[vtkusers] BSD license question

Berk Geveci berk.geveci at kitware.com
Wed Mar 18 11:46:38 EDT 2009


> 1. If we release an application that links with the VTK Dlls
> statically , is it necessary to  attach the license at all ? I am asking
> this because the clauses
> only refer to REDISTRIBUTION. However, we only use a statically
> linked VTK and do not redistribute the dlls.
> This came to my mind because the license seems to make a difference between
> redistribution and usage:
>
> Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, .....
>
> the following list of license requirements however only refers to
> REDISTRIBUTION and not to USE.

I'd say yes, you have to include the VTK copyright/statement in your
documentation. "Redistributions in binary form" would include
statically linking to VTK libraries as you are distributing VTK object
files as part of your binary.

> 2. Another question: the BSD-license will have no effect concerning the
> distribution of our application.
> E.g. others wont be able to use our binaries for free -- correct ?

It is your choice. You can distribute you application free or sell it.
VTK license does not impose any conditions other than the inclusion of
the copyright/license statement in your documentation.

-berk



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