GNU/GPL policy help please?

Question

This is straight from the GNU/GPL website;
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLCommercially

Question;
If I use a piece of software that has been obtained under the GNU GPL, am I allowed to modify the original code into a new program, then distribute and sell that new program commercially?

Answer:
You are allowed to sell copies of the modified program commercially, but only under the terms of the GNU GPL. Thus, for instance, you must make the source code available to the users of the program as described in the GPL, and they must be allowed to redistribute and modify it as described in the GPL. These requirements are the condition for including the GPL-covered code you received in a program of your own.

My question:
Can I only have to provide the source code to customers who pay for the program? I want to start a web design business and want to build my own e commerce cart from an existing one, of course I would update the interface by A LOT, and add in some extra features! But if possible I only want paying customers to be able to use it! The policy is kinda confusing to me, because im only fifteen and dont get all this legal mumbo jumbo!

Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

No. If it's under the GPL, the source code must be freely available to everyone. The problem is that the GPL gives the people you sell your program to the right to distribute the program. It basically makes file sharing legal for that program. If you license your program under the GPL, you're allowing the people that get the source code to distribute the code themselves provided the abide by the terms of the GPL, so even if you only give the source code to a few people, *they* are allowed to give it away to anyone they want.



The other problem with this is that the GPL has what is called a copyleft clause. Basically, you are legally obligated to give the original developers any improvements you have made. Instead of forking the project, you might as well just help improve the existing one.



Typically, companies that use the GPL make their money either by selling extensions for the code (like Red Hat) or by selling support contracts. In your case, the customers would be paying you to design the website. Even though the programs you use to create the website are open source and freely available, you are being paid for your services as a web designer. The shopping cart program can be a tool you use, not the end result.



The whole point in the GPL is that it forces people to release their own program as open source. More liberal licenses, such as the Apache license, will let you do what you want but the GPL will not.

Answer 2

Actually, you don't have to provide the source. But, your customer has to be aware that the source is available, and, if the customer asks, you have to provide it Your customer must also be aware that the software is GPL..



Or, you can provide the source, along with the commerce cart. Again, the customer must be aware that it is GPL. You may NOT change the license from GPL.



However, nothing prevents your customers from selling, or giving away the software. After all, you are beginning from a GPLd software base -- and YOU didn't pay for it (I assume).



Basically, the model to use is to provide the customization service, and on-going service. "The software is free, but my time costs money".



If you want complete control, you will have to put the effort in to do it all yourself. Then, it's yours to do with as you please. GPL is an indication that the original author wanted a "share and share-alike" policy for the software.



Notice that the software is "free" -- but the modifications to customize take time and effort. That time and effort can be (and should be) charged for. The customer will still get a better deal, because he doesn't have to pay for the GPL software, and would have to pay for customizations even for non-free software.

Answer 3

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