Can I use GPL code in proprietary software?
Last updated
TL;DR: Modify and distribute commercially: Yes. GPL-3.0 allows commercial use, modification and distribution, on condition that distributed derivative works are licensed under the GPL with source available.
Is modify and distribute commercially allowed under GNU General Public License v3.0?
Yes. Every use you described is granted by GPL 3.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.
License: GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0-only, curated)
Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes, share_alike, source_disclosure
What else should I know?
- Distributing a closed-source product that includes GPL code conflicts with the GPL's source-disclosure duty. Internal use without distribution does not trigger it.
What are the sources?
How can I check it myself (free, no key)?
{
"tool": "check_license",
"arguments": {
"license": "GPL-3.0-only",
"intended_use": {
"commercial_use": true,
"modification": true,
"redistribution": true
}
}
}Computed from a2ally's license profiles; not legal advice. JSON · Markdown
Get a free API key in one call
No card and no email needed. 100 free credits; the license and policy checks stay free without a key.
curl -s -X POST https://www.a2ally.com/v1/accounts/signup -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"accept_terms":true}'
export A2ALLY_API_KEY=rs_... # the api_key from the reply (shown once)
curl -s https://www.a2ally.com/v1/licenses/check -H "Authorization: Bearer $A2ALLY_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"license":"MIT","intended_use":{"commercial_use":true}}'
