Copylefted software is a form of free software that grants permission to anyone to utilise, duplicate, alter, and distribute it for any purpose, even for financial gain. The distribution conditions of copylefted software prohibit the imposition of limitations if the software is shared in its original or modified form. Consequently, the software remains accessible and unrestricted to all individuals who wish to utilise it. The term “free” pertains to usage rights rather than cost, implying that a user may acquire the initial copy of freeware, yet the software remains accessible for anyone to use and modify.
Copylefted software refers to free software that grants users the freedom to use, copy, modify, and distribute it without any extra limitations. Advocates of open-source software often use this term as the opposite of copyright. For instance, the GNU General Public License (GPL) is a widely used copyleft licence in various open-source software projects, including the Linux operating system. Under this licence, individuals are allowed to utilise, modify, and distribute the software, provided they also distribute the source code and any modifications under the same licence. This example demonstrates how copylefted software operates, highlighting how the GPL licence enables unrestricted usage and modification. Consequently, the software can be freely shared and enhanced by anyone, fostering a collaborative and transparent development process.
A: Copylefted software is a type of software that is licensed under a specific set of terms and conditions that allow users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software, as long as any derivative works are also licensed under the same terms.
A: Copyright is a legal concept that grants exclusive rights to the creator of a work, while copyleft is a licensing mechanism that allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute a work, as long as they also license their derivative works under the same terms.
A: Copylefted software allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute software without having to worry about copyright infringement or licensing fees. It also promotes collaboration and innovation by allowing users to build upon each other’s work.
A: Yes, you can use copylefted software for commercial purposes, as long as you comply with the terms of the license and distribute any derivative works under the same terms.
A: No, you cannot modify copylefted software and distribute it under a different license. Any derivative works must also be licensed under the same terms as the original software.
A: If you violate the terms of a copyleft license, you may be subject to legal action by the copyright holder. This could include damages, injunctions, and other remedies.
A: Copylefted software is typically labeled with a specific license, such as the GNU General Public License (GPL) or the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC-BY-SA) license.
A: Yes, you can use copylefted software in your own software project, as long as you comply with the terms of the license and distribute any derivative works under the same terms.
A: Some examples of copylefted software include the Linux operating system, the Apache web server, and the LibreOffice productivity suite.
A: The choice of copyleft license depends on your specific needs and goals. Some popular copyleft licenses include the GPL, the Lesser GPL (LGPL), and the Mozilla Public License (MPL). It is important to carefully review the terms of each license and consult with a legal professional if necessary.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
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