Usage of KiCAD in Commercial Setting

[azumakazuma]

Using the (L)GPL as an open-source hardware license?

Hi guys, I use the GPLv3 for my applications and the LGPLv3 for my libraries. In a similar fashion I’d like to use them for my open-source hardware projects (GPL for schematic and PCBs, LGPL for schematic symbols and PCB modules). The Open-source hardware wikpedia page mentions that: Rather than creating a new license, some open-source hardware projects simply use existing, free and open-source software licenses. These licenses may not accord well with patent law. This makes me worried and…

Default libraries: GPL licencing vs proprietary designs

Today I’ve stumbled upon one interesting topic concerning licensing aspects of the default Kicad libraries (for symbols and components). As we know, Kicad is licenced under GNU GPL v2. And this means the libraries provided with the package fall under this license too. In the essence, this license means all the derivatives must be licensed under the same or less restrictive terms (open source provided free of charge). Now, my question: What happens if I use these libs in non-GPL more restrictiv…

Both the links above discuss the licensing behind KiCAD (GPL 3). However, in the hypothetical situation, if I signed an NDA for a company, then they request me to find a PCB software to develop some PCB and I chose KiCAD, would I have to publicly release the design and layout of the PCB under GPL?

I am just a bit confused on how far the GPL’s reach extends in regard to hardware developed by the open source software.

Any comments would be helpful!!
Thank you!

[hermit]

GPL3 is about the KiCAD software, not what you design with it. Unless you get in and make changes to the KiCAD software and then distribute the software with the changes, then this does not apply to you.

[azumakazuma]

Got it, thanks a lot!

[praveenmayur]

I want to use kicad for pcb design in the corporate company where i am working.
Can i use this software for commercial use for designing pcbs. Does GPL3 license comply with it?

[retiredfeline]

Yes, hermit already answered the question above. You are free to use GPLed software to design products which will not be GPLed. It’s the same for other GPL software; e.g. compiling a program with gcc doesn’t make the programs you build GPLed.

[praveenmayur]

Thank You Team for quick response.