Can I modify GNU GPL software for my proprietary software application?
I have a client and they have developed a new proprietary software app using open source GPL software.
They were distributing app w/o giving out source code. This is not allowed under GPL. You can modify GPL'd software and include it within a proprietary software app but can not distribute it. Google/Yahoo and many other service providers do use modified GPL'd software. But they simply don't distribute it to 3rd party.
More resources...
I am glad that they are now distributing source code. If you are in such problem I recommend following resources:
- Official GPL License - A must read for you.
- Wikipedia GPL page - You will get tons of information here.
- Understanding Open Source and Free Software Licensing by Andrew M. St. Laurent - This is an excellent book explains your licensing options, how they compare and interoperate, and how license choices affect project possibilities. If you're an open source/free software developer, this book is an absolute necessity.
- Open Source Licensing: Software Freedom and Intellectual Property Law - A complete guide to the law of open source for developers, managers, and lawyers
- Producing Open Source Software: How to Run a Successful Free Software Project
And simple answer to this question is NO 
If you have more resources or suggestion please feel free to leave a comment.
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- Basic difference between the GPL and the public domain
- GPL version 3 released
- Understanding and comparing various open source licenses
- Why use GPL version 3 - Why upgrade from GPL 2 to GPL 3 ?
- First ever GPL Violation Lawsuit filed
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If anyone has such a requirement, using a software with BSD License will do the trick.
By the way, the link to GPL in the line ‘Official GPL License - A must read for you.’ does not work.