Are Extensions on JED restricted to free usage?

[tijj]

Hello,

I understand that all extensions on JED must be GPL licensed.

Question 1:
If so, why do extension owners impose restrictions such as number of allowed site license after listing them on JED?

Question 2:
Can I use any extensions posted on JED freely in my websites for customer and include in my theme demo packages on sale without restrictions? Please note that I do not mean reselling the extension but using the extension in websites and template demo packages for sale.

Please advise.

Thanks

[pe7er]

If so, why do extension owners impose restrictions such as number of allowed site license after listing them on JED?

The GPL gives the end-user a lot of freedom. You cannot be limited in the use of the software.
However, some developers sell their extension including support,
and I think that they are allowed to limit their support on their extension to one or more sites.

Can I use any extensions posted on JED freely in my websites for customer and include in my theme demo packages on sale without restrictions?

It depends on the license.
You might use GPL software in any way/anywhere you want, study it, modify it and distribute your modification.
Templates also have layout & images which might have another license...

[tijj]

Thanks Peter for the reply. I dont mind support being just for one site. That is fair.

When I asked the developer of the extension(s) if his extensions are GPL, he says - The extension is under GNU GPL license, but the non code files like the images, and sample sliders are not. This makes the GPL extension useless but I guess thats how JED works

He has 3 subscription plans for this extensions - one with 1 site license, another 3 site licenses and then unlimited domains for the same product. There is not pro version.

Isnt this a Violation ? There is no where that says on his site that these plans are for support and this is a huge pricing table.

UR9-Violation - Licensing Restrictions

End Users: This extension developer restricts the license granted in a way that is incompatible with the JED Guidelines and/or the GPL License.

Note: I do not want to resell his extension but I am checking to see if I can use the extension in the Quick start package I create for the Joomla templates that I sell. The Joomla templates are my own.

Thanks

[Vimes]

Note: I do not want to resell his extension but I am checking to see if I can use the extension in the Quick start package I create for the Joomla templates that I sell. The Joomla templates are my own.

According to his/her license, you can legally include the php code, but not the images and other javascript. Arguably, if you removed the images and replaced them with your own, and removed his/her javascript and replaced them with your own then you could do that.

Ethically, I don't think you should do it, but that's just my viewpoint. I understand the desire to build an all-you-can-eat buffet of plugins for a site (we build similar quickstarts) but if you force him to field even one query from a user who hasn't paid for a license, you're risking pissing off a developer who could have been on your side.


FYI there's been some discussion in J circles that the limitations he/she places are not in-line with the GPL. I disagree, but there are valid points to both arguments.

Anecdotally, I used to license my own product in the same way but removed that limitation, and it doesn't seem to have made any impact at all. My experience is that if your product's good enough, the sales will come, regardless of that particular restriction. If I were talking to them, I'd recommend that they remove the restriction. It's pointless and just places a barrier against sales.