Re: Org-mode exporters licensing

[Eric S Fraga <e.fraga@ucl.ac.uk>]

On Monday, 27 Jul 2015 at 10:06, Marcin Borkowski wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I'm preparing a tutorial on writing Org-mode exporters.  To this end,
> I'm writing a (simplistic) Oddmuse/WikiCreole exporter.  Rather
> obviously, I'm modeling it on existing exporters (mainly ox-latex),
> which seem to share a lot of structure (function names and docstrings in
> particular).  I'd like to put my code in public domain.  However,
> I reuse parts of GPL'd code (as I mentioned, quite generic ones, but
> still).  Is it fine, or should I expect a visit from EFF lawyers or
> something?

If you reuse GPL code, you have to distribute your code under GPL as
well basically.  From the COPYING file in the org distribution:

    [...]

    For example, if you distribute copies of such a program, whether
    gratis or for a fee, you must pass on to the recipients the same
    freedoms that you received.  You must make sure that they, too,
    receive or can get the source code.  And you must show them these
    terms so they know their rights.

    Developers that use the GNU GPL protect your rights with two steps:
    (1) assert copyright on the software, and (2) offer you this License
    giving you legal permission to copy, distribute and/or modify it.

    [...]

Oh, and it's FSF lawyers you should worry about, not EFF!  Two different
organisations albeit with some overlap in goals.

HTH,
eric
-- 
: Eric S Fraga (0xFFFCF67D), Emacs 25.0.50.1, Org release_8.3beta-1293-g985420