[cc-community] Why the GPL-incompatibility?

Rob Myers rob at robmyers.org
Sat Feb 10 11:09:36 EST 2007


Javier Candeira wrote:

>> In the event that the Modified Software includes a code that is subject
>> to the provisions of the GPL License, the Licensee is authorized to
>> redistribute the Modified Software under the GPL License.”
> 
> I for one would be very happy if cc-by and cc-by-sa would carry equivalent
> language.

Data and media are not programs. They can be distributed with 
GPL-licensed sofware without breaking the GPL. They therefore do not 
require compatibility with the GPL.

It is very easy to imagine scenarios in which BY-SA would clash with 
GPL licensed programs (any in which BY-SA media becomes a software 
resource encoded in a programming language or is expressed 
programatically, e.g. a PostScript image). But it is not necessary to 
structure a program in this way.

Where BY-SA and the GPL do seem to clash are web pages using 
HTML/CSS/images which should be under BY-SA and JavaScript which should 
be under the GPL. Likewise for Flash projects. If the GPL or BY-SA 
prevent a license comment such as "Text and images BY-SA, code GPL" they 
  should be modified to allow it. If they do not, a standard example of 
such licensing should be provided. :-)

- Rob.


More information about the cc-community mailing list