Someone created a program that was GNU GPL licensed. Then some other people took that source code and added features to it. They refuse to reveal the source code for the upgraded program.
Edit: They are distributing the program from this website:
+4
A:
It's legal if and only if they are not distributing the software. If they are distributing (ie, sending binaries to different people), then they have to provide source.
If they are running the code in a web application, that doesn't count as distribution (thus the relatively recent creation of the AGPL to address that case.)
IANAL, WANL, YMMV, etc.
From what you say, it seems they are indeed in violation, as has been said, you should now contact the FSF or the SFLC to know what you (or they) can do about it.
Vinko Vrsalovic
2010-08-08 09:59:51
They only have to provide source code to the people they provided binaries to. (And they can't restrict those people from further distributing the source code.) The GPL doesn't require you to distribute source code to everybody.
cjm
2010-08-19 00:12:24
Actually, the first person to contact is the copyright holder of the GPL program. Only the copyright holder can take action against people violating the GPL. (The FSF or SFLC would probably help them take that action.)
cjm
2010-08-19 00:15:12
+1
A:
1st I assume you are talking about GNU GPL License. Because there are many GNU licenses.
Then some other people took that source code and added features to it.
Do them distribute the program? Or they use it internally. If they don't distribute the program there is no issues.
However if they distribute the program to others they must provide source code as well.
Read this: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLRequireSourcePostedPublic
Artyom
2010-08-08 10:00:30
Yes, I'm talking about GPL. I posted a link to the website where they distribute the program.
awakeFromNib
2010-08-08 10:44:04
A:
If these people do not release any binaries to third parties, but if they only use them privately (or internally in the company), then this is perfectly legal.
pipitas
2010-08-08 10:00:31
Of course, if someone has a binary inside the company and asks for the source, it should still be provided.
strager
2010-08-08 10:07:18
They're not a company. Anyone who registers at their forum can download the program from their forum.
awakeFromNib
2010-08-08 11:01:56
A:
I guess you mean GPL? GNU is project/organization, not license.
Standard GPL license forbids distribution of modified software without providing sources.
LGPL (Lesser GPL) allows to distribute the software without releasing source codes as long as the LGPL licensed code is used as library only.
AGPL (Affero GPL) requires you to provide source even though you don't distribute the software, but you merely run it on an publicly accessible server.
However, if the code is not distributed at all, the source code doesn't need to be provided.
CommanderZ
2010-08-08 10:06:24
From what I remember, GPL'd software can be distributed without the source, as long as the source is made obtainable. I don't think the Linux source code and the source code for the zillion programs are distributed with every single Linux distribution.
strager
2010-08-08 10:40:42
The source code is not obtainable. I and others have asked for it but they refuse to release it.
awakeFromNib
2010-08-08 10:44:56