volume_mute

GPL and Proprietary Products

publish date: 2026/06/13 03:24:44.125348 UTC

volume_mute

A software company is developing a commercial product they plan to sell. They want to use an open-source library component in their product but keep the source code of their product proprietary. Which license type for the open-source component would create a problem for this plan?

BSD License - because it prohibits use in proprietary systems

LGPL - because it requires the entire product to be rewritten in the licensed language

MIT License - because it prohibits commercial sale of products

GNU GPL - because it is a reciprocal license that requires any product using GPL software to also be made open source

Correct Answer

GNU GPL - because it is a reciprocal license that requires any product using GPL software to also be made open source

Explanation

The GNU GPL is a reciprocal license - if you use GPL-licensed software as part of a software product, then that product must also be made open source. This is a problem for a company trying to sell a proprietary product. If they want to sell their software and keep the source code secret, they should avoid using GPL-licensed open-source components in its development.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Open-Source Development