Changing JBoss Source code before distribution

[vanaja]

Hi,

I understand that JBoss uses the LGPL licensing. While I think I understand what it means, I would still like an explicit answer to this question.

I need to modify some JBoss source code related to Jetty. I am going to be using JBoss for my application. Now, is it ok to go ahead and make the changes to the JBoss source and give the modified Jboss server along with my application OR do I have to request for some permission to do so (like buy a license) OR make changes to the copyright.

I will be extremely thankful if someone can help me here and clarify things.

TIA,
Vanaja

[tobias]

IANAL but my understanding is that paragraph 2 and 4 of the LGPL do apply to your question. Please review the LPGL at http://www.fsf.org/licenses/lgpl.html .

My conclusion is that if you make changes to JBoss itself (and you are not only using it as it is) and you want to distribute the changed code you have to make the source code of the changed version of JBoss (and ONLY of JBoss, NOT of your application which is using JBoss) available at no cost under LGPL license to everyone.

If you sent the changes back to JBoss.org and they are merged into the JBoss source code then JBoss.org will do that for you ;-).

[vanaja]

Thanks Tobais. Thats the impression that I got from reading the LGPL. I feel much safer though, confirming it from you folks. Else, there is always the fear that my interpretation may have been wrong.

- Vanaja