Logo Questions Linux Laravel Mysql Ubuntu Git Menu
 

Using LGPL library in a commercial Java application [closed]

Tags:

licensing

lgpl

I have a commercial Java application which I will be distributing.

I want to use an LGPL'd java library. I wont be modifying the library. Does the LGPL license of that library have any impact on my application's license?

like image 715
pdeva Avatar asked Dec 15 '09 22:12

pdeva


People also ask

Can I use LGPL in closed source?

TL;DR A component licensed under LGPL can be used by closed source, proprietary software, both internally used and distributed, for free, with no effects on the software using the component.

Can I use LGPL code in commercial software?

You can use and distribute LGPL libraries on your website and use them in combination with commercial code. The only big restriction is that you must keep the library open source, including any modifications you make to it, and allow your users to obtain the source, licence and copyright information for the library.

Can I use LGPL in GPL?

The key difference is that the LGPL strips the GPL from most of its “virality”. But the only reason to use the GPL instead of another license is that it forces dependent code to also be licensed under the GPL. It is therefore possible to use LGPL code in a GPL project but not the other way round.


4 Answers

Yes, it does to a certain degree. You are e.g required to allow people to upgrade the LGPL'd library without your help. I suggest reading through the whole license yourself, as you're legally obligated to adhere to it's clauses. Know what you oblige yourself to, don't just take other people's words for it :)

like image 82
kusma Avatar answered Sep 28 '22 08:09

kusma


My guess is that as long as your linking is dynamic (i.e. dynamic loading of the .dll/.so/.a/.class/whatever file at runtime), you're OK. If you statically compile your code to include the library, you're at risk of violating the license, depending on how your code is structured.

If it's Java, however, you can not link statically - it's an impossibility of the platform.

like image 35
user1556862 Avatar answered Sep 24 '22 08:09

user1556862


As far as I understand the LGPL, no, you can distribute it however you like. You will only be linking to the library, not creating a derivative work, and the LGPL doesn't restrict linking.

like image 20
EMP Avatar answered Sep 27 '22 08:09

EMP


There is no impact on your application. LGPL license allows inclusion in commercial application as long as the terms of the license are fulfilled (LGPL license text in the distribution, indication of the use of the library, etc).

like image 36
Laurent Etiemble Avatar answered Sep 27 '22 08:09

Laurent Etiemble