To make the Linux kernel suitable for use with the code from the GNU Project , Linus Torvalds started a switch from his original license ( which did not allow people to sell it ) to the GNU GPL . Code licensed under the GNU GPL can be used in other projects , so long as they also are released under the same or a compatible license . In order to make the Linux available for commercial use , Torvalds initiated a switch from his original license ( which prohibited commercial redistribution ) to the GNU GPL .