wxWindows library license infected by GPL?

[Daniel Carrera]

> We are wondering about the wxWindow license.  We like to develop a 
> commercial application using this toolkit.  We are worried that the 
> exceptions listed under the license will be voided by the viral effect 
> of the GPL license.

1. The GPL license is not viral.  It is not POSSIBLE to write a viral 
license, even if you try, because such a thing is not permitted under 
copyright law.  That is, no one can force you pick a license.  All I can 
do is say that you can use my work under such and such conditions.  If you 
don't comply with those you have to either stop using my work without 
permission or comply with my terms.  There is a difference here.  The GPL 
never forces you to use the GPL.  You always have the choice to just not 
use my work.

Even if you have already begun distributing work that illegally copies my 
GPL code, your work does not become GPL.  But you might get a letter from 
my lawyer telling you to stop.


2.  The point is moot, because wxWindows is not GPL.


> Are the exception notice invalidated by the GPL?

No.

Suppose I release my work under a license that says "GPL + the following 
exeptions".

Then my work is not being released under the GPL.  It is being released on 
a different license.


Furthermore, wxWindows' license is not even based on the GPL to begin 
with.  It is based on the LGPL which is designed to permit libraries to be 
used on closed-source projects.


> So we would have to GPL the rest of our application if we use wxWindows 
> in it?

No.  wxWindows is already frequently used on closed-source applications.

Given your misunderstanding of the GPL and the wxWindows license, I would 
guess that you probably think that the GPL requires you to give out your 
application for free.  A lot of people think that.  This is not true.  You 
say "commercial" as if the GPL could only be used on non-commercial 
software.  You are always allowed to charge money for the software.  The 
GPL simply stipulates the terms of distribution of the software.


You might argue that the GPL makes it difficult to charge a very large 
ammount for software because people will be tempted to just make their own 
copies.  This is correct.  But it is an orthogonal issue.  Not to be 
confused with the actual terms of the GPL.

Best,
Daniel.
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