By JoeD74 on

Hello,

I have a question and I hope someone can shed some light on this topic. I am currently developing a site using the Drupal software. I found an article on the site that states:

"Drupal itself is under the GPL, and all modules, themes, translations, etc. that are hosted here on Drupal.org are also under the GPL."

I know if I revamp the Drupal code, it is still under the GPL but If I hire a developer to create me a module for my website, does that fall under the GPL or do I maintain the rights to the code since I have hired someone to code it for me? Anyone that can provide me any information on this would be great. Thank you

Joe

Comments

das1’s picture

das1 commented

Doesn't the GPL just mean that when you distribute it in binary form you have to inlcude the source code? Also the person you give it to can also redistribute as long as he/she includes the source code. At least thats my (very basic) understanding of the GPL. If you make a module for your site you don't have to release it.

boris mann’s picture

boris mann commented

We had some of these discussions at DrupalCon. Modules may or may not be GPL. All modules on Drupal.org *must* be under GPL to be hosted here. As long as you don't redistribute (i.e. give/sell the code to someone else), you are under no obligation to give the code back.

Of course, you lose many of the advantages from working with an open source codebase.

Depending on your country, work-for-hire laws actually say that the *developer* retains the copyright (copyright is separate from licensing) unless specifically indicated otherwise in a previously signed employment contract.

The general consensus seemed to be that modules which are not hosted here could potentially be under a different license.

Hopefully that helps answer your question.