How to find GPL source code of a project, which author yanked from interwebs?

Question

Hi all,

Is there advice how to find GPL source code that was once readily available on the webs, but now has just disappeared from existence ?

I guess 2nd part of question, if product goes commercial, do they have to still share GPL code, or do they have to rewrite app from scratch?

Thanks.

Answer 1

If someone created some software and released it as GPL, then anyone who has the code can do whatever they want to do within the confines of that license. If the author decides to change the license (e.g. turn it into a closed-source product) then they as the copyright holders are within their rights to do so.

There is nothing in the GPL that compels people who have written software to release it to the world, nor is there anything in that software that requires that it forever be licensed by the GPL.

Answer 2

The original author who released his software under the GPL is free to stop distributing the code or start distributing it under another license at any time. The GPL does not obligate the author to continue distributing his software ad infinitum. Anyone who received the software under the GPL still has all the rights granted by that license, including the right to modify or redistribute under the same license.

It's a little unclear what the second half of your question ("If product goes commercial, do they have to…") is referring to. There are two possible meanings:

1. "If the author of the software releases it under a non-GPL commercial license, do the people buying the software still get the rights conferred by the GPL?"
   • Answer: No. The copyright owner is free to do whatever he wants, including releasing his software under a non-free license.
2. "If I commercially distribute software that was licensed to me under the GPL, do I have to follow the terms of the GPL?"
   • Answer: Yes. You must respect the license of any software you use. If you use somebody's GPL code in your program, your program is GPL too.

(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, this is just general info, not legal advice, etc.)