JPulham wrote:
> I want to use PovRay as a free 3D plugin renderer as a download from my site
> when I release the app. What kind of things do I have to do legaly to
> compile a DLL of POV-RAY? If I re-write the code to take pre-loaded memory
> textures instead of loading from file (for compatability) and put it in a
> DLL can I still lable it as POV-RAY as long as the copyright notices are
> kept? Basically... what changes can I make before its not POV-RAY?

I have the impression you are confusing things here.  The use of the 
name POV-Ray for naming unofficial version of POV-Ray is not restricted 
(as long as the unofficial version is conforming with the license of 
course).

Furthermore the POV-Ray license is completely all right with 
modifications of POV-Ray that allow it to load data (like texture 
images) by other means than file IO as long as the basic functionality 
of official POV-Ray is maintained.

You however should carefully notice a few things:

1) whatever modifications you make to POV-Ray for creating an unofficial 
version will be covered by the POV-Ray license (i.e. have to be 
available for free including source etc.)

2) you may under no circumstances distribute modified versions of 
POV-Ray that are not fully functional (like a built of POV-Ray in form 
of a shared library) or include POV-Ray code in other programs.

3) if you bundle an official or unofficial version of POV-Ray with a 
non-free program you have to obtain permission from the POV-Team before 
(see POV-Ray license).

Note this is not an official legal advise, just my attempt to explain 
the license.

And finally this is the wrong group for this kind of question.

Christoph

-- 
POV-Ray tutorials, include files, Landscape of the week:
http://www.imagico.de/ (Last updated 14 Mar. 2006)
MegaPOV with mechanics simulation: http://megapov.inetart.net/

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