LGPL, implemented interfaces and subclasses

[lacito]

Hello,

 

I would like to qoute from the LGPL 3.0 license, then I would like to ask help to interpret it.

Quote

"An “Application” is any work that makes use of an interface provided by the Library, but which is not otherwise based on the Library. Defining a subclass of a class defined by the Library is deemed a mode of using an interface provided by the Library."

As far as I can understand that part of the license subclasses (which extend LGPL-licensed classes) and classes (which implement LGPL-licensed interfaces) don't have to be LGPL-licensed.

Using an interface provided by the Library means (for me):

- Instantiating an LGPL-licensed class, calling it's method, using it's public variables.

- Calling static method of an LGPL-licensed class.

- Using static constants of an LGPL-licensed class.

* If that's what they mean when they talk about "use of an interface provided by the Library", then the Application can be licensed using another type of license (BSD, MIT, propietary or commercial, etc.) Right?

And subclassing is "deemed a mode of using an interface provided by the Library".

And if * is true, then subclasses can be licensed using another type of license (BSD, MIT, propietary or commercial, etc.), too, and not LGPL. (Of course... Nothing prevents you to use LGPL license. :))

 

And dear friends,

I don't want to fan up the fire. I only want to understand LGPL. I hope you can help me.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Laszlo Sas

 

 

Post Edited by lacito at 07/14/2010 08:46

[lucianc]

Apparently there are no lawyers following this forum :)

As far as I know, LGPL permits interface implementations and class inheritance.  Read http://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl-java.html which describes inheritance as a form of linking.

Regards,

Lucian

[lacito]

Thank you, Lucian! :)

 

Regards,

Laszlo