Python library under permissive GPL-compatible license optionally using GPL library
Dear fellas who know much more about licensing than me.
I might have even asked before (since we are in a similar situation with
PyMVPA/shogun) but forgot what was the summary:
If we have a library X in Python, released under some GPL-compatible
license (e.g. BSD-3 or Expat) and then using (optionally) some GPL code
(at run time) provided by another library Y -- what are the implications?
Am I wrong on any of the following statements
- the project X codebase doesn't have to be relicensed to GPL
- the project X can use project Y (since under GPL compatible license)
- It is only at 'run time' when actual linking to the library Y happens,
so project must comply with GPL but whose responsibility it is then
and what needs to be enforced?
- original distributor of X must have provided all the sources with
modifications? But it was user's decision to use GPL'ed library
- or user must somehow make sure he has the sources... (sounds
dubious)
- is mere ability to be used with GPL licensed library Y makes
distributors of code of X required to comply with GPL? (e.g. provide
modified sources)
Thanks in advance for your feedback
[1] http://mail.scipy.org/pipermail/nipy-devel/2014-December/010707.html
--
Yaroslav O. Halchenko, Ph.D.
http://neuro.debian.net http://www.pymvpa.org http://www.fail2ban.org
Research Scientist, Psychological and Brain Sciences Dept.
Dartmouth College, 419 Moore Hall, Hinman Box 6207, Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: +1 (603) 646-9834 Fax: +1 (603) 646-1419
WWW: http://www.linkedin.com/in/yarik
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