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Jul 13, 2015, 7:34 PM
453 Posts

Question on GPL Licensing

  • Category: Other
  • Platform: All
  • Release: 9.0.1
  • Role: Developer
  • Tags: GPL JAVA
  • Replies: 5

I'm not clear on the the GPL Licensing. 

If a client of mine downloads and installs a JAVA JAR that is licensed under a GPL license and they ask me to develop something just for them (ie a custom application or module) for which I am going to charge them what are the licensing requirements? This module might access my application that I have sold to them but would not be part of my distribution.

As an example my client downloads itextpdf and installs it then asks me to develop an invoice printing process that would be specific to their requirements.

Thanks

Jul 13, 2015, 9:14 PM
298 Posts
Is your sw that you develop owned by the client?
I would think that if you did work for the client to their spec. and they owned the work product (commonly known as a works for hire) that the burden for getting the sw that you use an API of is their responsibility. Of course, you might want to advise them of any requirements, but, I don't think you have to worry about it. Kind of like using the Domino APIs, you don't get the license, the end user is responsible for that.

Howard
Jul 14, 2015, 2:59 AM
453 Posts
The client owns a licensed copy of the software, but

is not entitled resell or distribute the software, but is entitled to modify and extend the application. It will only run on the specified server contained in the license key. So as I see it if they add a GPL JAVA JAR to the code they could develop any links to that library themselves without issue. The question is that if they ask me to develop the code and charge them for the service does my client or myself violate the GPL license. From the discussion in Stackoverflow it says "Finally, The GPL applies only when you distribute or convey a program. You can do whatever you want to your software on your computer and you are under no obligation to share it with other users of your computer (or server, or whatever). 

So if I write some code and send it to them is that considered distributing or conveying? 

Jul 14, 2015, 1:51 PM
298 Posts
See my other response
If you are developing code for a client and they own the license (works for hire) than I think you don't have any issues at all. You are just an extension of the in-house development team.

Howard
Jul 14, 2015, 4:35 PM
453 Posts
That is what I assumed but was not just sure.

Thanks Howard

I understand if I make the JAR a part of my distribution I would be subject to the GPL requirements. I guess the comparable would be that the client installs the JAR on their site and I come on line and work directly on their site there clearly would be no conflict. If I develop it in-house then copy it to their site that would be functionally the same as working directly on their site. 


This forum is closed to new posts and responses. Individual names altered for privacy purposes. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a forum for customer support requests. Any customer support requests should be directed to the official HCL customer support channels below:

HCL Software Customer Support Portal for U.S. Federal Government clients
HCL Software Customer Support Portal