There are several long-running discussions on g.d.o over whether or not a module constitutes a derivative of Drupal. Unfortunately, there isn't much in the way of legal precedent to give definition to the term 'derivative' in the context of the GPL.

While it is the Drupal Association's interpretation that a module *is* derivative code, this is a somewhat legal grey area.

If a module is considered to not be a derivative, then it doesn't automatically gain the GPL, and there is nothing wrong with selling it, and prosecuting anyone who redistributes it.

If it is indeed a derivative (the stance I take), then modules automatically assume the full protection / freedom of the GPL. In which case this developer is violating the GPL.

In short, someone should purchase the module, and exercise their GPL freedom to post it to D.org, or take over maintainership of the module.

Brian

Naheem Zaffar wrote:

2009/11/19 Alex Barth <alex@developmentseed.org>

This may have come up before, but http://integrationservic.es/drupal.php launched on Nov 12 and appears to be violating drupal's GPL2 by charging 33 $ for a module download.

The GPL does not say that the module has to be for free. However once the module has been "distributed" to other individuals, no additional restrictions above the GPL can be added, so if the person has clause that the purchasers cannot sell/pass the module onto others, that would be a problem, otherwise, no it wouldn't.

IANAL, but that is my understanding.