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Are WordPress plugins freely copyable by virtue of needing to be under same license as WordPress?

by carlos123
3 replies
I am thinking of creating a WordPress plugin for sale but I am concerned that the code must apparently be licensed under the open source type license that WordPress itself is under.

That license allows anyone to simply copy the code and freely use it or share it.

If any of you have created premium WordPress plugins how do you deal with the concern that others might do just that under the required license that your code must be under?

Why should anyone pay you for a plugin that is under an open source, GPL license?

For that matter what is to keep someone from simply using your plugin as their product and selling it themselves under a better arrangement for end consumers than you are able or can offer yourself (don't know if you all know this or not but a GPL license allows you to do that too)?

Any input on this would be appreciated.

Carlos
#copyable #freely #license #needing #plugins #virtue #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author website design
    Anything that requires modification of the main wordpress files to function might be difficult. Most plugins function outside the main wordpress files so you can charge whatever you want. Truth is that nobody is really going to go after you if you're charging for any kind of plugin.
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    • Profile picture of the author RobinInTexas
      The plugin may or may not be using the wordpress code, or it may be a bridge to the code and be released under it's own more restrictive license.

      It's an endless discussion, read all about it here: Would Wordpress Sue The Maker Of Thesis, A Leading Wordpress Theme? - with Chris Pearson and Matt Mullenweg | Business Tips


      Originally Posted by Istvan Horvath

      A while ago the owner of this forum said it was dumb to ask legal questions in a public and international forum... knowing that the regulations are all different for different jurisdictions.

      I guess his post is still valid

      I am not a lawyer, in fact have no legal training whatsoever. I don't even play a lawyer on tv.
      In no event will I be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of my opinion. Taking legal advice from anyone via the internet is a bad idea, you should do your own research and consult proper legal counsel before embarking on anything after breakfast.
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      Robin



      ...Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just set there.
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  • Profile picture of the author carlos123
    Thanks for the replies you all.

    However...if I may say so...

    I wasn't asking whether I can charge for a plugin. I know that such is fine and done all the time.

    And I wasn't even asking a lawyer type question (aside from the fact that I disagree completely that it is dumb to ask legal type questions on a forum that spans international boundaries - the GPL doesn't care which jurisdiction you live in for purpose of legality - it is what it is).

    What I was asking about was how plugin authors deal with the concern that others might simply take their code (licensed under the GPL) and do whatever with it.

    My focus was on the concern and addressing that - NOT the legality of whether they could do that or not which I believe under the GPL people can most certainly do that. I mean buy a copy of a plugin licensed under the GPL and then simply copy it, give it away, or even sell it to others for cheaper.

    Thanks.

    Carlos
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