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Basically, I'm working on a project and there is one aspect of the project that would be nearly imposible for me to do on my own. So I was wondering if it would be illegal to use open source code that I found in my product, if I plan to sell it.

asked Dec 27 '10 at 21:53

FilipinoPower's gravatar image

FilipinoPower
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edited Dec 27 '10 at 21:55


I'd recommend reading the GPL: GNU General Public License

answered Dec 27 '10 at 22:16

FizzNakLe's gravatar image

FizzNakLe
2.5k445696

1

Most open source software is already licensed under the GPL which means that if you redistribute it in any capacity you inherit the license.

The only real restrictions are that you must, in turn, supply the source code with your own distribution (including any changes you have made), and you cannot prohibit anyone from using or distributing (by reselling or sharing) the application, either in part or in its entirety.

There are other restrictions as well, but this is the meat of it.

(Dec 27 '10 at 22:56) AlanStryder AlanStryder's gravatar image

It depends solely on the license that the open-source code you're implementing is based on. Some licenses allow selling, some do not.

answered Dec 27 '10 at 22:26

Jorge%20Guberte's gravatar image

Jorge Guberte
61116

IANAL, but you can always use an open-source project as your "inspiration" to create an "original work" that "happens to be very similar". This is not legal advice.

answered Dec 27 '10 at 22:33

tsilb's gravatar image

tsilb
21.0k65199333

I would make it by myself but it would be nearly imposible for me to do it by myself and the code I'm using is only a small part of what I'm doing.

(Dec 27 '10 at 23:29) FilipinoPower FilipinoPower's gravatar image

depends on the agreement, when some one says illegal it means that the government says no you cannot, however it all depends on your agreement with the developer, so at worst you would be violating your licensing agreement, which is not good, but you wont be looking at prison time right off the bat...

with that said, the GNU-GPL allows for you to make money on code you barrow from someone else, but there are catches...

Read the license agreement, if needed consult an attorney with your plans and see what you can do. Its better safe than sorry...

answered Dec 27 '10 at 23:48

trueb's gravatar image

trueb
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Asked: Dec 27 '10 at 21:53

Seen: 1,677 times

Last updated: Dec 27 '10 at 23:48