GPL/LGPL derived from proprietary software/APIs

[pedro.nariyoshi]

Hi,

I have a question. I am aware that derived work of GPL-licensed software must be GPL as well. However, what about the reverse situation. Could I release GPL-licensed software that derives from proprietary software? (For instance, could I release a GPL toolbox designed to run on MATLAB?)

Cheers

[forrestcupp]

I could be wrong, but I think it would have to be LGPL. I do know that the proprietary libraries would have to be dynamically linked and you wouldn't be allowed to compile the libraries into your binaries.