strange symphonies

The GNU Public License Version 3 is just on the Horizon

June 3rd, 2007 by aizatto

The GNU Public License (GPL) Version 3 is just on horizon, with a recent and final draft being released a few days ago. The GPLv2 is the choice of license for large portion of the number of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) out there. It’s been doing a great job since it came back in 1991, but things change over time. Overtime new problems pop up, that need resolving.

What is the GPL?

From the License itself:

When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not price. Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you have the freedom to distribute copies of free software (and charge for them if you wish), that you receive source code or can get it if you want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new free programs, and that you know you can do these things.

Note: Emphasis by me

Richard Stallman himself has written up an article on “Why Upgrade to GPL Version 3“.

First of all, it is important to note that upgrading is a choice. GPL version 2 will remain a valid license, and no disaster will happen if some programs remain under GPLv2 while others advance to GPLv3. These two licenses are incompatible, but that isn’t a serious problem.

[snip]

Microsoft made a few mistakes in the Novell-Microsoft deal, and GPLv3 is designed to turn them against Microsoft, extending that limited patent protection to the whole community. In order to take advantage of this, programs need to use GPLv3.

Note: Emphasis by me.

Sadly there isn’t much discussion about GPLv3 in the local scene. Would any of you adopt it for you a new project?

Creative Commons v3 came out a while ago, and now GPL v3 will follow.

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