WordPress and GPL License
General Public License (GPL) has been established to protect the freedom of users to modify software and distribute it, thus helping developer’s association to have more options to use it. WordPress uses GPL, and premium plugins and themes are licensed under it. If you wish to develop WP themes for the common public, you have to be familiar with this license that is used by WordPress. For end users like web designers it means freedom to use, modify and even redistribute themes and plugins following GPL terms and conditions.
The Cornerstone of WordPress Development
At its core, WordPress is not just software; it’s a testament to the power of collaborative development under the GPL. This license, established by the Free Software Foundation, is more than just a legal document—it’s a commitment to user freedom. It allows users to modify, distribute, and even create derivative works, ensuring that WordPress remains a versatile and adaptable platform.
Premium Themes and Plugins: Inheriting GPL’s Ethos
When it comes to premium themes and plugins, the GPL’s influence is profound. In line with WordPress’s licensing, these premium tools typically inherit the GPL’s terms. This inheritance means that users of premium WordPress themes and plugins enjoy the same freedoms as those using the core software: the ability to tweak, adapt, and redistribute.
Derivative Works and GPL Compliance
The realm of derivative works—where premium themes and plugins often reside—is where GPL’s impact is most noticeable. By virtue of being built upon WordPress, these products are generally considered derivatives and hence, fall under GPL’s scope. This classification as derivative works is a fundamental aspect of WordPress’s philosophy and a reflection of its commitment to open-source principles.
WordPress.org Official
There is some legal grey area regarding what is considered a derivative work, but we feel strongly that plugins and themes are derivative work and thus inherit the GPL license. If you disagree, you might want to consider a non-GPL platform such as Serendipity (BSD license) instead.
source: https://wordpress.org/about/license/
Authorship and Copyright Claims
It’s common for developers to mark themselves as the authors and claim copyright over their themes and plugins. This is entirely legal and aligns with typical copyright practices. However, the GPL’s stance is that while authors can claim copyright, the freedoms to use, share, and modify the software must be preserved, particularly if the software is considered a derivative of other GPL-licensed work.
Developers and GPL
There are multiple reasons why it can be a good idea to adopt it.
Philosophical Alignment with Open-Source
Adopting the GPL (General Public License) aligns developers and authors with the core principles of open-source software. This alignment is more than a legal obligation; it’s a commitment to a collaborative, transparent, and community-driven approach to software development. The GPL embodies the ethos of sharing, improvement, and distribution, resonating deeply with the values of the WordPress community.
Community Integration and Influence
While many end-users of WordPress may not be explicitly aware of the GPL, its importance is paramount among the community’s key influencers. Figures like Matt Mullenweg, WordPress’s co-founder, are passionate advocates for the GPL. Aligning with the GPL means aligning with the thought leaders and visionaries of the WordPress ecosystem, thereby strengthening a developer’s or author’s position within this vibrant community.
Enhanced Distribution and Marketing Opportunities
The GPL license opens up significant avenues for exposure and marketing. Themes and plugins that comply with GPL can be featured in WordPress’s own repositories, which are significant platforms for discovery and user adoption. This exposure is invaluable for developers seeking to reach a broad audience without incurring high marketing costs.
Ethical and Practical Considerations
On an ethical level, many developers choose GPL to contribute positively to the WordPress community, offering their work in a spirit of generosity and collaboration. Practically, since WordPress itself is GPL-licensed, themes and plugins developed for it benefit from being part of a larger, thriving ecosystem. There’s a mutual benefit: WordPress provides a platform, and developers enrich the platform with their contributions.
Legal Clarity and Compliance
By adopting the GPL, developers ensure legal clarity and compliance. The GPL’s terms are well-established and understood within the software development world, providing a solid legal foundation for both distributing and modifying software. Devtools regularly donates Free Software Foundation.
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