Re: [xml] GPL and other licensing issues

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From: Daniel Veillard (Daniel.Veillard@w3.org)
Date: Mon Feb 14 2000 - 06:59:37 EST

On Mon, Feb 14, 2000 at 12:02:02PM +0100, Peter Jacobi wrote:
>
> Hi Daniel, all,
>
> I just tried to understand the GPL governing the use and
> distribution of libxml. And I didn't succeed.

  Then look at the W3C IPR under which libxml is also released
(W3C holds the Copyright and releases if under 2 licences):
 http://www.w3.org/Consortium/Legal/copyright-software-19980720.html

 it may suit you best.

> Some of my questions are:
>
> 1. Can I create and distribute a 'derived work' all source code free
> and under the GPL, when this 'derived work' needs an XML data file
> a third party holds copyright of? (provided that this third party will
> allow me the use of their copyrighted data)

  the data file is an input ? if yes i don't see the problem.

> 2. Can I create and distribute a DLL exporting the SAX interface
> under GPL and package it together with a commercial application
> using it through the exported SAX interface?

  yes

> 3. Can I create and distribute a 'derived work' as an DLL under
> GPL, exporting an API I definded and package it together with a
> commercial application using it through this exported API interface?

  yes

> Sorry for these questions from the dark side, but please note the
> users get the benefit of data and configuration files in XML. So they
> can take their data and configuration and migrate to a free software
> solution if they choose so.

  As long as you provide the source code of your changes i guess there
is no problem with the GPL. The W3C Licence doesn't even requires source
code availablility of derived work. But I would prefer patches if they
are generic enough.

Daniel 

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