1. What license is Mambo released under?
Mambo is released under the GNU GPL. A copy of this is included with your copy of Mambo and can also be found at http://www.fsf.org/licenses/gpl.html. Unofficial translations can also be found at http://www.fsf.org/licenses/translations.html.
2. Who owns the copyright to Mambo?
The copyright to Mambo is held by Miro International Pty Ltd. Miro were the original authors of Mambo and continue to actively support the project.
3. Are there any restrictions to your use of Mambo?
The GNU GPL grants you the freedom to use the software for whatever purpose you see fit.
4. May I charge money for Mambo?
The GPL allows everyone the freedom to do this. The right to charge money to distribute Mambo is part of the definition of “free” software.
When people think of “selling software”, they usually imagine doing it the way most companies do it: making the software proprietary rather than free. So to avoid ambiguity you may you may charge to distribute the software and any other service you provide along the way. You may not charge for the software itself.
Remember if someone pays your fee the GPL also gives him or her the freedom to pass on the software with or without a fee.
5. May I remove “powered by Mambo, Copyright Miro etc” from the footer?
Yes you can although we would hope that you would retain it as a badge of honour.
6. May I remove the “copyright” statements from the source code to Mambo?
No, you must keep all copyright notices and credits in the source code.
7. Does the GPL mean that my website content is also GPL?
No. The copyright and license of Mambo does not cover the content that you create. Using Mambo does not place any restrictions, legally, on the license or copyright you use for the content of your website.
8. I have modified Mambo for my own web site. Do I have to release these modifications?
The GPL permits anyone to make a modified version for their own use without the requirement to distribute it or pass on those changes to others.
9. I have made a modification (hack) to the Mambo core code. Do I have to release it under the GPL?
If you chose to distribute your modifications to others it must be released under the same terms that you received the original code. So your modifications must be released under the GPL. You may of course in this case modify the headers for the source code to include your own copyright statement. If you do so you must clearly annotate in the source code your amendments, changes or additions.
10. I have written a Component, Module, Template for Mambo. Do I have to release it under the GPL?
No The GPL allows you to write your own extensions for Mambo and to release those extensions under whatever license you chose.
11. I have written a Component, Module, Template for Mambo and released it under the GPL and I charge a fee for it, but website X is giving it away for free.
If someone pays your fee the GPL also gives him or her the freedom to pass on the software with or without a fee. Placing a restriction on someone’s use of GPL licensed software is in breach of the GPL itself.
12. May I purchase a copy of Mambo, which has the copyright statements removed?
Although other GPL products may be available in this way Mambo is not.
13. I believe person A is in breach of the GPL what should I do?
You should report it. First check all the facts that you can and then report it by sending an e-mail to license-violation@mamboserver.com.
14. Who has the power to enforce the GNU GPL license of Mambo?
Only the copyright holder, Miro International Pty Ltd, has the power to do this. If the Mambo Development Team finds, or is made aware of, a breach of the GPL they will report it to Miro for them to take any necessary action.
Miro takes copyright infringement very seriously and will prosecute to the full extent of the law.
15. Website X is using, or offering, my non-GPL Component, Module, Template without my permission, or in breach of its license, can you help me?
Whilst this is not within the remit or responsibility of Mambo we are willing to act as intermediaries in this on your behalf. In most cases these situations arise out of simple misunderstandings and can be settled amicably. You should e-mail full details to license-violation@mamboserver.com.
DISCLAIMER
This document refers to the software program Mambo, Version 4.x and all subsequent versions, released under the GNU General Public License and copyright Miro International Pty Ltd.
This document is subject to additions, modifications and other changes at any time without notice.
A lawyer has not prepared this document. You should consult a lawyer experienced in copyright, licensing and intellectual property for clarification.
Document Rev. 1.4 – 17th August 2004