Hi Gabe, On Fri, May 29, 2009 at 1:34 PM, Gabe Folsom <[email protected]> wrote: > The website also > warns that ffmpeg is LGPL but some components are > GPL licensed and that if you use them you must abide > by the GPL license. Again, if you are not using things > in the binary does this apply?
The GPL talks about distribution, so it doesn't matter what you think you're using or not. What matters is what you're distributing. If the binary you're distributing contains GPL code, it must be distributed under the terms of the GPL. If it contains only LGPL code, it may be distributed under the terms of the LGPL or GPL at your choice. > Or would a custom binary > with these components not included need to be compiled? Yes. > If the sources are not altered and you are compiling the > binary as is, would you be subject to the LGPL/GPL > for the program written that is invoking the ffmpeg binary? You don't have to license that other program under the GPL/LGPL, if that's what you mean. But don't forget that if you're distributing ffmpeg as a separate binary, then that binary of ffmpeg must still be distributed under the GPL/LGPL, including inclusion of sources, distribution of licensing terms. Also, the EULA of the product as a whole may not violate the GPL (e.g. you may not prohibit reverse engineering in your products EULA). Diego can tell you more but he probably wants to start a law firm and demand fees. :-). Read the GPL/LGPL texts when in doubt and consult an actual non-IANAL lawyer. IANAL, Ronald _______________________________________________ libav-user mailing list [email protected] https://lists.mplayerhq.hu/mailman/listinfo/libav-user
