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0 pointsgjsman-10001y ago0 comments

GPLv3 code can’t go into a GPLv2 project - but “GPLv2 or later” licensed code can go into a GPLv3 project.

The main reason is that Matt wouldn’t be able to freeload without relicensing WordPress - which would be a massive headache for him and his partners to go through; and the reason would be patently and embarrassingly obvious.

The goal I described earlier is not to make a WordPress clone that just happens to be free of Matt. There’s plenty of low hanging, long ignored gripes and opportunities for improvement. Offer a better, Matt-free product, and you’ll win.

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ChocolateGod1y ago

> GPLv3 code can’t go into a GPLv2 project - but “GPLv2 or later” licensed code can go into a GPLv3 project.

Has this been proven in court, not implying the legality would be respected in this case though.

kstrauser1y ago

Yes, the GPL in general has been upheld in court. The gist is that the GPL is the only thing giving anyone any right at all to distribute code licensed under it. If you don’t follow its terms, you no longer have that permission.

The question isn’t whether the GPL can restrict you from doing something. It’s just that in the absence of the GPL, you fall back to the default legal rights where you’re not allowed to make copies of that code.

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