Re: Quick Question about GNU Octave using

[John W. Eaton]

On 07/09/2018 11:38 AM, Ian McCallion wrote:

> Another possible interpretation of "Commercial Use" is a product that is 
> sold but depends on Octave to work and the user is instructed to install 
> Octave before trying to use the product.
>
> I assume this is allowed.

I'm not a lawyer, but as I understand, it depends on the details and 
whether the product is a derivative work of Octave.  The method of 
distribution doesn't really matter.  If a product actually "depends on 
Octave to work" then that sounds like a derivative work of Octave to me.

Also, whether the product is sold or not is irrelevant.  The GPL does 
not prohibit commercial activities.  It prohibits creating proprietary 
derivative works.

jwe