EUPL vs. LGPL

Attribute	EUPL	LGPL
License Type	Open Source	Open Source
Version	1.2	3.0
Scope	Software	Software
Compatibility	GPLv2	GPLv3
Derivative Works	Allowed	Allowed
Modifications	Allowed	Allowed
Patent Grant	Yes	No

Introduction

Open source licenses play a crucial role in the software development community by governing how software can be used, modified, and distributed. Two popular open source licenses are the European Union Public License (EUPL) and the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). While both licenses are designed to promote the sharing and collaboration of software, they have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different types of projects.

Scope of Application

The EUPL is a copyleft license that is specifically tailored for software developed by public administrations within the European Union. It is designed to ensure that the software remains open source and freely available to the public. On the other hand, the LGPL is a permissive license that allows developers to link their software with libraries licensed under the LGPL without requiring the entire project to be open source. This makes the LGPL more flexible for commercial applications.

Modifications and Derivatives

Under the EUPL, any modifications or derivatives of the original software must be released under the same license. This ensures that the open source nature of the software is preserved and that any improvements made by the community are shared with others. In contrast, the LGPL allows developers to make modifications to the licensed software without being required to release the source code of their changes. This makes the LGPL more attractive for proprietary software development.

Compatibility with Other Licenses

One of the key differences between the EUPL and LGPL is their compatibility with other licenses. The EUPL is not compatible with the GPL, which can limit the ability to combine EUPL-licensed software with GPL-licensed software. On the other hand, the LGPL is designed to be compatible with both the GPL and proprietary licenses, making it easier to incorporate LGPL-licensed libraries into a wide range of projects.

Enforcement and Compliance

Enforcement and compliance with open source licenses are essential to ensure that the rights of developers and users are respected. The EUPL includes provisions for the termination of the license if the licensee fails to comply with its terms, which can help to prevent misuse of the software. In comparison, the LGPL relies on the copyright holder to enforce compliance with the license, which may require legal action in cases of non-compliance.

Community and Collaboration

Both the EUPL and LGPL are designed to promote community and collaboration in the development of software. By making the source code of the software freely available, developers can learn from each other, contribute improvements, and build upon existing projects. While the EUPL emphasizes the sharing of modifications and derivatives, the LGPL focuses on allowing developers to use libraries in their projects without imposing restrictions on the rest of the code.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the EUPL and LGPL are two popular open source licenses that offer different approaches to promoting the sharing and collaboration of software. The EUPL is a copyleft license that requires modifications and derivatives to be released under the same license, while the LGPL is a permissive license that allows for more flexibility in how the software is used. Understanding the attributes of each license is essential for developers to choose the right license for their projects.