I'm contemplating creating a "derived work" based on the Linux Kernel but am not sure what my obligations would be under the conditions of the GPL v2. I'm no lawyer so I am confused about section 2 of the GPL v2 (included for reference).
It seems to me that I would need to use the GPL for my "derived work" only
if I were to distribute or publish my "derived work." Furthermore, if this
is the case, what constitutes "distributing" and/or "publishing."
Say I were to use my "derived work" strictly for testing proprietary
interfaces. Interfaces that I am not allowed to disclose to the general
public and will most definetely upset my employer very much if I were to do
so. I can create a "derived work" based on the Linux kernel and not license
it under the GPL so long as it is never released? Or, would it be the case
that letting someone else (someone on my team) use the "derived work"
constitutes "distribution."
Does anyone have experience with creating derived works from software
licensed under the GPL v2, and if so can you share your thoughts?
Thanks, Adam
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2. You may modify your copy or copies of the Program or any portion
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--
"Intelligence is the ability to avoid doing work, yet getting the work
done."
-Linus Torvalds
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