PyMuPDF 1.28.2 — GPL-3.0-only Header vs AGPLv3 License

[arasht52]

Hello PyMuPDF maintainers,

We are preparing a paid Windows desktop application
that will be distributed under AGPLv3, including
its corresponding source code.

We are using PyMuPDF 1.28.2.

We noticed that src/init.py contains
SPDX-License-Identifier: GPL-3.0-only,
while the package COPYING file and official
metadata describe AGPLv3/commercial dual licensing.

We are aware of Issue #4504.

Could you please clarify whether the GPL-3.0-only
header is an error and whether PyMuPDF 1.28.2
is intended to be available under AGPLv3?

We want to ensure full compliance before
distributing our application.

Thank you.

[alleyxd]

The GPL-3.0-only line in src/__init__.py is a leftover. It was pointed out in #4504 too and just never got changed. Everything that actually defines the license says AGPL: the COPYING file is the AGPL v3 text, and the 1.28.2 PyPI metadata says "Dual Licensed - GNU AFFERO GPL 3.0 or Artifex Commercial License".

In #4504 @JorjMcKie explained that PyMuPDF has always been AGPL or commercial, because MuPDF underneath it is.

So yes, 1.28.2 is available to you under AGPLv3, and an AGPLv3 app that ships its source is the intended use. If you want it in writing for your compliance file, Artifex sales/legal will confirm it.