License and VLCKit (Source)

macOS specific usage questions
DesertNomad
New Cone
New Cone
Posts: 4
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 03:23

License and VLCKit (Source)

Postby DesertNomad » 14 Jan 2010 03:29

I'd like to use VLCKit in a Mac Cocoa app so that I can read data from video files (codec, resolution, length etc).

As this framework would be linked to my main app, I am a bit unsure of the license requirements. I have no issue making the VLCKit source available on our server... after all, I will have gotten it from here for free.

But I can't make our entire app's source available as there are other libraries we would license from other parties that are not source-distributable.

Is this ok?

The VLCKit represents a small part of the main app, so I am not really distributing a "modified version"... the VLCKit itself would remain unmodified.

I don't see such use mentioned here:

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html

aborel
Blank Cone
Blank Cone
Posts: 15
Joined: 23 Apr 2007 17:50

Re: License and VLCKit (Source)

Postby aborel » 14 Jan 2010 10:15

But I can't make our entire app's source available as there are other libraries we would license from other parties that are not source-distributable.

Is this ok?

The VLCKit represents a small part of the main app, so I am not really distributing a "modified version"... the VLCKit itself would remain unmodified.
If VLCKit is licensed under the GPL2, as VLC normally is, you can't distribute your software has described. It doesn't matter that VLCKit be modified or not, your entire project would be considered a derivative work and thus would have to be licensed under the GPL2 as well.

DesertNomad
New Cone
New Cone
Posts: 4
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 03:23

Re: License and VLCKit (Source)

Postby DesertNomad » 14 Jan 2010 19:15

I kinda figured this and think I have a solution.

Can I crate a VLC framework/library/plug-in for my main app and offer both object and source for the framework, but not the main app?

The app would be distributed without the VLC component (and would work fine using QuickTime-based code). Users could separately download and install the VLC component into my app which would then have expanded functionality.

I'd make the VLC object and source available on my site as a separate download from the main app.

I think after reading the terms, that this would comply.

Thoughts?

Jean-Baptiste Kempf
Site Administrator
Site Administrator
Posts: 37523
Joined: 22 Jul 2005 15:29
VLC version: 4.0.0-git
Operating System: Linux, Windows, Mac
Location: Cone, France
Contact:

Re: License and VLCKit (Source)

Postby Jean-Baptiste Kempf » 14 Jan 2010 19:21

Hmm, if your application works without VLC, then one might that it isn't a derived work of VLC.
Jean-Baptiste Kempf
http://www.jbkempf.com/ - http://www.jbkempf.com/blog/category/Videolan
VLC media player developer, VideoLAN President and Sites administrator
If you want an answer to your question, just be specific and precise. Don't use Private Messages.

ajmas
Big Cone-huna
Big Cone-huna
Posts: 935
Joined: 04 Feb 2006 07:33
VLC version: 3.0.x
Operating System: MacOS X
Location: Montreal, Canada

Re: License and VLCKit (Source)

Postby ajmas » 15 Jan 2010 19:23

The VLC application is specified as using GPLv2, though for clarification, can some state what license is being specified for libVLC and VLCKit?
Providing logs, messages, configuration info (VLC, OS, Hardware) and a clear explanation of the issue always helps the problem solvers help you, even if they don't end up solving the issue. Just think what you would need if you were solving someone else's problem. Additional: Always looking for eager and capable MacOS X developers to join the VLC team - for more information see here.

Jean-Baptiste Kempf
Site Administrator
Site Administrator
Posts: 37523
Joined: 22 Jul 2005 15:29
VLC version: 4.0.0-git
Operating System: Linux, Windows, Mac
Location: Cone, France
Contact:

Re: License and VLCKit (Source)

Postby Jean-Baptiste Kempf » 15 Jan 2010 22:45

The VLC application is specified as using GPLv2, though for clarification, can some state what license is being specified for libVLC and VLCKit?
Now, the same.
Jean-Baptiste Kempf
http://www.jbkempf.com/ - http://www.jbkempf.com/blog/category/Videolan
VLC media player developer, VideoLAN President and Sites administrator
If you want an answer to your question, just be specific and precise. Don't use Private Messages.


Return to “VLC media player for macOS Troubleshooting”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot], nater and 13 guests