📜 License

Quick Summary

✅ You CAN:

• Use Freely: For commercial or non-commercial purposes
• Modify: Change the source code to fit your needs
• Distribute: Share the original or your modified version
• Private Use: Use internally without sharing

📋 You MUST:

• Disclose Source: Provide source code when you distribute
• Same License: License your modifications under GPL v3
• Include Copyright: Keep copyright and license notices
• State Changes: Document significant modifications

❌ You CANNOT:

• Sublicense: Change the license to something else
• Hold Liable: Blame developers for damages
• Proprietary Fork: Create a closed-source version

Why GPL v3?

We chose GPL v3 (copyleft license) to ensure:

• Freedom Protection: All derivatives remain open source
• Community Benefit: Improvements are shared with everyone
• No Exploitation: Corporations can't take ktroid private
• Long-term Sustainability: The tool stays free forever

Full License Text

GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
Version 3, 29 June 2007

Copyright (C) 2026 ktroid Contributors

This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
(at your option) any later version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
GNU General Public License for more details.

You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.

---

For the complete GPL v3.0 license text, visit:
https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html

For Users

Using ktroid in Your Projects

If you use ktroid to BUILD apps:

• ✅ Your apps can be licensed however you want
• ✅ Your apps can be proprietary/closed-source
• ✅ You don't need to open-source your app code
• ✅ GPL only applies to ktroid itself, not what you build with it

For Developers

Modifying ktroid

If you want to modify ktroid's source code:

Private Modifications (No Distribution)

• ✅ Modify ktroid for personal use
• ✅ Use modified version privately
• ✅ No obligation to share changes

Public Distribution (Sharing Your Version)

• 📋 MUST open-source your modifications
• 📋 MUST license under GPL v3
• 📋 MUST include source code
• 📋 MUST credit original authors
• 📋 MUST document your changes

Creating Forks or Derivative Works

If you create a fork (e.g., "SuperKtroid"):

1. Fork the GitHub repository
2. Make your modifications
3. Keep GPL v3 license
4. Add your copyright notice (alongside existing ones)
5. Document changes in CHANGELOG or README
6. Make source code publicly available
7. Don't claim it's the official ktroid

For Companies

Commercial Use

• ✅ Use ktroid to develop commercial apps
• ✅ Use ktroid in corporate environments
• ✅ Integrate ktroid into CI/CD pipelines
• ✅ No license fees or royalties

Restrictions

• ❌ Cannot create proprietary versions
• ❌ Cannot sell ktroid without source code
• ❌ Cannot sublicense or relicense

Offering Services

• ✅ Offer ktroid consulting services
• ✅ Provide ktroid training
• ✅ Sell support contracts
• ✅ Charge for customization (if you release source)

Third-Party Components

ktroid uses these third-party components, each with their own licenses:

Compliance

How to Comply with GPL v3

If you distribute a modified version of ktroid:

1. Source Code Availability

2. License Notice

Include this at the top of modified files:

3. Change Documentation

Create a CHANGES.md or update README with:

• What you modified
• Why you modified it
• When modifications were made

4. License File

Include the full GPL v3.0 license text in a LICENSE or COPYING file.

Violations

What Happens if Someone Violates GPL?

GPL violations are taken seriously:

• Copyright holders can take legal action
• Violators may be required to open-source their code
• Damages may be awarded
• Injunctions can prevent further distribution

Reporting Violations

If you find someone violating ktroid's GPL license:

1. Document the violation (screenshots, URLs, etc.)
2. Contact the violator privately first
3. Report to ktroid maintainers if unresolved
4. Consider contacting Software Freedom Conservancy

FAQ

Q: Can I use ktroid in my company?

A: Yes! Absolutely. No restrictions on commercial use.

Q: Do apps built with ktroid need to be GPL?

A: No. Your apps are yours. GPL applies to ktroid, not what you build with it.

Q: Can I sell my modified ktroid?

A: Yes, but you must provide source code and keep GPL v3 license.

Q: Can I fork ktroid and keep it private?

A: Yes, if you don't distribute it. GPL only applies when you share.

Q: What if I just want to add one feature?

A: Submit a Pull Request! We welcome contributions.

Q: Can I use a different license?

A: No. Only the copyright holders can change the license.

Resources

• Full GPL v3.0 Text
• GPL FAQ (Official)
• GPL v3.0 Summary
• What is Free Software?

Contact

License questions or concerns?

• GitHub Issues: Open an issue
• Email: legal@ktroid.dev

Free as in freedom, not just free as in beer. 🍺✨