LGPL Version Exclusivity (Was: Releasing software under both LGPL 2.1 & 3 - A good idea?)

James Knott james.knott-bJEeYj9oJeDQT0dZR+AlfA at public.gmane.org
Thu Nov 6 22:40:10 UTC 2008


Mike Oliver wrote:
> Quoting Scott Elcomb <psema4-Re5JQEeQqe8AvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org>:
>
>> On Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 2:30 PM, Scott Elcomb <psema4-Re5JQEeQqe8AvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org> wrote:
>> [...]
>>
>> In following up with licensing-at-gnu.org, I received this reply:
>>
>>  The "later version" option doesn't mean that the software is licensed
>>  under both LGPLv2.1 and LGPLv3. It means that the software is licensed
>>  under LGPLv2.1 *or* LGPLv3 (with an exclusive "or"), and it is the
>>  option of the distributor to choose which one.
>>
>> I've responded by saying that I'm still thinking on the matter and
>> that I'd be in touch in a few days.
>>
>> I can't quite put my finger on it, but this just strikes me as wrong.
>> (I can release under the LGPLv2.1, but if I want an LGPLv3 version out
>> there someone else has to do it?)
>>
>> Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on this.
>
> I'm not a lawyer, but I just don't believe this can be correct.  I think
> this may be what the GNU people would *like* you to do, but I can't
> see how
> they can keep you from releasing your IP under whatever licenses you
> like.
> You have no contractual relationship with them at all.
>
> Or have I missed something?
>
You can licence under multiple licences.  Here's an example of one instance:
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081104-diebold-faces-gpl-infringement-lawsuit-over-voting-machines.html


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