Can a user redistribute pay-only GPL derivative? and more...

[Florian Purucker]

Hi!


> 1)      Am I correct in understanding that: Under GPL, one can
> release a derivative work of another GPL'd project, as long as it is
> also under GPL, and the second party can even charge for the
> derivative work (and only send sources and/or binary after payment).

Yes. The second party also needs to deliver the sources if the binary 
has already been sold and the source was not included.


> 2)       If the above statement is true, can a third party now use
> the source code provided by the second party (that charges) and
> create a new (double derived!?) program and sell or give it away
> (under GPL)? Is there any obligation from the third to the second
> party once the transaction is complete (other than GPL)?

No, the only obligations are within the GPL itself.


> 3)      Would there be any legal implications / gpl problems /
> copyright violations in a case where a user redistributes a GPL'd
> program+code that the original author charges for?

No, the GPL explicitly states this is possible. Charging for the 
software doesn't affect the GPL.


> 4)      Is there any difference for interpreted script programs (ala
> PHP) where the source essentially is the program?

I don't think so, since either way, a GPL'd program needs to include the 
source or distribute it on demand. So with PHP, the source comes always 
with the program.

Florian
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