To learn about the GPLGPL GPL is an acronym for GNU Public License. It is the standard license WordPress uses for Open Source licensing https://wordpress.org/about/license/. The GPL is a ‘copyleft’ license https://www.gnu.org/licenses/copyleft.en.html. This means that derivative work can only be distributed under the same license terms. This is in distinction to permissive free software licenses, of which the BSD license and the MIT License are widely used examples., please see the GPL Primer!
Note: While this checklist refers to speakers it also applies to sponsors
1) Does the speaker applicant distribute or promote (free or paid) any WordPress themes?
IF NO, skip to #5.
IF YES, continue.
2) Does the speaker distribute their themes (or the themes they promote):
A. Though the WordPress.orgWordPress.org The community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/ repository
B. Through their own website
C. Through a third-party website
IF A, skip to #5.
IF B, continue to #3.
IF C, skip to #4.
3) Is it stated in the theme license that the user/purchaser has the following freedoms (including CSSCSS CSS is an acronym for cascading style sheets. This is what controls the design or look and feel of a site., images, and JavaScriptJavaScript JavaScript or JS is an object-oriented computer programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers. WordPress makes extensive use of JS for a better user experience. While PHP is executed on the server, JS executes within a user’s browser. https://www.javascript.com/.)? PSD files in a separate license are ok.
the freedom to use the software for any purpose,
the freedom to change the software to suit your needs,
the freedom to share the software with your friends and neighbors, and
the freedom to share the changes you make
If so, skip to #5.
If not, skip to #10.
4) What third party websites are used? This is a helpful list of theme marketplaces that includes licensing information:
If the license offered by the theme marketplace is 100% GPL, skip to #5.
If the license offered by the theme marketplace is proprietary, then does the proprietary license provide the user/purchaser the following freedoms?
the freedom to use the software for any purpose,
the freedom to change the software to suit your needs,
the freedom to share the software with your friends and neighbors, and
the freedom to share the changes you make
If so, skip to #5.
If not, then the speaker does not meet the requirements for promotion by a WordCamp/WordPress, found here: https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/wordcamp-organizer-handbook/become-an-organizer/representing-wordpress/ Skip to #10.
If the marketplace does not offer a 100% GPL license, then the speaker does not meet the requirements for promotion by a WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They’re one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more./WordPress, found here: https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/wordcamp-organizer-handbook/become-an-organizer/representing-wordpress/Skip to #10.
5) Does the speaker applicant distribute or promote (free or paid) any WordPress plugins?
IF NO, skip to #11.
IF YES, continue.
6) Does the speaker distribute their plugins (or are the plugins they promote distributed):
A. Though the WordPress.org repository
B. Through their own website
C. Through a third-party website
IF A, skip to #9.
IF B, continue to #7.
IF C, skip to #8.
7) Is it stated in the pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory https://wordpress.org/plugins/ or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party license that the user/purchaser has the following freedoms?
the freedom to use the software for any purpose,
the freedom to change the software to suit your needs,
the freedom to share the software with your friends and neighbors, and
the freedom to share the changes you make
If so, skip to #9.
If not, skip to #10.
8) What third party websites are used to sell the plugin(s)?
A. wordpress.org/extend/plugins/
B. codecanyon.net
C. wpeden.com
D. premium.wpmudev.org/projects/categoryCategory The ‘category’ taxonomy lets you group posts / content together that share a common bond. Categories are pre-defined and broad ranging./plugins/
E. wpappstore.com
F. Other
If A/C/D/E: If the license offered by the plugin marketplace is 100% GPL, skip to #9.
If B: The marketplace does not by default offer a 100% GPL license. Check the license that is included by the speaker. If the license is 100% GPL , skip to #9. If the license is not 100% GPL , then the speaker does not meet the requirements for promotion by a WordCamp/WordPress, found here: https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/wordcamp-organizer-handbook/become-an-organizer/representing-wordpress/ Skip to #10.
If Other: If the license offered by the plugin marketplace is proprietary, then does the proprietary license provide the user/purchaser the following freedoms (is it GPL-compatible)?
the freedom to use the software for any purpose,
the freedom to change the software to suit your needs,
the freedom to share the software with your friends and neighbors, and
the freedom to share the changes you make
If so, skip to #9.
If not, then the speaker does not meet the requirements for promotion by a WordCamp/WordPress, found here: https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/wordcamp-organizer-handbook/become-an-organizer/representing-wordpress/ Skip to #10.
9) Hooray! Your speaker meets the requirements for promotion by a WordCamp/WordPress because they distribute and/or promote themes or plugins under a 100% GPL license! Make sure they respect the trademark and are a good representative of the WordPress project, and you’re good to go.
10) Oh no! Your speaker does not meet the requirements for promotion by a WordCamp/WordPress, found here: https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/wordcamp-organizer-handbook/become-an-organizer/representing-wordpress/ because they distribute and/or promote themes or plugins that are not 100% GPL.
11) Your speaker does not distribute or promote WordPress-derivatives. Make sure they respect the trademark and are a good representative of the WordPress project, and you’re good to go.
3 responses to “100% GPL Vetting Checklist”
Just a note that the part in number 8 about CodeCanyon not offering a 100% GPLGPL GPL is an acronym for GNU Public License. It is the standard license WordPress uses for Open Source licensing https://wordpress.org/about/license/. The GPL is a ‘copyleft’ license https://www.gnu.org/licenses/copyleft.en.html. This means that derivative work can only be distributed under the same license terms. This is in distinction to permissive free software licenses, of which the BSD license and the MIT License are widely used examples. license is incorrect. People selling on CodeCanyon can choose to sell their plugins with a 100% GPL license.
It is my understanding that if they do choose a 100% GPL license, then they are allowed to speak at WordCamps (assuming they meet all other criteria). Could someone please confirm this and, if correct, change this page? Thanks.
@stephencronin, these are old documents that we’re just copying over verbatim from plan.wordcamp.org. See: https://plan.wordcamp.org/100-gpl-vetting-checklist/ Once we’re done with that, we’ll revise all the docs for outdated and irrelevant things and add some missing stuff, as well! Thanks for pointing it out. Your help could be useful for weeding out any more discrepancies!
@saurabhshukla – Thanks for the response. I asked for the original to be changed about a month ago, but didn’t get a response. When I saw it had moved here, I thought I’d ask again! 🙂
I should have put a disclaimer on my last comment that I work for Envato, which is why I said someone needs to confirm my understanding is correct (though I’m pretty sure it is!). If I notice anything that might be outdated, I’ll let you know. Also, if anyone has any questions about how to tell if an author on ThemeForest or CodeCanyon has chosen the 100% GPLGPL GPL is an acronym for GNU Public License. It is the standard license WordPress uses for Open Source licensing https://wordpress.org/about/license/. The GPL is a ‘copyleft’ license https://www.gnu.org/licenses/copyleft.en.html. This means that derivative work can only be distributed under the same license terms. This is in distinction to permissive free software licenses, of which the BSD license and the MIT License are widely used examples. licenses, etc, I’m happy to help.