GNU General Public License v2.0
The original strong copyleft. Use and modify freely, but distributed modifications must ship their source under GPLv2.
Commercial use
✓ Yes
Modify
✓ Yes
Distribute
✓ Yes
Must open source changes
✓ Yes
Must attribute
✓ Yes
Patent grant
✗ No
What this license means
GPLv2 is the classic copyleft license — the one the Linux kernel uses. You can use, modify, and distribute the software commercially, but any distributed derivative must be released under GPLv2 with source available. Unlike GPLv3, it has no explicit patent grant and no 'tivoization' clause, which is why some projects (notably the kernel) deliberately stay on v2.
When you encounter this license
Fine for internal use and SaaS (network use isn't distribution). Problematic if you ship a proprietary product that includes or links GPLv2 code — you'd have to open-source it. GPLv2 and GPLv3 are also not always compatible, which matters when combining code.
Watch out for
The same distribution question as GPLv3 applies: SaaS is usually safe, shipping code is not. Watch for v2/v3 incompatibility when mixing GPL projects — 'GPLv2 only' code can't be combined with 'GPLv3 only' code.
Tools using GNU General Public License v2.0 (6)
Free software media system
JDK main-line development https://openjdk.org/projects/jdk
The systemd System and Service Manager
Multi-Cloud Security Auditing Tool
🪅 Windows & Linux userspace emulator
Open Source components of Little Snitch for Linux
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For licensing decisions in commercial products, consult a qualified attorney.