Can I use GPL code in proprietary software?

Short answer: Modify and distribute commercially: Yes.

GPL-3.0 allows commercial use, modification and distribution, on condition that distributed derivative works are licensed under the GPL with source available.

Modify and distribute commercially: Yes

License: GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0-only, curated)

• Every use you described is granted by GPL 3.0, and nothing you described is prohibited.

Duties: attribution, license_notice, state_changes, share_alike, source_disclosure

Context

• Distributing a closed-source product that includes GPL code conflicts with the GPL's source-disclosure duty. Internal use without distribution does not trigger it.

Sources

• GPL-3.0

Check it yourself (free, no key)

{
  "tool": "check_license",
  "arguments": {
    "license": "GPL-3.0-only",
    "intended_use": {
      "commercial_use": true,
      "modification": true,
      "redistribution": true
    }
  }
}

Computed from Rightshold's license profiles; not legal advice. Updated 2026-10-19. JSON · Markdown