Full In-Depth Article
The GNU General Public License (GPL) is one of the most influential and widely used software licenses in the world — and also one of the most misunderstood.
Some users believe GPL means “free of cost forever.” Others assume it means “anything goes.” Both assumptions are wrong.
This guide explains what GPL really is, what rights it gives you, where its limits are, and how to use GPL-licensed products responsibly.
What Is the GPL License?
GPL is an open-source software license created to protect user freedoms while ensuring that software remains open and shareable.
At its core, GPL guarantees four essential freedoms:
- The freedom to use the software for any purpose
- The freedom to study how the software works
- The freedom to modify the software
- The freedom to redistribute the software under the same license
These freedoms are legally protected, not informal promises.
Why GPL Is So Popular (Especially in WordPress)
Platforms like WordPress are built entirely on GPL-licensed software. As a result:
- WordPress core is GPL
- Most WordPress themes and plugins are fully or partially GPL
This encourages:
- Innovation
- Community contribution
- Rapid development
GPL has enabled one of the largest ecosystems of digital products ever created.
What You Are Allowed to Do Under GPL
When a product is genuinely GPL-licensed, you are legally allowed to:
- Use it on unlimited sites
- Modify the code
- Study and learn from it
- Share the software under the same GPL terms
There are no usage limits imposed by GPL itself.
What GPL Does NOT Give You
This is where most confusion occurs.
GPL does NOT:
- Transfer trademark rights
- Grant brand ownership
- Guarantee official support
- Guarantee updates
- Provide commercial endorsement
For example, while the software code may be GPL, brand names, logos, and trademarks are often protected separately.
GPL vs Trademarks: A Critical Distinction
GPL applies to code, not branding.
This means:
- You may use or modify the software
- You may NOT claim affiliation with the original author
- You may NOT misuse brand names or logos
Failure to understand this distinction leads to most legal issues.
Can GPL Products Be Used Commercially?
Yes — GPL allows commercial use.
However:
- Some use cases require original licenses
- SaaS, resale, or client redistribution may have additional obligations
- Compliance remains the user’s responsibility
GPL provides freedom, but it does not remove accountability.
Modified, Repackaged, and Redistributed GPL Products
GPL allows redistribution — but with conditions:
- The same GPL license must apply
- Source code access must remain available
- No additional restrictions may be imposed
Some products may be:
- Modified
- Optimized
- Bundled
- Repackaged
This is legally allowed under GPL, provided terms are respected.
Common Misconceptions About GPL
Misconception 1: GPL Means Illegal or Pirated
GPL is a legal license recognized worldwide. Misuse comes from misunderstanding, not from GPL itself.
Misconception 2: GPL Means Lifetime Updates
GPL does not guarantee updates. Updates depend on the distributor’s policies.
Misconception 3: GPL Removes All Responsibility
GPL gives rights, not immunity. Users remain responsible for how they use the software.
How Best GPL Approaches GPL Products
At Best GPL, we aim for transparency:
- We clearly state when products are GPL-based
- Products may be modified or redistributed
- We do not claim affiliation with original authors
- Trademarks remain with their respective owners
Products are primarily intended for:
- Learning
- Testing
- Evaluation
- Development environments
When You Should Buy an Original License
Purchasing directly from original vendors is recommended when:
- Running production or client-facing projects
- Requiring guaranteed updates or support
- Needing legal assurances or SLAs
- Using branding commercially
Affordable access and official licensing serve different stages of the same journey.
Final Thoughts
GPL is one of the most powerful tools for software freedom ever created — when used correctly.
Understanding what GPL allows and what it restricts protects both users and creators.
Used responsibly, GPL enables learning, innovation, and experimentation without unnecessary barriers.