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Does the GPL present any special challenges for businesses developing or distributing products with embedded software?

April 26, 2017businesses challenges developing distributing embedded GPL PRESENT products Software special

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Does the GPL present any special challenges for businesses developing or distributing products with embedded software?

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The GPL does not expressly impose any special obligations on embedded software businesses, but embedded businesses should consider whether the GPL presents any unique risks based upon scenarios common to the embedded product space. For example, the manufacturer of a hardware system that includes some embedded GPL software and some of the manufacturers own proprietary software may find it particularly important to carefully assess whether the GPL and proprietary software form a mere aggregation (GPL infection disclaimed under Section 2); a collective work (GPL infection apparently intended); or something else altogether. Some embedded software developers, such as Caldera and Wind River, have publicly expressed concerns about the risks associated with the GPL.