2006-05-15 09:32:00

by Srinivas G.

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Subject: GPL and NON GPL version modules

Dear All,

I have a small doubt about the GPL and NON GPL version modules.

If I have a module called module A which uses the GPL code and module B
uses the NON GPL (proprietary) code. If the module A depends on module
B, is it possible to load these modules?

Will it be violating any GPL Rules?

Regards,
Srinivas G


2006-05-15 12:08:50

by Jan Engelhardt

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Subject: Re: GPL and NON GPL version modules

>
>If I have a module called module A which uses the GPL code and module B
>uses the NON GPL (proprietary) code. If the module A depends on module
>B, is it possible to load these modules?
>
Technically yes.

>Will it be violating any GPL Rules?
>

[ big IANAL sticker ]

More or less. If my understanding of the GPL is correct, the "combined"
thing (the kernel machinery, as in: the contents of your RAM) becomes GPL.
But since proprietary code involved, it's gets a hell lot more complicated,
since, obviously, you can't just GPLize proprietary code of others.



Jan Engelhardt
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