Dear FSF India community,
I wish to get answer to a specific doubt, and I feel that this is a good place to get it resolved.
I have recently published a software under GPLv3+. It so happens that a collaborator of mine is insisting on changing the name of the package. However, since the package is already in a public domain, I feel that it is not permitted by the license to rename it. As per my understanding, a modification is allowed but then it must involve some change to the underlying source code, not mere renaming of the package.
Also, since we are the authors of the original package also, would it be appropriate to not explicitly credit the authors of the original package in case we are allowed to publish the package with the exactly same source code but different name? If not, what is the best way ahead?
Thanks and regards, SS
On 2020, ഡിസംബർ 23 12:06:46 PM IST, Snehal M Shekatkar snehal@inferred.co wrote:
Dear FSF India community,
I wish to get answer to a specific doubt, and I feel that this is a good place to get it resolved.
I have recently published a software under GPLv3+. It so happens that a collaborator of mine is insisting on changing the name of the package. However, since the package is already in a public domain, I feel that it is not permitted by the license to rename it. As per my understanding, a modification is allowed but then it must involve some change to the underlying source code, not mere renaming of the package.
Holders of copyright can make any changes they wish in any version. You cannot revoke or change license of a published version. But you can make a new release with new name.
Also, since we are the authors of the original package also, would it be appropriate to not explicitly credit the authors of the original package in case we are allowed to publish the package with the exactly same source code but different name? If not, what is the best way ahead?
If you hold the copyright, you are not bound by GPLv3. If you wrote the code, where is the question of credit ?
Even for other people's projects you can rename as long as you provide 4 freedoms as per GPL. It does not talk about credits or name.
Thanks and regards, SS
That's quick and very helpful. Highly appreciated. Thanks so much!
SS
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Pirate Praveen -
Snehal M Shekatkar