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I am writing software (in Java) using three libraries:

  • Library A, licensed under MIT license
  • Library B, licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0
  • Library C, licensed under LGPLv3

I would like to make my software publicly available under the MIT license.

I'm going to include all libraries in source and binary form (jar), including the their original licenses and copyright notices.

I put a LICENSE file at the root of my project with the MIT license.

I believe this should cover all requirements of MIT and LGPLv3, but I'm wondering about the NOTICE file mentioned in the Apache license.



Does this simply mean that I have to include the NOTICE files that come with the library, or do I have to write my own NOTICE file mentioning the libraries and their copyrights?

Second, are there any other requirements that I may have missed?

Finally, let's suppose I'm also using Library D, licensed under GPLv3. How does that change the situation? I understand that in this case I would have to release my project under GPLv3. Any other implications?

Please understand that I'm a student and I cannot afford a lawyer. :)

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up vote 3 down vote accepted

If you are releasing your software with source code under the MIT license you should have no trouble including the other packages with it as long as you comply with the various notice requirements in the licenses. If it is important, check with the copyright holders of the libraries to be sure.

If you are thinking about a binary only release you will need to be sure you comply with the requirements of the LGPL that, in effect, you must allow the user to replace the LGPL library with their own version. (This is very simplified but gets to the intent of the LGPL if not the legal specifics)

If you depend on a GPL library your code is probably considered a derived work and therefor must be released under the GPL. But for certain Java libraries the classpath exception may be relevant

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Thank you, and is it correct that I don't need to write a NOTICE file, I just keep the one that comes with the apache library? –  Dario Sep 3 '13 at 21:26
You probably should include a mention in your Notice file (or equivalent) of the included libraries and the copyrights for them. (e.g. this software includes X, copyright <date>, <owner name>, licensed under the Apache License, for details see <other file>). Even if it is not strictly legally required, it is a nice thing to do. –  Craig Sep 3 '13 at 22:04
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