Skip to content

CS Professional · Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Cyber Security - Laws and Practice · Softwares and Software Security

A developer in Hyderabad releases a tool under GPL. A Chennai firm modifies it, bundles it into a product and distributes the product to customers without providing source code. What is the correct position?

The Chennai firm likely breaches the GPL. GPL is a copyleft licence, so when a modified or derivative work is distributed, the source must be made available under the same licence. Distribution without source violates the terms, and modification does not give the firm ownership of the original code.

  1. AThe firm likely breaches GPL, since distributed derivative works must be made available under GPL with sourceCorrect
  2. BThe firm is fine because modification gives it ownership of the whole code
  3. CThe firm is fine as GPL applies only to internal use
  4. DThe firm must only pay a one-time fee to the developer

Explanation

GPL is a copyleft licence: when a modified or derived work is distributed, it must be licensed under GPL and source must be made available. Internal use alone does not trigger this, but distribution does. Modification does not transfer ownership of the original code, and GPL does not require a fee.

Did you get it right without looking?

One question tells you little. A timed set on Softwares and Software Security shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.

Practise Softwares and Software SecurityFree diagnostic mock

More Softwares and Software Security questions