Re: Copyright question: GPL patches for non-GPL packages

[Andreas Jellinghaus <aj@dungeon.inka.de>]

if you want to mix gpl'ed software with other software, that other
software's licence may not conflict with the gpl.

for example, you can mix software with bsd style licencens (or x window
licence) with GPL'ed software, becuase these two licences do not
conflict. the mix will be under GPL'ed.

note : this does not only apply to source code, also to libraries.
if a programm is run, you have a task which consists of the program
binary itself and all loaded libraries and loaded modules. the GPL had
to apply to all of them (except the operating system libraries - that's
an explizit exception).

i'm sure with the libraries, but not with modules. for example the linux
kernel is gpl'ed, but isn't there a commercial sound module ?

if you don't believe me with the libraries : go and ask rms.

always keep in mind : gpl is not a nice licence. gpl is a licence with
maximum restrictions to keep free software free, on all costs.

example: this is allowed
bsd + gpl, artistic + gpl, public domain + gpl, ...

example : this is not allowed
motic + gpl, qt + gpl, ...


>The question is: is it safe to apply GPL patches to non-GPL packages? 

it is not allowed, if the non-gpl'ed packages licence clashes with gpl.
(e.g. you have to pay something, or you may not redistribute changed
 code, or ...).

i guess the answer in your case is : no.

andreas



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