Copyright of Matlab central scrips

Hi, I am developing a MATLAB based algorithm, in which I include some functions from the MATLAB central file exchange with GPL. I intend to publish/sell/patent this software. Should I rewrite (or modify in my own way) the above mentioned scripts? Since, they are all with free licence should I just mention the names of the authors?

[John D'Errico]

It would at least be nice if you ask the authors for their permission. While I always happily grant that for my own code, this seems to be the least you can do, since you intend to gain from the result.

[abaza]

Thanks for your answer! So, you mean that, I could use them as is, after of course notifying the authors.

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

You would need to contact the Mathworks itself for this type of question. You will need something in writing from them to be perfectly legal. They will probably let you do it especially if it's just a small snippet or example but you will need to ask them for permission and if there would be any payment involved.

[abaza]

So, I suppose the best thing to do is to rewrite and change any function that i used from matlab central in order to avoid any legal matters...

[Image Analyst]

The best thing to do is what I said in my first sentence.

Answer 2

[the cyclist]

You should read the Terms of Use of MATLAB Central.

These sentences from section 2 ("Content") seems relevant:

"Use of all software that you download from the Site (“Software”) is subject to the license terms of the applicable software license agreement for such Software. The applicable software license agreement will typically accompany or be provided at the time you download or otherwise access the Software.

You must retain all author attributions, and copyright and other proprietary or legal notices contained within the Content."

It is not clear to me what the author's rights are if they choose not to specify any conditions within their contribution.

Maybe consult an attorney?

[abaza]

Thank you for your advice. In general the terms of use usually say that the user should mention the name of the author as well as that this script is his/her copyright.