CGAL users discussion list

[Maria Dubrovskaya <>]

Yes, Phil, it's what I was talking about. You covered it generally.
 

Patric, Phil, thank you guys for informative responses. All this is very useful for me.
 
Best wishes,
Maria

On Fri, Feb 12, 2016 at 4:02 PM, Phil Weir <> wrote:

On 02/12/2016 12:12 PM, Maria Dubrovskaya wrote:

Phil,
the question is still not about LGPL'd library code itself, but about my own code. Is the person who created not just another modification, but an _official_ improvement (the last official library version) still responsible for making sure it works correctly with my application or I must do it myself in this case?

Ah, I think I see what you're asking - sorry, I can see the confusion, based around the word "responsible". If a user creates a modified version, they have no /obligation/ to make it work with your code under the LGPL -- but they may (or may not) want to try to hook it into your code, which is what the LGPL is trying to protect - their freedom to slot in an altered version. However, it's up to them whether they care about breaking or maintaining compatibility with your application when they modify it.

In the case of the official project, it is unlikely they would be particularly concerned about this (i.e. you probably care more than them whether later versions of CGAL still work with your code). In the case of a client of yours, who uses your product heavily and wants to incorporate some CGAL bugfix that appeared after they got the application from you, they may reckon it's worth the effort of updating the LGPL CGAL library themselves and running your application with their custom version. You need to let them, by allowing linking of their version, but it's ultimately up to the client to get the bugfix working /if they want to/.

As Patric says - check the license text, the FAQ and, better yet, consult a decent IP lawyer -- especially if it's a commercial product and as you have expressed several uncertainties, this is likely to be worth the investment. (apologies Patric, just saw your post but thought the wording clarification above might still help)

Best wishes,
Phil

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