GNU Lesser General Public License
About this form
The GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) is a legal document that outlines the terms under which free software libraries can be used, modified, and distributed. This license allows developers to incorporate these libraries into their own software, even if that software is not released under the same license. This is a key distinction from the standard GNU General Public License (GPL), which requires derivative works to also be open source.
Key components of this form
- Preamble: Explains the goals of the LGPL and its distinctions from other licenses.
- Rights and Restrictions: Details the permissions granted to users and the obligations they must fulfill when distributing modified versions of the library.
- Modification Guidelines: Lays out the conditions under which modifications to the library can be made and redistributed.
- Conditions for Linking: Specifies how and when other software can be linked to the library without violating the LGPL.
- Commercial Rights: States that users have the right to charge for the distribution of the library and any derived works.
When to use this document
You should use the GNU Lesser General Public License when you want to make your library available for free use while allowing it to be included in proprietary software. It is particularly useful for developers who intend to contribute to free software projects but also want to encourage wider adoption of their libraries in non-free applications.
Who needs this form
- Software developers who create libraries and want to allow others to freely use and modify their code.
- Organizations producing open-source software that may need compatibility with proprietary applications.
- Contributors to free software projects who aim to maintain some level of proprietary use while promoting free software principles.
How to prepare this document
- Start by including the appropriate copyright notice at the beginning of the library code.
- Specify that the library is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License.
- Enclose any modifications with clear documentation of the changes made.
- Include a copy of the license with any distribution of the library.
- Make sure to inform users about their rights under this license.
Notarization requirements for this form
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Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Typical mistakes to avoid
- Failing to include the full text of the LGPL with the library distribution.
- Not providing proper attribution and copyright notices for the original work.
- Modifying the terms of the LGPL when redistributing without proper authorization.
Why complete this form online
- Instant access to the latest version of the license, ensuring compliance with current legal standards.
- Convenient download options allow for easy storage and distribution.
- Reduces the overhead of legal documentation by providing a pre-drafted, attorney-reviewed license.
Legal use & context
- The LGPL is recognized internationally for open-source software licensing.
- Ensure compliance with both LGPL terms and any applicable local laws when distributing.
- Software that incorporates LGPL libraries must adhere to its terms even if the software itself is proprietary.
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FAQ
GPL is the acronym for GNU's General Public License, and it's one of the most popular open source licenses. Richard Stallman created the GPL to protect the GNU software from being made proprietary.
GPL stands for General Public License. LGPL is like an amended version of GPL. It stands for Lesser General Public License. It limits your requirement to provide some of your code, but you still are required to divulge the modifications that you implement.
3 Answers. In short: yes you can. But one important thing to take care of is that the GNU LGPL covered library is dynamically linked, not statically mixed with the main application. It should also be possible to exchange that dynamically linked library for an independently compiled build.
The GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) is a free-software license published by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).The LGPL is primarily used for software libraries, although it is also used by some stand-alone applications.
You mention that it is licensed under the LGPL, with reference to the full license. That you distribute the code, and any changes to it, under the terms of the LGPL. You must release the source code in it's preferred form (not minified or obfuscated), including any changes that you make to it.
In short: yes you can. But one important thing to take care of is that the GNU LGPL covered library is dynamically linked, not statically mixed with the main application. It should also be possible to exchange that dynamically linked library for an independently compiled build.
License is LGPL. It is a bad idea, for proprietary vendors will not be able to include this software into their systems. It must be non-copyleft.It allows proprietary vendors to integrate open-source code directly, without thinking too much.
