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Legal Issues with using Vlc as a Base Code
Posted: 02 Jul 2009 04:15
by vlcdivx
I am planning to use vlc as a base code for a software that I am building. Can I redistribute that software for free but without releasing the source code?
Also can I sell the source code, as in the parts that I created. I have been looking all over but can't seem to find an answer.
Re: Legal Issues with using Vlc as a Base Code
Posted: 02 Jul 2009 09:54
by Jean-Baptiste Kempf
Usually no. If you use libVLC as a base, you cannot.
If you use VLC as an external process, or using JS API, probably yes.
Re: Legal Issues with using Vlc as a Base Code
Posted: 02 Jul 2009 14:01
by The DJ
if you have this limited knowledge of Free software, I suggest you consult with a lawyer who is experienced with things like this.
Re: Legal Issues with using Vlc as a Base Code
Posted: 02 Jul 2009 16:54
by Rémi Denis-Courmont
VLC is stuck with the GNU General Public License (version 2 or later). It has so many copyright holders that negotiating a new license is practically impossible, not to mention issues regarding the licensing of underlying libraries.
If you make derivative work from VLC, that derivative work must be licensed under that same license. In practice, you must give the source code to anyone whom you provided the work to and who requests it. This is independent of pricing. Being freeware only relaxes the process by which the source code can be provided; it does not exonerate you from that obligation altogether.
If you cannot give the source code away, then use VLC such that your code is not derivative work, as J-B said. How and whether feasible or not, depends a lot on what you are trying to build.