Can I remove the Copyright notice of a php script licensed under GPL?

Question

I am using a PHP script and the developers website states that we can't modify the Copyright because its licensed under GPL/GNU. The thing is the Copyright will be on every page of my entire website and also has a link to their website and as the developer of the script states, we can use and modify the script but cannot edit the Copyright because its licensed under GPL. I am not even sure that is what GPL is about, getting Backlinks? I was hoping I could remove it or at least put the Copyright as a comment that can only be seen by viewing the websites source code. What are all my options? Thank you all very much in advance!

Answer 1

Is it GPL v2 or GPL v3?



No matter. The GPL is specific enough about what folks who want to put their software under the terms of the GPL must do. And it is specific enough about what folks who want to use GPL'd software must do.



I would shoot an email to Richard Stallman (or his cohorts) at the FSF and point out to him (or them) whatever retarded provisions the developer of the script may have added to the FSF's brilliantly written GNU GPL stipulations. In the meantime, I think that you'll be safe just adhering to the provisions of the GPL, whichever version is specified by the developer.



If at some point the developer bothers you about not fulfilling his added gobbledygook while using his script, advise him to speak to the FSF about his rights and responsibilities when putting his code under the GNU GPL. If he's straddling some sort of freedom versus control fence regarding his creations, he needs to pick a side: Free software or Proprietary software. He needs to make up his mind; does he want to adhere to the GPL or not.



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I've heard a couple of conversations about this topic on the Free As In Freedom oggcasts. If someone is going to use the GNU GPL, he or she should not attempt to add provisions to it. Doing so just gums up the works and thwarts the purpose of the GNU GPL.

Answer 2

If you put it in the comments, nobody is going to see it. So you're already prepared to deprive the developer of the credit, you're just looking for legitimation.

And you already know that it is morally wrong to remove the copyright notice, whether the GPL allows for it or not.

I do get where you're coming from, and I assume this isn't about stealing the credit, just about removing the notice for aesthetic reasons.



Go ahead and do it, who's going to care, right?

Answer 3

If those are the terms imposed by the developer then you cannot do anything about it. If you do not like the terms you will need to find an alternative script. If this script does what you need then you can use it and give the author the credit they deserve.