When to evaluate dual licenses

Matthew Flaschen matthew.flaschen at gatech.edu
Thu Dec 13 22:16:15 UTC 2007


Lawrence Rosen wrote:

> As for forking a "GPLv2 or later" project into a "GPLv3 only" project, I
> don't think that would be allowed unless the original licensor makes that
> choice clear in something more specific than a "GPLv2 or later" statement. 
> 
> In a world where licensors' intentions aren't always clear, how would you
> expect the courts to interpret the word "or" in simple "GPLv2 or later"
> statements?
> 
> /Larry

GPLv2 explicitly says (in the body):

"Each version is given a distinguishing version number. If the Program
specifies a version number of this License which applies to it and "any
later version", you have the option of following the terms and
conditions either of that version or of any later version published by
the Free Software Foundation."

That, to me, would allow choosing GPLv3 only for my modifications.

Matt Flaschen




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