License comparison
GPL-2.0 vs GPL-3.0: what changed
Both versions require corresponding source when you distribute a covered binary. GPL-3.0 adds an express contributor patent license and, for relevant User Products, Installation Information that lets recipients install and run modified software. Those additions can affect a device's release design. The grants compared here are version-specific: GPL-2.0-only does not let you choose GPL-3.0 just because it is newer.
Compare the permissions, limits and obligations recorded in each guide. Read the license text for the full conditions that apply to your release.
Permissions
GPL-2.0-only
Commercial use
You may ship the code inside a paid product. The license does not restrict commercial use.
Modify
You may change the code, including keeping those changes private, unless a later obligation says otherwise.
Distribute
You may give copies to others. Distribution is what usually turns notice and source duties into real work.
Private use
Use inside your company, including internal forks, does not by itself trigger distribution duties.
GPL-3.0-only
Commercial use
You may ship the code inside a paid product. The license does not restrict commercial use.
Modify
You may change the code, including keeping those changes private, unless a later obligation says otherwise.
Distribute
You may give copies to others. Distribution is what usually turns notice and source duties into real work.
Private use
Use inside your company, including internal forks, does not by itself trigger distribution duties.
Limits
GPL-2.0-only
Hold liable
The authors disclaim warranty. Recipients cannot hold them liable for damages arising from the software, except where law forbids that disclaimer.
Use trademark
The license is not a trademark license. Names, logos and product marks stay with their owners unless a separate grant says otherwise.
Open your product
Copyleft can reach a combined work you distribute, not only the original files. How far that reaches in your stack is a counsel question.
Network copyleft
Classic GPL has no network clause. Offering the program as a hosted service, without distributing a copy, does not by itself trigger the source offer.
Move to GPLv3
GPL-2.0-only pins version 2. Recipients cannot elect GPLv3, which is why Apache-2.0 code does not combine cleanly with this grant.
GPL-3.0-only
Hold liable
The authors disclaim warranty. Recipients cannot hold them liable for damages arising from the software, except where law forbids that disclaimer.
Use trademark
The license is not a trademark license. Names, logos and product marks stay with their owners unless a separate grant says otherwise.
Open your product
Copyleft can reach a combined work you distribute, not only the original files. How far that reaches in your stack is a counsel question.
Network copyleft
Classic GPL has no network clause. Offering the program as a hosted service, without distributing a copy, does not by itself trigger the source offer.
Obligations
GPL-2.0-only
Include copyright
Keep copyright notices on distributed copies.
Include license
Give recipients a copy of the license with the program.
Disclose source
When you distribute a binary of a covered work, corresponding source has to be offered in the way the license describes.
Same license
The combined work you distribute has to stay under this license. You cannot close the covered work with a more restrictive grant.
GPL-3.0-only
Include copyright
Keep copyright notices on distributed copies.
Include license
Give recipients a copy of the license with the program.
Disclose source
When you distribute a binary of a covered work, corresponding source has to be offered in the way the license describes.
Same license
The combined work you distribute has to stay under this license. You cannot close the covered work with a more restrictive grant.
Installation Information
Section 6 also asks for Installation Information when a binary ships in a User Product, so the owner can run a modified build on the device.
License texts
Practical guidance for procurement review, not legal advice. Confirm high-stakes use with counsel.