Python Script licences

Coding Python Support
1

I have noticed that most of the python scripts that I have downloaded have no licence attached and often not even the creators name/alias is in the file.

While I am not new to programming or python I am new to the blender python interface and would benefit from some cutting and pasting of snippets in existing scripts.
I feel reluctant to do this however for fear of violating someones copyright.

I have noted that some scripts have a “ALL RIGHTS RESERVED” line. While I believe I know what the author intended, it is not really clear what my rights are.
Can I run it? Can I give it to a friend? Can I improve it and re-release it? Can I sell it? Can I use 2 lines from it?

Also, as Blender gains in popularity, it will no doubt be included in many linux distributions. Python scripts which have no licence attached would not be allowed to be included in these distributions as the legality for doing so would be in doubt.

While I personally would like to see scripts such as yablex, fiber and truedisp released under the GPL I realize that their authors may not wish to do so.

I guess what I am suggesting is that script authors should be more formal and include a licence in their scripts as a comment.

If there is no licence can I consider them to be public domain? Am I being too nitpicky? What do you think?

2

you have raised a valid point. I would be interested in hearing an answer to this also.

3

Ok, so the scripts are governed by (local) copyright law. Even without a copyright notice, though it is harder to enforce it. What that means is that it isn’t yours, and your can’t redistribute modifications of it.

Though taking 2 lines from it would easily fall under “fair use” and would be difficult for the author to prove (if they cared). Also, except for variable names it is not that unlikely for a particular 2 lines to be used in multiple scripts.

NO!

so:
obtain permission from the author if you want to use large parts or redistribute modifications of it.

You may modify a script without restrictions if you do not release it (nobody will know besides).

there is probably more I left out, but I need to brush up on my IP law anyways. Why do programmers and artists have to know this stuff? (uggh)

4

most blender people would let you use it if you asked