Hi,
I am wondering if a software listed on sourceforge.net that has a GNU general public license GPL , can be downloaded, perhaps minimally modified and REBRANDED LEGALLY?

I am wondering if I need to publish original developers names etc. and/or any other requirements I would need to follow.
I wish to do it all legally.

There is a simple php script that I could save some money on if I used the GPL, instead of having it done from scratch.

Thanks,
Jonner

From what I am aware of you need to keep the original GPL branding intact and when you modify it you need to have the modified version available as a GPL as well.

How about say Joomla for example.

I don't think they are required externally of the code to publicise Mambo? Is there a requirement to retain within the code acknowledgement to mambo?

I am uncertain about all this. I know for example ezpublish allow developers to generate their own works etc., for total rebranding.

I'm pretty sure that you are allowed to modify and rebrand anything licensed by the GPL, as long as:

a) The new software produced is also licensed under the GPL
b) Any patents you license in this software must be made freely available for anyone to use
c) The software is still under copyright of the author: you must keep all copyright notices
d) You must make all the source code of your new script/program available (and under the GPL)

You may want to consult a lawyer to make sure...

Shockuk - for 3) do you mean the copyright notices within the code itself that acknowledges the developers along the development process, or the GPL notice to be readily viewable?

Thanks for the replies.

Usually both.

You'll find comments at the top of each source code file, and normally also a "license.txt" file in the directory, both may contain a copyright notice. AFAIK, you're required to keep all the original author's copyright notices intact.

I was meaning what was mentioned about copyright, in that if you work on someting that is GPL you cannot say its yours. Branding was the wrong word...

How about say Joomla for example.

I don't think they are required externally of the code to publicise Mambo? Is there a requirement to retain within the code acknowledgement to mambo?

I am uncertain about all this. I know for example ezpublish allow developers to generate their own works etc., for total rebranding.