Member Avatar for safeer008

Hi,

I want to know that is there any kind of copyright issue when you use child theme? As you know that you can modify child themes as you want. As the child theme is property of any other person can that person raise the copyright issue? Help me in this problem.

  • 5 Contributors
  • 4 Replies
  • 241 Views
  • 3 Months Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by mattster

Dani AI

Generated

Short answer: yes — child themes are not a copyright-free escape. Whether you can change, redistribute, or relicense a child theme depends on the parent theme’s license and the licenses on any images, fonts or other assets you include. WordPress itself is released under the GNU GPL (v2 or later), and the project treats themes and plugins as derivative work for licensing purposes. (wordpress.org)

If the parent theme is GPL/GPL-compatible (as required for themes distributed through the WordPress.org directory), the PHP/HTML parts are effectively covered by the GPL and derivative code must be distributed under compatible terms; theme directories also require authors to declare license and list included resources. However, many commercial sellers use a “split” model so that PHP is GPL but artwork, images, fonts, and some CSS/graphics may have a different licence — those assets can restrict redistribution. Always check the theme’s stylesheet header, readme/license files, and any asset metadata. (make.wordpress.org)

Practical point: using a child theme just on your own site is different from packaging or selling a child theme. Copying copyrighted images or bundled assets without permission can trigger problems even if you edited code. Marketplaces like Envato document split-licensing explicitly; when you plan to redistribute a child theme or ship it with parent assets, confirm what is actually covered by the GPL. As observed, the parent theme matters; and are correct that your edits can be your own copyright, but license terms control redistribution; ’s pointer to vendor sites is a good reminder to read the seller’s license page. (help.author.envato.com)

Quick checklist to follow before distributing a child theme:

  • Open the parent theme’s style.css and license/readme files and look for “License”/“License URI.”
  • Identify which files are PHP/HTML (likely GPL) and which are assets (images, fonts, some CSS) that may have separate terms.
  • If you include or modify third-party assets, obtain clear permission or replace them with freely licensed alternatives.
  • When redistributing GPL-derived code, include the license and respect copyleft requirements. If unsure, ask the theme author or consult legal counsel. (gnu.org)

Example (look for these lines in style.css):

/*
Theme Name: Example Parent
License: GNU General Public License v2 or later
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
*/

This is general guidance, not legal advice. If distribution or commercial use is intended, confirm the exact license texts and, when necessary, get written permission or professional legal help.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for Ali_42

When You will Change the colours and use customize Images than theme will be changed. Just focused On Website content, Due to content you will be added in Copyright. Also Child is now free theme you can use it the lision is not required.

Member Avatar for webhawk

I would imagine that it would depend on what theme the child theme is based upon. For example, if you create a child theme from say Twentythirteen then there should be no copyright. But what if it's a child theme based upon a "paid for" theme? what if you're making just minor changes to a theme that someone else spent countless hours developing? Interesting question.

Edited by webhawk because: typo
Member Avatar for ebutin

Maybe you can fin something on Gavick website.

Member Avatar for mattster

If the child theme has been changed or had any work done on it by a person (which it probably has), therefore the changes/work/theme is copyrighted to them.

It will be very clear from the author if you are allowed to use their theme (and if you need to pay for it etc.). If it doesn't clearly say you can use (or pay) for it - copyright DOES apply, so DON'T use it without permission.

If you're not sure, I'm certain the author would prefer you email them and ask.

commented: +1 +13
commented: I hate thieves - good points +15
Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.