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💡intro to intellectual property review

GNU General Public License

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The GNU General Public License (GNU GPL) is a widely-used free and open-source software (FOSS) license that provides users with the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. It is a key alternative form of copyright that aims to promote collaboration, transparency, and the free distribution of software.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The GNU GPL was created by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) to ensure that software remains free and open-source.
  2. The GPL requires that any modified or derived works be distributed under the same or compatible license terms, ensuring the continued freedom of the software.
  3. The GPL is considered a 'copyleft' license, as it uses copyright law to achieve the goal of keeping the software free and open-source.
  4. The GPL allows users to run, study, share, and modify the software, but requires that any changes or improvements be shared back with the community.
  5. The GPL has become one of the most widely-used FOSS licenses, with a significant portion of open-source software being licensed under the GPL.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the GNU General Public License (GPL) promotes the free and open-source distribution of software.
    • The GNU GPL is designed to ensure that software remains free and open-source by requiring that any modified or derived works be distributed under the same or compatible license terms. This 'copyleft' approach uses copyright law to achieve the goal of keeping the software free and open, allowing users to run, study, share, and modify the software, while also requiring that any changes or improvements be shared back with the community. The GPL has become one of the most widely-used FOSS licenses, contributing to the growth and adoption of free and open-source software.
  • Contrast the GNU GPL with proprietary software licenses and discuss the implications for software development and distribution.
    • Unlike proprietary software licenses, which restrict the use, modification, and distribution of software, the GNU GPL promotes the free and open-source distribution of software. Proprietary software is owned by a company or individual and is subject to strict licensing terms, whereas the GPL allows users to run, study, share, and modify the software freely. This difference in approach has significant implications for software development and distribution. The GPL encourages collaboration, transparency, and the continuous improvement of software by the community, while proprietary software often limits the ability of users to access, understand, and build upon the underlying code. The GPL's 'copyleft' mechanism ensures that the software remains free and open-source, fostering a more collaborative and innovative software ecosystem.
  • Evaluate the role of the GNU GPL in the broader context of alternative forms of copyright and their impact on the software industry and society.
    • The GNU GPL represents a significant alternative form of copyright that has had a profound impact on the software industry and society. By providing a legal framework for the free and open-source distribution of software, the GPL has challenged the traditional proprietary software model and has been a driving force behind the growth of the FOSS movement. This alternative approach to copyright has enabled greater collaboration, transparency, and innovation in software development, as users are empowered to access, modify, and contribute to the software they use. The GPL's 'copyleft' mechanism has also influenced the development of other FOSS licenses, further expanding the options available to software developers and users. In the broader context of alternative forms of copyright, the GPL has demonstrated the potential for copyright to be used as a tool for promoting the public good, rather than restricting access and innovation. The widespread adoption of the GPL and the success of FOSS projects have had far-reaching implications, influencing the way software is developed, distributed, and used, and ultimately shaping the technological landscape and the way we interact with digital technologies.