GNU Lesser General Public License v3

1. License Overview

The GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) Version 3 is a free software license that provides a middle ground between the full copyleft GPL and more permissive licenses. It is specifically designed for software libraries like our PDFReport PHP library.

This license ensures that the library remains free and open-source while allowing developers to use it in their own projects, including commercial and proprietary applications, without requiring them to release their entire application under the LGPL.

2. What You Can Do

Under the GNU LGPL v3, you have the following freedoms when using the PDFReport library:

Use the Library: You can use the PDFReport library in any project, whether it's open-source, commercial, or proprietary, without any restrictions on the license of your main application.

Distribute the Library: You can distribute the unmodified PDFReport library along with your applications, as long as you include the proper license notices.

Modify the Library: You can modify the PDFReport library to suit your needs, fix bugs, or add features for your own use.

Link Dynamically or Statically: You can link to the PDFReport library either dynamically (recommended) or statically in your applications.

3. Your Obligations

When using the PDFReport library under LGPL v3, you must comply with these requirements:

Preserve License Notices: You must keep all copyright notices, license notices, and disclaimers intact when distributing the library.

Provide License Text: You must include a copy of the GNU LGPL v3 license with any distribution that includes the PDFReport library.

Source Code Availability: If you modify the PDFReport library, you must make the source code of your modifications available under the same LGPL v3 license.

Installation Information: If you distribute a product that includes a modified version of the PDFReport library, you must provide sufficient information to allow users to replace the library with a modified version.

4. Modifications and Derivatives

Special considerations apply when you modify the PDFReport library:

Modified Versions: Any modifications you make to the PDFReport library itself must be released under the same LGPL v3 license. This ensures that improvements benefit the entire community.

Combined Works: Your application that uses the PDFReport library is considered a "Combined Work". Your application can be under any license, but the PDFReport portion must remain under LGPL v3.

Derivative Libraries: If you create a new library based on PDFReport, that derivative library must also be licensed under LGPL v3 or later.

5. Commercial Use

The LGPL v3 is business-friendly and allows commercial use:

Commercial Applications: You can use the PDFReport library in commercial software without having to release your application's source code.

Selling Software: You can sell applications that include the PDFReport library, as long as you comply with the license terms.

Internal Use: Companies can use and modify the PDFReport library for internal purposes without any obligation to distribute the source code, as long as the software is not distributed outside the organization.

6. Compliance Best Practices

To ensure proper compliance with the LGPL v3 license:

Documentation: Clearly document which version of PDFReport you're using and where users can find the original source code.

License Files: Include the complete LGPL v3 license text in your distribution, typically in a file named "LICENSE" or "COPYING.LESSER".

Source Access: Ensure that users can access the source code of the exact version of PDFReport you're using, either by providing it directly or pointing to the official repository.

7. Compatibility with Other Licenses

The LGPL v3 is designed to be compatible with many other licenses:

GPL Compatibility: LGPL v3 code can be incorporated into GPL v3 projects, but not the other way around without careful consideration.

Proprietary Compatibility: Applications under proprietary licenses can link to LGPL v3 libraries like PDFReport.

Apache/MIT Compatibility: LGPL v3 can generally coexist with Apache 2.0 and MIT licensed components in the same project.

8. Patent Protection

The LGPL v3 includes explicit patent protection clauses:

Patent Grant: Contributors to the PDFReport library automatically grant users a patent license for any patents they hold that are necessary to use the library.

Termination Clause: If you sue someone for patent infringement related to the library, your license to use the library is automatically terminated.

9. No Warranty Disclaimer

Users and distributors should understand that:

• There is no guarantee that the software will work for any particular purpose

• The original authors are not liable for any damages resulting from the use of the software

• Users assume full responsibility for testing and validating the software for their use cases

10. Getting Help with LGPL Compliance

If you need assistance with LGPL v3 compliance:

Official Documentation: Consult the complete license text at https://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl-3.0.html

Legal Advice: For complex scenarios, consult with a qualified attorney specializing in software licensing

Community Resources: The Free Software Foundation provides guidance and resources for LGPL compliance

AlienProject Support: For questions specific to the PDFReport library, contact us through the methods provided in our Terms of Service

11. License Evolution

The LGPL v3 allows for license compatibility with future versions:

"Or Later" Clause: The PDFReport library is licensed under "LGPL v3 or any later version", allowing users to choose to apply the terms of newer versions of the LGPL as they become available.

Backward Compatibility: This ensures that the library can benefit from future improvements to the LGPL while maintaining current compatibility.

12. Conclusion

The GNU LGPL v3 strikes an excellent balance between protecting software freedom and enabling commercial use. It ensures that the PDFReport library and its improvements remain available to everyone while allowing maximum flexibility for developers who want to use it in their projects.

By choosing LGPL v3, AlienProject.org demonstrates its commitment to open-source principles while recognizing the practical needs of developers and businesses who want to create both free and commercial applications using our library.

Remember: This page provides a general overview of the LGPL v3 license as it applies to the PDFReport library. For complete legal details, always refer to the official license text and consult with legal professionals when necessary.