Can I publish a modified version of a GPL v1 programme under GPL v2+? [closed]

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I want to modify an open source programme written by someone else which is published under the GPL version 1, for whatever reason. I am familiar with GPL v2+ and I would prefer to publish my modified version of this programme under GPL v2+. Is this permitted or are there any things to consider?

Answer 1

The GPL v1 states explicitely:

Each version is given a distinguishing version number. If the Program specifies a version number of the license which applies to it and "any later version", you have the option of following the terms and conditions either of that version or of any later version published by the Free Software Foundation. If the Program does not specify a version number of the license, you may choose any version ever published by the Free Software Foundation.

So, if the program says 'released under the GPL' or 'released under the GPL v1 or any later version', you can redistribute it using any version of the GPL.

Otherwise, the program is stuck with GPL v1.

Answer 2

The GPLv1 says:

2. You may modify your copy or copies of the Program or any portion of it, and copy and distribute such modifications under the terms of Paragraph 1 above, provided that you also do the following:

[...]

b) cause the whole of any work that you distribute or publish, that in whole or in part contains the Program or any part thereof, either with or without modifications, to be licensed at no charge to all third parties under the terms of this General Public License (except that you may choose to grant warranty protection to some or all third parties, at your option).

So if you got the original source under the GPLv1, you have to publish your modifications (if you publish them at all) under "this license", that is the same GPLv1. At least that's my reading.