License interpretation

[Asha]

Hi:

I am trying to understand the GNU LGPL license. Most of it goes over my head. :~(

My requirement is simple:
I like what JFreeChart has to offer. I don't think I'll be modifying code. I would be happy with "jcommon-0.5.3.jar" and "jfreechart-0.7.1.jar".
My code that would use JFreeChart would be part of a non-free client application and also running on the server for a non-free web app (the graphs would be generated on the server and the generated images will be sent to the client/browser).

Given that I will NOT be modifying code, do I still need to distribute the source code of JFreeChart? One of my concerns is size - 1MB vs. ~300KB.
Also, is there a difference in this area between client app and web app (on the server)?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

[David Gilbert]

Hi Asha,

If your server application is just serving up HTML and image files then I think you can argue that you are not distributing the software (unless of course you are selling the application for other people to run on their servers), so you don't need to make the JFreeChart source code available.

In that case, it would be great if you would:

(a) include a notice somewhere in your application (and its documentation) that says you are using JFreeChart, with a link to the JFreeChart web page;

(b) send in reports of any bugs you find.

This is not a legal requirement though...just a good thing to do.

For a client application, you are distributing the code, so you do need to comply with the terms of the LGPL. Section 4 of the licence gives you an option to make the code available separately from the run-time, if you are worried about the file size of your application.

If you haven't modified the library in any way, I consider that a prominent notice in your application and documentation pointing users to the JFreeChart web page meets the spirit, though not the letter, of the licence's requirement to make source code available.

Keep in mind that there are other requirements as well, like including the copyright notice and a copy of the licence so that users are aware of the "no warranty" conditions attached to the code.

There is more information about the LGPL at the Free Software Foundation website:

http://www.fsf.org

For any remaining concerns about the licence, you should consult an IT lawyer.

Regards,

DG.

[Nancy Brown]

And if we displayed the copyright notice somewhere on the pages where the charts appear or on our opening application page, would it say?


(C)opyright 2000-2002, by Simba Management Limited.
All rights reserved.


Is there a long form version of this notice that must be displayed somewhere as well?

What image might we use to provide a link to your homepage?