Can I use http://code.google.com/p/wkhtmltopdf/ (licensed under gplv3) as a part of my commercial application?
+3
A:
Yes, but then your commercial application would have to be distributed under the terms of gplv3.
Hans W
2010-02-17 13:02:08
+1 "Commercial" seems to be often mistaken as "proprietary".
galaktor
2010-02-17 13:03:49
+3
A:
It depends what you mean. you can sell GPL stuff, however if you do your stuff would have to have its source available.
You could try contacting the author to see if it is also available under other (comercial) licenses
jk
2010-02-17 13:03:58
+3
A:
From GPL FAQ:
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?
You are allowed to sell copies of the modified program commercially, but only under the terms of the GNU GPL. Thus, for instance, you must make the source code available to the users of the program as described in the GPL, and they must be allowed to redistribute and modify it as described in the GPL. These requirements are the condition for including the GPL-covered code you received in a program of your own.
kyrisu
2010-02-17 13:04:02
simple example:I have been created some online application that uses to reporting and printing this GPL program.GPL program is installed on Server.So, my application must be licensed under the GNU GPL?
Kowalikus
2010-02-17 13:12:18
Kowalikus: AFAIK, if you don't distribute your application, you don't have to worry. (But I'm not a lawyer.)
Hans W
2010-02-17 13:22:13
@Hans: Application will have only web access and will be free for all but some Plans will have monthly fee for using
Kowalikus
2010-02-17 13:27:35
@Kowalikus - If your application is build upon the GPL-covered code you will be obligated to give away your code to anyone who asks for it. On the other hand if GPL-covered code is used side by side with you app (like a module, but is not necessary for it valid execution) you just need to give away the part that is based on GPL code. For clarification look here: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLInProprietarySystem
kyrisu
2010-02-17 13:47:25
Kowalikus: Serving requests through a web interface is not the same as distibuting the software. If you don't distribute, you don't have to worry.
Hans W
2010-02-17 13:56:15
kyrisu: He only has to disclose his code if he *releases* his application (see the page you linked to). As I read the question, he does not intend to release his application, just run it as a service.
Hans W
2010-02-17 13:57:13
A:
Author of program said
It is released under gpl v3.. What this means is if you change the source code to the program AND give/sell the resulting binary to 3rd parties you must also give them your modified source. As you 1) have not modified the source and 2) are not distributing binaries, you can basically do what ever you want with the program. However I am under on obligation to provide support, or pay damages if it (against all odds) should break something.
Kowalikus
2010-02-17 13:47:47
A:
You can always use GPL software in a commercial context; you can even charge people money to acquire it.
You do have to make available the source-code of programs you sell, however. People presume this makes it difficult to charge people for it.
It becomes clear from the comments that you intend to run the software on a server, and sell the output of it.
This is not distributing ('conveying') in terms of the GPLv3 license.
If, on the other hand, if wkhtmltopdf had been covered under thee GNU Affero Public License, you would have had to make available the sourcecode including any modifications you made.
Will
2010-02-17 14:08:04