Can I use GPL-2.0 code commercially?

Short answer: Selling or shipping a program with GPL-2.0 code: Yes. Running it as an online service without distributing it: Yes.

GPL-2.0 allows commercial use and sale; anyone you distribute the program to must get the complete source under GPL-2.0.

Selling or shipping a program with GPL-2.0 code: Yes

License: GNU General Public License v2.0 only (GPL-2.0-only, curated)

• Every use you described is granted by GPL 2.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes, share_alike, source_disclosure

Running it as an online service without distributing it: Yes

License: GNU General Public License v2.0 only (GPL-2.0-only, curated)

• Every use you described is granted by GPL 2.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes, share_alike, source_disclosure

Context

• GPL-2.0 conditions attach to distribution; a hosted service that never ships the program does not trigger them (AGPL-3.0 closes that gap, GPL-2.0 does not).
• GPL-2.0-only code cannot be combined with Apache-2.0 code in one program; GPL-2.0-or-later can, by moving to GPL-3.0.

Sources

• GNU GPL v2.0
• GNU GPL FAQ

Check it yourself (free, no key)

{
  "tool": "check_license",
  "arguments": {
    "license": "GPL-2.0-only",
    "intended_use": {
      "commercial_use": true,
      "redistribution": true
    }
  }
}

Computed from Rightshold's license profiles; not legal advice. Updated 2026-10-23. JSON · Markdown