Question on importing a GPL'ed Python library in commercial code [closed]

IANAL, etc etc, but:

The Free Software Foundation has consistently claimed that software linked to a library covered by GPL is a derived work, and thus needs to be covered by GPL itself (indeed, that's the main difference of the LGPL license). I don't know how the situation stands in court precedents in various jurisdiction, &c, but if you don't want to risk having to litigate on the issue [which would no doubt bring costs and bad PR even if it were to ultimately succeed], it may be more prudent to avoid linking to GPL libraries (including dynamic linking) if you don't want to distribute the sources to your code.

IANAL, but:

Now, the igraph library is GPL licensed. My question is: Can I import igraph and use it in my commercial Python script?

YES. You can write commercial software and distribute it under the GPL. Nothing on GPL prevents commerce. It even explicity says that you can SELL your software at will,

More specifically, does simply importing a GPL Python module make my commercial code liable to be released to the public?

NO. You don't have to release anything. You don't even have to distribute anything.

If you ever distribute your program to someone, you must give (to this person only) the source code, and give full freedom to modify and distribute it under the same license.

Distributing something under GPL or using GPL libraries in your code doesn't force you to create a website and put your program for everybody in the world.

Some suggestions:

• Seek proper legal advice.
• Contact the authors of the libraries. Ask them:
  • Their opinion of you using their software in your application;
  • If they'd enter a commerical agreement with you for your application;
  • About other ways that they may be prepared to work with you.