Re: using GPL api to be used in a properietary software

[Martin Dickopp]

"Wahaj" <wahaj.khan@ascertia.com> writes:

> I had posted a question on the use of GPL with properietary software. I think
> linking of any kind i.e. static or dynamic of a GPLed API makes the caller to
> also become GPLed. This is clear now. But my original comment was:
>  
> 1) We can create an exe of the GPLed API and call it from a properietary
> application. The exe gets the parameters performs its tasks and the calling
> application can get the output
>  
> The above seems OK as the exe (called it GPL-exe) based on the GPLed API is a
> seperate application and this exe is being called by a properietary
> application. GPL-exe will be based on GPL license and the properietary have 
> its
> own. Is it fine ? Also I believe packaging this GPL-exe with the properietary
> exe have no issue.

You can read about the position of the FSF here:

  http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#MereAggregation

In particular, if the separate GPL'ed executable has no purpose on its
own, but is created solely to circumvent the license of the library,
then it is *not* okay.

Martin