The GPL paradox: polarisation and flexibility

In the past seven years, the GPL has remained the most popular open source licence. We do not expect any significant sudden drop, or boost, in adoption following the introduction of GPL3 and its AGPL3 brethren. The open source licensing landscape will remain polarised between GPL-type licences that impose a number of requirements on software distributors and so-called 'permissive' licences that allow software distributors to do whatever they wish to. On the other hand, with the evolution of the terms of permissive licences as well as middle-of-the-road Mozilla ones, the GPL 'blending' is easier and clearer. So again, it is a question of carefully considered choice.

This report looks at the OSS licensing landscape and the potential legal implications of GPL. (For further discussion on the GPL, please see the companion report to this entitled 'GPL opportunities and risks'.)