[Libav-user] Using DNxHD decoder in commercial software

[Carl Eugen Hoyos]

Info || Non-Lethal Applications <info at ...> writes:

> On 11 Jan 2016, at 12:47, Carl Eugen Hoyos wrote:
> Info || Non-Lethal Applications <info <at> ...> writes:
> > I have a question about the DNxHD/VC-3 decoder included 
> > in libavcodec. I’d like to use it in a commercial 
> > product and I’m not sure if this is allowed.
> 
> What makes you think that we distribute software that we 
> don't want you to use?
> 
> My point is not that I’m not allowed to use it at all 
> but the part COMMERCIAL.

As said:
FFmpeg is (only) distributed under the terms of the LGPL.
The LGPL does not allow to restrict "usage" of the software 
except that you have to agree to the no-warranty clause to 
be allowed to use it. The LGPL restricts distribution 
though.
Neither for usage nor for distribution does it matter if 
you have a commercial interest or not.

[...]

> Can you or anyone else tell me how this “patent 
> license” is handled with FFmpeg and LGPL?

We (the FFmpeg developers) do not know anything about 
patent licenses: Neither have we read it nor we know 
what it says.
I don't think anybody on this mailing list can answer 
your question, please ask your lawyer.

Carl Eugen