Panda3D Manual: License Info

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While Panda3D itself uses the Modified BSD license, it brings together many third-party libraries released under different licenses. This page provides information on the different libraries and their licenses.


Disclaimer

Panda3D takes no responsibility for any act committed using the information presented here. For legal advice, it is recommended to consult a lawyer.


Library Index

Library License Conditions Notes
Panda3D
  • Must include license with distribution.
Python
  • Use freely.
ZLib
  • Use freely.
libpng
  • Use freely.
libjpeg
  • libjpeg license
  • Must include README with distribution.
libtiff
  • Must include license with distribution.
squish
  • MIT License
  • Use freely.
OpenSSL
  • Must include this acknowledgement with distribution: 
This product includes software written by Tim Hudson (tjh@cryptsoft.com)
FCollada
  • MIT License
  • Use freely.
VRPN
  • Use freely.
OpenCV
  • BSD License
  • Must include license with distribution.
FreeType
  • Must include license with distribution.
  • To distribute under a proprietary license, FreeType License must be chosen instead of GPL.
Netpbm
  • Artistic License
  • MIT License
  • GPL
  • Use freely.
FFmpeg
  • Must link dynamically.
ARToolKit
  • To distribute under a proprietary license, GPL must not be used, and ARToolKit proprietary license must be purchased.
FFTW
  • To distribute under a proprietary license, GPL must not be used, and FFTW proprietary license must be purchased.
MFC
  • Proprietary
  • Use freely
  • Windows libraries.
DirectX
  • Proprietary
  • Use freely.
  • Windows libraries.
Nvidia Cg Toolkit
  • Use freely.
  • Required to use the Panda3D Shader Generator, which utilizes Nvidia Cg.
FMOD
  • Non-commercial distribution costs nothing.
  • Commercial distribution costs between US$100 and US$6000 depending on FMOD licensing option.


Patent Restriction Issues

MP3

MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3), while commonly used, is recommended against. The format has patent and licensing issues in many countries. Unlicensed use of MP3 runs the risk of infringing in these countries. Licensing the use of MP3 costs at minimum royalties of US$15000 per calendar year.

MPEG

Other MPEG related formats are restricted by patents as well. Finding the prices of licenses for these formats is not even as easy as it is with MP3. More info here.

Recommended Alternatives

Free alternatives exist and are highly encouraged. These formats include Ogg Vorbis (lossy) and Ogg FLAC (lossless) for audio, and Ogg Theora for video.

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