Re: [gnugo-devel] Re: GnuGo License compatibility with the iPhone and iPad?

[Marc Haisenko]

On Friday 05. February 2010 15:58:35 Joseph Piché wrote:
> > Why this program (http://www.robota.nl/products/iPhone%20iGo.html) can
> > be based on gnugo while it doesn't respect its license?
> 
> If it is based on any version of gnugo, it MUST redistribute its
> entire source code. And if this is the case, and it does not
> redistribute source code, then the developer should be talked to since
> this would then be violating the license.
> 
> > Can I copy the code of a GPLed program and sell my "new program" as
> > proprietary software?
> 
> The GPL does not restrict the selling of software[1]. But if you use
> GPL licensed code in software, the software must be redistributed
> under the same license.
> 
> Hope this helps,
> 
> Joseph Piché
> 
> 
> [1] http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/selling.html

I'm thinking about writing a Go app for iPad myself and thus thought about 
integrating the GNU Go engine.

IANAL, but GPLv3 seems to be incompatible with Apple's AppStore terms so the 
current release is out. But 3.4, which is GPLv2, is indeed compatible as long 
as I provide the source of my Go app under GPLv2 as well. At least that's what 
I've concluded by reading Apple's license agreement that I were forced to sign 
and the GPLv2 plus several online postings. Apple even references the GPL in 
its current license terms.

But the question is: what would you GNU Go developers think if I were to 
release such an app ? Would it be OK with you ? There's no way to integrate 
the complete GNU Go program as launching other processes is forbidden on the 
iPhone/iPad, so I would need to rip out the engine code and integrate it 
directly in my app.

And what if I charged for the app ? I propably can't charge for the app 
itself, but e.g. the graphics. Of course there's little point in that as 
anyone else could just submit the app to the AppStore themselves, but getting 
a little return for investment of becoming an iPhone developer would be nice, 
of course ;-)

Regards,
        Marc