File GDB API Licensing and Redistribution

VinceUlfig — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:47:41 GMT

Hi,

I work for a non-GIS software company. Let's call it CompanyX.

I am wondering whether ESRI's standard FileGDB API license agreement would permits CompanyX to redistribute the FileGDB API with CompanyX software. If not, I am wondering whether CompanyX could sign a special license agreement and / or purchase the ability to permit this. I am wondering whether a Business Partner agreement between CompanyX and ESRI could facilitate this.

I have read ESRI's FileGDB API License Agreement, which seems to prohibit redistribution and for-profit use of the FileGDB API, but I have also read discussions on this topic in this Forum and other places which seem to make it possible, and / or suggest that the License Agreement is not written as the FileGDB Product Manager intended, and may change soon.

Any assistance anyone can lend is most welcome. You can call me at 4157101998.
Thank you very much,
-Vince

Re: Licensing and Redistribution

VinceAngelo — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:23:39 GMT

You probably want someone trained in legalese reading the documents and binding the company
to abide by them.

While you shouldn't take it as fact from me, in my reading of the license, the restrictions on the
file geodatabase API are for *commercial redistribution* -- charging others for that which Esri
has given to you without charge. You are certainly free to distribute the *run-time* DLLs with
your binaries (royalty-free!), just not the include files and link libraries -- anyone who wants
them must agree to the same license (this is a common characteristic of most "open" license
agreements -- it levels the playing field and prevents Esri from becoming embroiled in squabbles
involving third or fourth parties). It probably isn't wise to assume the license terms will change
soon.

If you wish to negotiate a different license (though it hardly seems necessary), you should
probably take that up with your local Esri marketing office, not with the good folks here in
the User Forums. If your company's legal staff has interpretation questions, then the local
RO is still the best way to link them to Esri's contracts department.

- V

topic Re: Licensing and Redistribution in File Geodatabase API Questions

File GDB API Licensing and Redistribution

Re: Licensing and Redistribution