[Boost-users] Re: licenses...

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2004-08-24 18:39:00

Ross Boylan <ross_at_[hidden]> writes:

> On Mon, Aug 23, 2004 at 09:04:47AM -0400, David Abrahams wrote:
>> MarC <mvinyes_at_[hidden]> writes:
>> 
>> > Hi
>> >
>> > I subscribed to this list to find out if I can publish one program
>> > containig "Boost Filesystem Library" under the GPL2.
>> >
>> > I saw that Boost license is even more flexible than the GPL2 but I'm
>> > not sure if I can release a program containing Boost with GPL2...
>> >
>> > anybody knows? where should I ask to answer my question?
>> 
>> As long as you follow (and don't change) the licensing terms of the
>> boost::filesystem code, you're free to do with it whatever you like.
>> On the other hand, the GPL2 license may prevent you from doing certain
>> things.  To find out whether it's OK from the GPL2 perspective to
>> integrate boost::filesystem in your application under its own
>> licensing terms, you'll probably have to ask GPL2 experts (or a
>> lawyer).
>> 
> I asked about this recently on the GPL list.  Someone there said his
> *unofficial* reaction was that the licenses looked compatible.  He
> also said he'd bring the Boost license to the attention of whoever
> makes official pronouncements.
>
> I then noticed that GPL includes a clause to the effect that there can
> be no additional restrictions.  It seems to me distributing and
> complying the Boost license is an additional restriction, even though
> the requirements of the Boost license are quite similar to those of
> GPL (e.g., acknowledgement of copyrights).

:-) but the boost license requirements are less restrictive.  Well,
IANAL, so don't take my word for anything, but maybe you should find
out if "additional restrictions" means on the GPL'd software, or on
any software linked/distributed with it.

> I didn't get any answer on that one.  It may be that if your code is
> GPL you need to add a clause explicitly permitting use with Boost.
> But if you have someone else's GPL code, you can't do that for
> them....
>
> I certainly would like a definitive answer to this question,
> particularly if the answer is "yes."  Right now I'm using working
> combining stuff under both licenses, but I wouldn't feel safe
> redistributing it.

I guess you need a lawyer :(

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
http://www.boost-consulting.com