There's not strictly a legal problem with the GPL-using code to be in Apache's source code repository (and itself be under the Apache license) - but due to the 'viral' nature of GPL, any compiled products become GPL as well.
For LGPL dependencies this is less of a worry - but still LGPL comes with the requirement that you have to be able to replace the LGPL bit with your own version - which of course is easy enough when you can move around a JAR in a folder - but not so easy if the Apache-licensed code has been inserted into a DVD player. Several projects [1] do use GPL/LGPL dependencies, but solely for test and build - which is kind-of OK (although [2] has not been updated yet to explain test dependencies). The danger is that that compiled code makes it into an Apache binary release (say by a new committer in two years time) - or that a consumer downloads the Apache source code, compiles it, and then distributes the binaries without knowing the the GPL implications of that. So to play safe - simply keep it outside the Apache code base at all. [1] https://mail-archives.apache.org/mod_mbox/www-legal-discuss/201501.mbox/%3c54ab9926.4080...@apache.org%3E [2] https://www.apache.org/legal/resolved.html#build-tools On 4 March 2015 at 15:22, Julian Tenney <julian.ten...@nottingham.ac.uk> wrote: > We have two things that are GPL: one is optional, I don't have any problem > with that. I'm trying to get a bit more understanding of the other one! > > But the point is taken: if that component is needed to make a certain > function work, and that function is considered a central part of the software > (a feature as it were), then there is a problem. > > So it follows that any GPL based stuff must be optional, bringing additional > functionality. > > I know the developer is going to ask why can't it live in the repository. But > first I'll find out if it is a feature or an option. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Jean-Baptiste Onofré [mailto:j...@nanthrax.net] > Sent: 04 March 2015 15:17 > To: general@incubator.apache.org > Subject: Re: GPL Code in GitHub > > Exactly, that's why I asked ;) > > Just to be sure, else it's an issue IMHO. > > Regards > JB > > On 03/04/2015 04:14 PM, Benson Margulies wrote: >> An Apache project may not manage a codebase outside of Apache. Some >> people who happen to be members of an Apache community can maintain >> code outside of Apache, if they are very clear in distinguishing; it >> must not be a product of the project. See 'Apache Extras'. >> >> On Wed, Mar 4, 2015 at 8:46 AM, Jean-Baptiste Onofré <j...@nanthrax.net> >> wrote: >> >>> Hi Julian, >>> >>> the code is not included in the project (just a reference) ? >>> >>> Regards >>> JB >>> >>> >>> On 03/04/2015 02:44 PM, Julian Tenney wrote: >>> >>>> Question: I know I've seen this discussed here before, and in any >>>> case, you guys are the best source for an answer: >>>> >>>> Can we have GPL code in a repository as long as that is not >>>> distributed with the product in a 'official' release? >>>> >>>> Thanks a lot, >>>> >>>> Julian >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> This message and any attachment are intended solely for the >>>> addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have >>>> received this message in error, please send it back to me, and immediately >>>> delete it. >>>> >>>> Please do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in >>>> this message or in any attachment. Any views or opinions expressed >>>> by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of >>>> the University of Nottingham. >>>> >>>> This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an >>>> attachment may still contain software viruses which could damage >>>> your computer system, you are advised to perform your own checks. >>>> Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be >>>> monitored as permitted by UK legislation. >>>> >>>> >>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>> - To unsubscribe, e-mail: general-unsubscr...@incubator.apache.org >>>> For additional commands, e-mail: general-h...@incubator.apache.org >>>> >>>> >>> -- >>> Jean-Baptiste Onofré >>> jbono...@apache.org >>> http://blog.nanthrax.net >>> Talend - http://www.talend.com >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> To unsubscribe, e-mail: general-unsubscr...@incubator.apache.org >>> For additional commands, e-mail: general-h...@incubator.apache.org >>> >>> >> > > -- > Jean-Baptiste Onofré > jbono...@apache.org > http://blog.nanthrax.net > Talend - http://www.talend.com > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > To unsubscribe, e-mail: general-unsubscr...@incubator.apache.org > For additional commands, e-mail: general-h...@incubator.apache.org > > > > > > This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee > and may contain confidential information. If you have received this > message in error, please send it back to me, and immediately delete it. > > Please do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this > message or in any attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the > author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the > University of Nottingham. > > This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an > attachment may still contain software viruses which could damage your > computer system, you are advised to perform your own checks. Email > communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored as > permitted by UK legislation. > -- Stian Soiland-Reyes Apache Taverna (incubating) http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9842-9718 --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: general-unsubscr...@incubator.apache.org For additional commands, e-mail: general-h...@incubator.apache.org
