @@
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCNonFreeTools" name="NonFreeTools">Can I release
+<dt><b><a name="NonFreeTools">Can I release
a program under the GPL which I developed using non-free
tools?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2320,7 +2271,7 @@
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLTranslations" name="GPLTranslations">Are there
+<dt><b><a name="GPLTranslations">Are there
translations of the GPL into other languages?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2356,7 +2307,7 @@
of the GPL as globally valid and binding. Instead, we are doing two
things:</p>
<ul>
-<li> Referring people to unofficial translations.
+<li>Referring people to unofficial translations.
This means that we permit people to write translations of the GPL, but
we don't approve them as legally valid and binding.
<p>
@@ -2390,7 +2341,7 @@
</ul>
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCInterpreterIncompat" name="InterpreterIncompat">If
+<dt><b><a name="InterpreterIncompat">If
a programming language interpreter has a license that is incompatible
with the GPL, can I run GPL-covered programs on it?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2426,7 +2377,7 @@
</ol>
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhoHasThePower" name="WhoHasThePower">Who has the
+<dt><b><a name="WhoHasThePower">Who has the
power to enforce the GPL?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2440,7 +2391,7 @@
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCOOPLang" name="OOPLang"> In an object-oriented
+<dt><b><a name="OOPLang">In an object-oriented
language such as Java, if I use a class that is GPL'ed without
modifying, and subclass it, in what way does the GPL affect the larger
program?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2451,7 +2402,7 @@
class.
<p></p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCPortProgramToGL" name="PortProgramToGL">If I port
+<dt><b><a name="PortProgramToGL">If I port
my program to GNU/Linux, does that mean I have to release it as Free
Software under the GPL or some other Free Software license?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2481,7 +2432,7 @@
need to make your software free.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCCompanyGPLCostsMoney" name="CompanyGPLCostsMoney">
+<dt><b><a name="CompanyGPLCostsMoney">
I just found out that a company has a copy of a GPL'ed program, and it
costs money to get it. Aren't they violating the GPL by not making it
available on the Internet?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2500,7 +2451,7 @@
the program to you, or to anyone else, as he sees fit.
</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCReleaseNotOriginal" name="ReleaseNotOriginal"> Can
+<dt><b><a name="ReleaseNotOriginal">Can
I release a program with a license which says that you can distribute
modified versions of it under the GPL but you can't distribute the
original itself under the GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2525,7 +2476,7 @@
</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDistributeSubsidiary" name="DistributeSubsidiary"> Does
moving a copy to a
+<dt><b><a name="DistributeSubsidiary">Does moving a copy to a
majority-owned, and controlled, subsidiary constitute
distribution?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2545,7 +2496,7 @@
</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCClickThrough" name="ClickThrough"> Can software installers
ask people
+<dt><b><a name="ClickThrough">Can software installers ask people
to click to agree to the GPL? If I get some software under the GPL,
do I have to agree to anything?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2564,7 +2515,7 @@
</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLCompatInstaller" name="GPLCompatInstaller">I would
+<dt><b><a name="GPLCompatInstaller">I would
like to bundle GPLed software with some sort of installation software.
Does that installer need to have a GPL-compatible license?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2572,7 +2523,7 @@
result, the terms of the GPL do not apply to the installation software.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCSubscriptionFee" name="SubscriptionFee">Can I use
+<dt><b><a name="SubscriptionFee">Can I use
GPLed software on a device that will stop operating if customers do
not continue paying a subscription fee?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2582,7 +2533,7 @@
requirement on top of the GPL, and the license prohibits it.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCBitTorrent" name="BitTorrent">How does GPLv3 make
+<dt><b><a name="BitTorrent">How does GPLv3 make
BitTorrent distribution easier?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2606,7 +2557,7 @@
distributor.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCTivoization" name="Tivoization">What is
+<dt><b><a name="Tivoization">What is
tivoization? How does GPLv3 prevent it?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2625,7 +2576,7 @@
music players, digital video recorders, and home security systems.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCDRMProhibited" name="DRMProhibited">Does GPLv3
+<dt><b><a name="DRMProhibited">Does GPLv3
prohibit DRM?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2639,7 +2590,7 @@
it just stops them from restricting others.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGPLHardware" name="GPLHardware">Can I use the GPL
+<dt><b><a name="GPLHardware">Can I use the GPL
to license hardware?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2653,7 +2604,7 @@
itself.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCGiveUpKeys" name="GiveUpKeys">I use public key
+<dt><b><a name="GiveUpKeys">I use public key
cryptography to sign my code to assure its authenticity. Is it true
that GPLv3 forces me to release my private signing keys?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2668,7 +2619,7 @@
give each purchaser the key for his instance.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv3VotingMachine" name="v3VotingMachine">Does
+<dt><b><a name="v3VotingMachine">Does
GPLv3 require that voters be able to modify the software running in a
voting machine?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2685,7 +2636,7 @@
voting. Voting should be done on paper.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv3PatentRetaliation"
+<dt><b><a
name="v3PatentRetaliation">Does GPLv3 have a “patent retaliation
clause”?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2696,7 +2647,7 @@
and any patent licenses that accompanied it.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCSourceCodeInDocumentation"
+<dt><b><a
name="SourceCodeInDocumentation">Can I use snippets of GPL-covered
source code within documentation that is licensed under some license
that is incompatible with the GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2706,7 +2657,7 @@
under fair use or similar laws, then yes. Otherwise, no.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv3Under4and5" name="v3Under4and5">The beginning
+<dt><b><a name="v3Under4and5">The beginning
of GPLv3 section 6 says that I can convey a covered work in object
code form “under the terms of sections 4 and 5” provided I also
meet
the conditions of section 6. What does that mean?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2717,7 +2668,7 @@
charge a fee, you must keep copyright notices intact, and so on.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv2OrLaterPatentLicense"
+<dt><b><a
name="v2OrLaterPatentLicense">My company owns a lot of patents.
Over the years we've contributed code to projects under “GPL version 2
or any later version”, and the project itself has been distributed
@@ -2741,7 +2692,7 @@
defend ourselves against such an attack.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCLGPLv3ContributorVersion"
+<dt><b><a
name="LGPLv3ContributorVersion">If I distribute a proprietary
program that links against an LGPLv3-covered library that I've
modified, what is the “contributor version” for purposes of
@@ -2753,7 +2704,7 @@
<p>The “contributor version” is only your version of the
library.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv2v3Compatibility" name="v2v3Compatibility">Is
+<dt><b><a name="v2v3Compatibility">Is
GPLv3 compatible with GPLv2?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2766,7 +2717,7 @@
permits.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCCure" name="Cure">What does it mean to “cure” a
+<dt><b><a name="Cure">What does it mean to “cure” a
violation of GPLv3?</a></b></dt>
<dd>
@@ -2774,7 +2725,7 @@
the requirements of the license.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv3InternationalDisclaimers"
+<dt><b><a
name="v3InternationalDisclaimers">The warranty and liability
disclaimers in GPLv3 seem specific to U.S. law. Can I add my own
disclaimers to my own code?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2784,7 +2735,7 @@
specifically 7(a).</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCNonvisualLegalNotices"
+<dt><b><a
name="NonvisualLegalNotices">My program has interactive user
interfaces that are non-visual in nature. How can I comply with the
Appropriate Legal Notices requirement in GPLv3?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2796,7 +2747,7 @@
reads the notices aloud.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv3CoworkerConveying"
+<dt><b><a
name="v3CoworkerConveying">If I give a copy of a GPLv3-covered
program to a coworker at my company, have I “conveyed” the copy to
him?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2809,7 +2760,7 @@
available to others.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv3ConditionalWarranty"
+<dt><b><a
name="v3ConditionalWarranty">If I distribute a GPLv3-covered
program, can I provide a warranty that is voided if the user modifies
the program?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2821,7 +2772,7 @@
GPLv3-covered software.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCSeparateAffero" name="SeparateAffero">Why did you
+<dt><b><a name="SeparateAffero">Why did you
decide to write the GNU Affero GPLv3 as a separate
license?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2838,7 +2789,7 @@
source publication requirement.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCWhyPropagateAndConvey"
+<dt><b><a
name="WhyPropagateAndConvey">Why did you invent the new terms
“propagate” and “convey” in GPLv3?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2852,7 +2803,7 @@
definitions directly in the license.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCNoMilitary" name="NoMilitary">I'd like to license
+<dt><b><a name="NoMilitary">I'd like to license
my code under the GPL, but I'd also like to make it clear that it
can't be used for military and/or commercial uses. Can I do
this?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2864,7 +2815,7 @@
added restriction can be removed by the user.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCConveyVsDistribute" name="ConveyVsDistribute">Is
+<dt><b><a name="ConveyVsDistribute">Is
“convey” in GPLv3 the same thing as what GPLv2 means by
“distribute”?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2876,7 +2827,7 @@
caused by these differences.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCv3MakingAvailable" name="v3MakingAvailable">GPLv3
+<dt><b><a name="v3MakingAvailable">GPLv3
gives “making available to the public” as an example of
propagation.
What does this mean? Is making available a form of
conveying?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2890,7 +2841,7 @@
to include this activity.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCPropagationNotConveying"
+<dt><b><a
name="PropagationNotConveying">Since distribution and making
available to the public are forms of propagation that are also
conveying in GPLv3, what are some examples of propagation that do not
@@ -2902,7 +2853,7 @@
software on multiple computers, or to make backups.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCPrelinking" name="Prelinking">Does prelinking a
+<dt><b><a name="Prelinking">Does prelinking a
GPLed binary to various libraries on the system, to optimize its
performance, count as modification?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2915,7 +2866,7 @@
section 6.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCLaptopLoan" name="LaptopLoan">If someone installs
+<dt><b><a name="LaptopLoan">If someone installs
GPLed software on a laptop, and then lends that laptop to a friend
without providing source code for the software, have they violated the
GPL?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2926,7 +2877,7 @@
would not have any obligations under the GPL.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCTwoPartyTivoization"
+<dt><b><a
name="TwoPartyTivoization">Suppose that two companies try to
circumvent the requirement to provide Installation Information by
having one company release signed software, and the other release a
@@ -2941,7 +2892,7 @@
secondary infringement.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCSourceInCVS" name="SourceInCVS">Am I complying
+<dt><b><a name="SourceInCVS">Am I complying
with GPLv3 if I offer binaries on an FTP server and sources by way of
a link to a source code repository in a version control system, like
CVS or Subversion?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2956,7 +2907,7 @@
necessarily want the latest development code, after all.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCRemoteAttestation" name="RemoteAttestation">Can
+<dt><b><a name="RemoteAttestation">Can
someone who conveys GPLv3-covered software in a User Product use
remote attestation to prevent a user from modifying that
software?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2972,7 +2923,7 @@
software to report itself as legitimate.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCRulesProtocols" name="RulesProtocols">What does
+<dt><b><a name="RulesProtocols">What does
“rules and protocols for communication across the network” mean in
GPLv3?</a></b></dt>
@@ -2988,7 +2939,7 @@
not display the messages.</p>
</dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCSupportService"
+<dt><b><a
name="SupportService">Distributors that provide Installation
Information under GPLv3 are not required to provide “support
service”
for the product. What kind of “support service”do you
@@ -2999,15 +2950,16 @@
help you install, use, or troubleshoot the product. If a device relies on
access to web services or similar technology to function properly, those
should normally still be available to modified versions, subject to the
-terms in section 6 regarding access to a network.</p> </dd>
+terms in section 6 regarding access to a network.</p></dd>
-<dt><b><a href="#TOCAllCompatibility" name="AllCompatibility">How are
-the various GNU licenses compatible with each other?</a></b></dt>
+<dt><b><a name="AllCompatibility">How are the various GNU licenses
+compatible with each other?</a></b></dt>
<dd><p>The various GNU licenses enjoy broad compatibility between each
other. The only time you may not be able to combine code under two of
-these licenses is when you want to use code that's <em>only</em> under an
-older version of a license with code that's under a newer version.</p>
+these licenses is when you want to use code that's <em>only</em> under
+an older version of a license with code that's under a newer
+version.</p>
<p>Below is a detailed compatibility matrix for various combinations of the
GNU licenses, to provide an easy-to-use reference for specific cases. It
@@ -3246,7 +3198,7 @@
<p>
Updated:
<!-- timestamp start -->
- $Date: 2007/08/25 22:07:45 $
+ $Date: 2007/08/28 01:29:22 $
<!-- timestamp end -->
</p>
</div>