maemo.org - Talk - licensing - Let's do the thing right:

Quote:

Originally Posted by erniadeldesktop (Post 821777)

wait.. I've just read in the GPL faqs that I can sell my crap, but if some of the buyers want to distribute it for free he can.
I feel kind of disappointed.. but ok...
so what is the best way to avoid getting my idea on "iphones" or on MS whatever?

The spirit of the GPL is to create a software ecosystem where you don't continually have to reinvent the wheel and can concentrate on contributing new code to take software forward.

You benefit from being able to freely use others' GPL code as long as you make your new work available to everyone on the same terms.

What are your motivations for considering the GPL in the first place? If it's to avoid paying a license for Qt or to use others GPL'd work in a closed manner you will be disappointed and it's not for you.

On a side-note - I don't know the current situation but I was under the impression that you couldn't release iPhone apps under the GPL - this may have changed with the recent restatement of the appstore developer terms. This would have the side-effect that if you GPL your code someone can't recompile it for the iPhone (putting architectural differences to one side) and put it out for that device anyway. Don't know about the forthcoming Win7Mobile store.

In short if you are looking to monetize your software through sales the GPL may not be the best route for you. If you are looking to do something cool or interesting please go for it!