Questions tagged [license-compatibility]

License compatibility is the comparison of two or more licenses to determine if certain usages and actions can be made. Use this tag if the question would like to determine the compatibility of licenses, or their individual clauses.

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How can I judge the "strength" of a licence?

A quote from the FOSSA blog, How to Apply a License to Your Open Source Software Project: In a nutshell, if your dependencies are distributed under open source licenses different than the one you are ...
boojum's user avatar
  • 193
-2 votes
1 answer
109 views

Is this license compatible with LGPL? [duplicate]

https://github.com/asianirish/common-potato/blob/master/LICENSE.txt The text of the license: You can use this code freely as long as you completely agree with the text of this license and include this ...
asianirish's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
252 views

Usage and compatibility of AGPL in the context of permissive licensed dependencies

I figured it's time to add a license to a project I've been working on for some time. I'm interested in a copy-left license. The project is a web application that can be built and self-hosted on a &...
Krzysztofz01's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
68 views

Copy license terms from other product?

This might not be a very "open source" question, but I thought I might find in this forum the right people for the question. For a mortal human being creating a PDF with the license terms ...
Alvaro's user avatar
  • 397
4 votes
0 answers
347 views

Are you required to license code under GPL if you're using TypeScript types from a GPL library?

I'm currently using a library that was licensed under the GNU General Public License (particularly GPL v3.0). This library consists mostly of types for software that is also under the GPL (but not ...
Chlod Alejandro's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
56 views

Using code licensed under an MIT license with code licensed under the GPL [duplicate]

Say I have a repository that uses the GPL and I want to include code from a repository under the MIT license. I found here that MIT and GPL licensed code can be freely combined; however, I am unsure ...
Kalcifer's user avatar
  • 121
2 votes
1 answer
722 views

Can I put a license on my code if it uses external libraries?

I'm currently developing a software in Python which is importing functions of libraries. So I was asking myself: do the licenses of the libraries I use in my software apply to my code? And if not, can ...
Nathan S's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
328 views

If I'm using a MIT library in my project, can I license my project under GPLv3 license?

If I'm using a MIT library in my project, can I license my project under GPLv3 license? And which libraries Im allow to use if I want to license my project under GPL v3?
Diego Meza's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
232 views

Is it legal to create an open source hardware based on an open source driver but closed source software?

Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions® has published an open source driver for their ES58X products. Based on this published code, I want to create an open-source hardware which is ...
Mehrdad Nazmdar's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
1k views

Can i use Apache-2.0 in a project licensed as MIT?

This link tells me not to use MIT under my license when redistributing the Apache 2.0 source code. Then, if Apache 2.0 or GPL source code is not included, only when specified in the header file and ...
Ko wa's user avatar
  • 11
4 votes
2 answers
557 views

Propietary licensing of open source code

I have written a program that uses several open source components. First off, it's written in python. Second, I use the modules subprocess, argparse, os and datetime. Since my work asked me to find a ...
Kasai kemono's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
585 views

Can i put my opensource project under MIT License if i used zlib library?

I'm currently writing a library that encrypts sqlite database(It's hard to install sqlcipher on windows). Can I choose MIT even if I use pysqlite3 that is licensed under zlib?
user6552837's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
936 views

Is CC-BY-SA 3.0 compatible with Apache 2.0?

Creative Commons explicitly states that GPL3 is compatible with CC-BY-SA 3.0. However, there is no information on its compatibility with Apache 2.0. Currently, I am hosting Apache licensed content on ...
user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
696 views

Can any project under ISC have the license migrated to MIT text by me if it possibly meets the criterion? (+the permissions listed within MIT License)

Was wondering after I had seen this answer on ISC vs BSD vs MIT If both explicit & implied rights are the same and the permissions mentioned in the ISC are also found in MIT, including to sub-...
Dasein's user avatar
  • 33
2 votes
1 answer
414 views

Using EPL 2.0 library as a node module in APL 2.0 project

I plan on using an EPL 2.0 Library in an Apache License 2.0 project as a dependency for the UI. I won't be modifying the source code but I believe when we do npm install to install the library, the ...
Chandrasekhar Raman's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
3k views

Using an unmodified GPL library in non-copyleft code

I am writing a piece of software that I plan to distribute. In my code, I use a GPL licensed library. Do I have to apply the GPL to my software even if I did not do any changes to the above mentioned ...
Jakub's user avatar
  • 89
3 votes
1 answer
69 views

Regarding an algorithm, its implementation under GPLv3 and permissive licenses

Let's say an algorithm is published and then afterwards it is implemented under GPLv3. Although the algorithm is mostly abstract, it does refer to specifications from a de facto standard in order to ...
candor's user avatar
  • 31
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Do the licenses of dependencies matter if the dependencies are not actually shipped by my software?

I have a github repository that I plan on making public, and I'm in the process of choosing a license for it. It's a Python project that utilizes a number of open source libraries. The code for those ...
ticster's user avatar
  • 159
0 votes
1 answer
43 views

Including design reference implementations with open source program

I am developing an open-source FPGA project that targets multiple FPGA development boards. The project itself is licensed MIT. On one of the targets, the VGA-to-HDMI encoder chip included on the board ...
Cactus's user avatar
  • 101
2 votes
1 answer
144 views

Package that includes a library file with non-commercial license

We are trying to use a package released by a commercial entity for use with one of their reporting software. I think it was closed source at one point then they converted it to a "Community" ...
blissfool's user avatar
  • 163
1 vote
1 answer
81 views

Choice of and conversion between licenses

I have found an article with links to compare license types, but as there are so many, it's still very hard to decide, so I will have to keep reading, but what I hope to find are answers to the ...
Mr.President's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
181 views

What is the appropriate license that I should pick for my software?

We are making use of the following tools in our software, and not modified any of these tools. Tools 1-3 are used directly in my software. Tool 4 is used for reference, but included as part of our ...
GermanShepherd's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
370 views

Is Docker (Apache 2.0) compatible with GPLv2 or BSD Licensed projects?

I'm developing a project that includes a section with an implementation on Docker, but Docker is based on Apache 2.0 license. I saw that Apache 2.0 is incompatible with GPLv2 and I want my project to ...
ortegajosant's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Which license for a project combining MIT libraries and GPL modified files?

I have a website that uses MIT licensed libraries for JavaScript (THREE.js, Chart.js, js-yaml). The librairies are loaded through CDNs so their source files aren't explicitly present in the source ...
Krafpy's user avatar
  • 123
3 votes
2 answers
170 views

Is CFITSIO free software/GPL compatible?

I am planning on starting a free software project in C that deals with creating maps of astronomical data; as such, I will be working very frequently with FITS files. One of the best libraries for ...
dr_kerbal's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
64 views

Does licensing a parent software under GPL v3.0 satisfy the licensing requirements of GPLv3/LGPL libraries used?

I have written two Java desktop programs that I would like to license under GPLv3 and distribute as executable JARs on Gitlab. The programs use Maven for dependencies and pull in GPLv3 and LGPL ...
SprocketTheSpaceDuck's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
473 views

SOFA software license compatibility with FOSS/CC licenses

The International Astronomy Union's Standards of Fundamental Astronomy is a software library providing an authoritative suite of functions useful in astonomonical and geospatial calculations. It is ...
Johnny's user avatar
  • 183
3 votes
1 answer
167 views

License for Windows Forms Application in C++/CLI and MySQL

I have built an application using Windows Forms Desktop Application in C++/CLI, I am also using NuGet Package for MySQL.data as well as I am using MySQL code for the application. I need to add a ...
superflash's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
152 views

How Viscosity VPN integrates OpenVPN with GPL2 license?

My understanding of GPL2 license make impossible that a proprietary software like "Viscosity" could possibly include a GPL2 code like OpenVPN. But going to their page, they clearly state ...
Adrian Maire's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
5k views

Which license can protect a software to be distribute without changes under a different name?

I'm looking for a license that fit in the following points: Software source code will be public so anyone can read it or use it. Anyone can contribute or add modifications to the source code (pull ...
raaowx's user avatar
  • 111
1 vote
1 answer
327 views

How to use GPL-licensed project with MIT code snippet license correctly?

My company uses WordPress (GPL license), a child theme of a theme and plugins under GPL and just a few code snippets under the MIT license. Because the GPL license is the stronger license (MIT license ...
Vincent Jobs 's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
279 views

Converting fonts to curves for other companies' drawings: Font Licensing?

We have a server that allows for anyone to do processing on different vector files. One feature we are planning is to allow them to convert SVG's with text elements to paths. In order to do this ...
Frank Sandqvist's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
131 views

Is the avahi-client license incompatible with its dependency on DBus?

Avahi, including the C client library, is licensed under the LGPL. On my system, (and I believe everywhere) libavahi-client.so.3 links to libdbus-1.so.3. DBus is licensed under a dual license, GPL OR ...
Violet's user avatar
  • 109
0 votes
1 answer
562 views

Is the Visual Studio 2019 Image Library compatible with GPL3?

Following this question on StackOverflow I would like to use the Windows icons (previously) included with Visual Studio as part of a Windows GUI application; the icons would be used as part of the ...
BurnsBA's user avatar
  • 123
1 vote
1 answer
484 views

Can I change a Mozilla Public License Version 2.0 project I forked to GPL v3?

I forked a Mozilla Public License Version 2.0 licensed app and made some changes. I want to publish the app, but I want anybody who uses my code to have to adhere to GPL v3. Since GPL v3 is more ...
Dr-Bracket's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
228 views

Can I use a (modified) LGPL-2.1 library in my MIT-licensed library?

I am developing a Modbus library for use on microcontrollers. Internally, I am using an (apparently) heavily-modified version of libmodbus (slightly-modified from the version that comes with ...
Darryl Noakes's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Can I use Apache 2.0 licensed project inside my BSD 3-clause licensed project?

I am working on a (GitHub) project that I want to open-source with BSD 3-clause license and I am using some code parts and files from Apache 2.0 licensed projects. So I have three questions: Is this ...
How_To's user avatar
  • 29
1 vote
0 answers
206 views

Can a database include both ODbL and CC BY-SA works?

The CC BY-SA license is incompatible with the ODbL license. The confusing thing about ODbL is that it seems to pertain to entire databases, rather than to individual works. Is it possible then to have ...
Tin Man's user avatar
  • 310
4 votes
2 answers
823 views

GPLv2-Only Compatibiliy

I like to make my work public by using GPLv2-Only. This because its pretty clear with the copyleft: Use my work for whatever purpose you want, but if you change it or make it better, give it back ;-) ...
user654789384's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
47 views

clarify R licenses: machine learning models, developed with R in Azure, possible for commercial use?

i want to estimate machine learning models with R and i need to use it in a production environment, i'll work with Azure Datascience Virtual Machine or Azure Machine Learning. If i use , for ex., ...
martincr's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
199 views

What is the difference between GPL classpath exception and linking exception?

So I read that OpenJDK is under the GPLv2 with linking exception. What is a Classpath exception and a linking exception? The JDK that I'm using(Amazon Corretto which is a build of OpenJDK) is under ...
YummyChocolate123's user avatar
-2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Can you use code on GitHub for commercial purposes?

so I want to use the code in GitHub to help with my project, I don't sell the code or others I only need the output for my project. in the readme file, the project is built upon A, and B (other GitHub ...
kiyandark's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
395 views

Debian packaging a GPL software with CC0 and public domain sounds

I want to submit to Debian a software licensed under GPL3. However, the software bundles various sound tracks released under different licenses (mostly CC0, CC BY, Public Domain). Does Debian policy ...
Archisman Panigrahi's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
360 views

License requirements for self-contained dotnet (.net) core in embedded linux

I am developing a .net core self-contained application for an embedded linux device. The software is part of the device image and won't be sold standalone nor it is downloadable in binary or source ...
Werner Breitwieser's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
68 views

Licensing commercial product for open source MIT project

We have under development a commercial library of controls for a UI framework. An open source (MIT licenced) project wishes to use these controls and we want to let them use them. So I guess my ...
Grokys's user avatar
  • 113
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is license compatibility a partial order?

When we say that some license X is (one-way) compatible with another license Y, I gather that we often intend for compatibility to be transitive; that is, given some other license W which is ...
Corbin's user avatar
  • 373
1 vote
1 answer
102 views

GPL 3.0 license compatibility with this custom license

I want to use paulscode sound system (http://www.paulscode.com/forum/index.php?topic=4.0) in GPL-3.0 licensed open source project. The library has the following license (it seems it is custom written ...
Klemen's user avatar
  • 171
2 votes
1 answer
133 views

Do I have to open source my app if I use unmodified API data licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

I'm working on a little Quiz App. To get questions I use Open Trivia DB All data provided by the API is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. I have ...
RoniPerson's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
73 views

Free App and non free Pro app source code licensing model

I'm going to build an Android app under some open source license but I want to use this same app as a basis for a proprietary software in the future. So I will have two softwares: My Software My ...
Iogui's user avatar
  • 326
5 votes
1 answer
598 views

Is it possible statically linking Apache 2.0, BSD-2, or MIT libraries to AGPL v3.0 binaries?

TL; DR We are considering creating a series of dependency modules (UI, repository patterns, etc) as separated Android libraries. Could we use a permissive license (Apache 2.0, BSD-2 or MIT) despite ...
JP Ventura's user avatar

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