Add Unity Linking Exception to resolve GPL license deadlock #34
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This commit adds a linking exception for the Unity Engine. The GPLv3 creates a legal conflict when linked against proprietary Unity blobs, making the compiled application technically non-distributable. Authorization for this exception was granted by the original author, Michael Voeller, via email on Jan 2, 2026. Permission text: --------------------------------------------------------- From: Michael Voeller <[email protected]> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2026 19:59:32 -0500 Subject: Re: Question about Materialize license - Linking Exception for Unity To: Vide Jacobsson <[email protected]> Sounds good, the license is just on there so people don't ask about licensing. On Fri, Jan 2, 2026, 6:06=E2=80=AFPM Vide Jacobsson <[email protected]= om> wrote: > Hi Michael Voeller, > > I was looking to use your software Materialize to create PBR textures an= d > I'm currently working on packaging it for Arch Linux and potentially > modernizing it. > > It's currently licensed under GPLv3 but since it's a Unity project, the > GPL actually creates a legal conflicts with Unity's proprietary blobs. Th= is > makes it hard to distribute the application > > legally on Linux repos. > > Would you be willing to grant a "Linking Exception" for the Unity Engine? > > If you agree, I can handle the paperwork by creating a Pull Request on th= e current > active fork <https://github.com/maikramer/Materialize> (and the BoundingB= oxSoftware > repo if you like) that adds a NOTICE file with the exception text. > > Best regards, Vide Jacobsson ---------------------------------------------------------
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This PR adds a Unity Linking Exception to the project's GPLv3 license.
The Legal Deadlock
As a Unity-based project, the current strict GPLv3 creates a legal conflict with Unity's proprietary engine blobs. This prevents the application from being legally packaged or distributed by Linux repositories
Authorization from Original Author
I have obtained explicit written permission from the original creator, Michael Voeller, to add this exception.
Raw email authorization
Contributor Consent
To the maintainer (maikramer) and other contributors: By merging this Pull Request, you agree to apply this Unity Linking Exception to your own contributions within this repository.