Lego violates GPL by keep Blender-based BrickLink Studio source closed (2021) (devtalk.blender.org)

Article summary

Lego's BrickLink Studio software allegedly uses Blender's Cycles renderer, which is licensed under the GPL. The source code for BrickLink Studio is not publicly available, potentially violating the GPL. The situation was discovered through a discussion on a forum, where a user found evidence of Blender's code in the BrickLink Studio binary. The GPL requires that derivative works be distributed with the source code or a written offer to distribute the source code.

Main themes

• GPL violation
• Lego's compliance
• Open-source licensing
• Software distribution
• Corporate responsibility
• Intellectual property law

What commenters say

• The GPL requires that companies like Lego distribute the source code or provide a written offer to do so, and not doing so is a clear violation.
• Lego should be given the opportunity to remedy the situation before any further action is taken.
• The fact that BrickLink Studio includes licenses for other libraries, such as ffmpeg, suggests that they may be aware of their obligations under the GPL.
• The GPL violation may not be a result of malicious intent, but rather a lack of understanding or oversight.
• Companies should follow the licenses from the beginning, rather than relying on others to police them.
• The situation highlights the importance of including the GPL license file and a written offer for source code with distributed software.
• Lego's size and resources do not excuse them from complying with the GPL, and they should be held to the same standards as smaller companies.
• The outcome of this situation may have implications for how companies approach open-source licensing and compliance in the future.