I would like to start using Pandoc in my commercial software [1] to help convert documents into different formats, but the GPL license makes that difficult (or at least confusing.) I think it's generally fine to call a GPL program from a SaaS application. I believe it's fine as long as it is providing an optional or tangential feature, and your application can continue to perform the core functions when that GPL tool is not present. AGPL licenses go a step further and prevent access to any AGPL commands over the network, so that's when a commercial license is always required.
Am I allowed to distribute GPL programs contained inside a Docker image for on-premise installations? Do I just need to provide proper credit and a link to the source code?
Or is there a commercial license available for Pandoc? (I couldn't find anything.)
UPDATE: I've decided to evaluate pandoc and see if it might be useful for supporting Markdown and Word formats, etc. If it is, then I'll reach out to John McFarlane and ask about a commercial license (or just something in writing), perhaps in exchange for sponsorship on GitHub.
As a lawyer -- If you are actively running a commercial enterprise, which you seem to be, these are questions for an attorney in the field. Not me, unfortunately, licenses were never in my area of practice. But you probably want to take the time and bit of cash to make sure you're not potentially opening yourself up to litigation.
> I've decided to evaluate pandoc and see if it might be useful for supporting Markdown and Word formats, etc. If it is, then I'll reach out to John McFarlane and ask about a commercial license (or just something in writing), perhaps in exchange for sponsorship on GitHub.
Better to just use a GPL compatible distribution method: pandoc has 349 contributors; none of them signed a copyright assignment, so you'd need permission from each and every contributor to use the software in a way not permitted by the GPL.
If you need a freelancer with deep pandoc knowledge, please do reach out. I'm happy to help.
You seem to be focused on the intersection of GPL and AGPL code with commercial software which is actually not really relevant other than that you may care more about the legalities under those circumstances. For the GPL, the question is whether your work links in the GPL code. If it merely executes another program in userspace that shouldn't be an issue but you should consult a lawyer if you have serious questions.
Am I allowed to distribute GPL programs contained inside a Docker image for on-premise installations? Do I just need to provide proper credit and a link to the source code?
Or is there a commercial license available for Pandoc? (I couldn't find anything.)
[1] https://docspring.com
UPDATE: I've decided to evaluate pandoc and see if it might be useful for supporting Markdown and Word formats, etc. If it is, then I'll reach out to John McFarlane and ask about a commercial license (or just something in writing), perhaps in exchange for sponsorship on GitHub.