[LEGAL]_Selling Zimlet

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Hanhnth
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[LEGAL]_Selling Zimlet

Post by Hanhnth »

Hi guys,
I wonder if I can sell a program that combine (1) module that written by me (my own zimlet code) and (2) module that based on zimbra open source code? I see in FAQ file, the answer is yes but I must distribute it under the GPL, for the Open Source Server, and CPAL for the Web Client and Community Zimlet.
Don't really understand the part "must distribute it under the GPL, for the Open Source Server, and CPAL for the Web Client and Community Zimlet.", please someone help to explain this.
Thanks
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L. Mark Stone
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Re: [LEGAL]_Selling Zimlet

Post by L. Mark Stone »

I would personally recommend before you do any coding that you seek the advice of experienced legal counsel to better understand your rights and obligations under _all_ of the software licenses applicable to the Zimbra application stack which you might reuse in your code.

A single Zimbra server includes third-party software from _dozens_ of separate open source projects, each with their own licensing terms.

Further, Zimbra's own code includes a mix of open-source and proprietary code, each with different licensing terms as you noticed.

So best to invest a little time and money before you start your project IMHO, rather invest a lot of time and a lot more money dealing with a cease and desist notice and/or a law suit after you go to market.

Hope that helps,
Mark
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jeastman
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Re: [LEGAL]_Selling Zimlet

Post by jeastman »

Hi Hanhnth,
I would personally recommend before you do any coding that you seek the advice of experienced legal counsel to better understand your rights and obligations under _all_ of the software licenses applicable to the Zimbra application stack which you might reuse in your code.
Mark is correct that you will probably want to get appropriate legal counsel on your end. I am certainly not a lawyer.

To do my best and answer your question, there is nothing in the licensing of Zimbra which prevents you from selling anything (see https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.ht ... AllowMoney). But you need to keep in mind that the Open Source License (GPL v2 or CPAL in this case) has some vary particular requirements which you must meet, most notably a copyleft requirement which requires you to provide access to your source code if you decide to distribute a copies of your program which may be considered a "derived work" (basically if you sub-class anything from Zimbra - see https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#OOPLang).

I would suggest having a look at the GNU GPL FAQ (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html) for some other helpful answers and seeking professional counsel for your particular situation.
John Eastman
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