For my GPL open source software I use LGPL-based libraries. I recently found a very useful NVIDIA SDK which I would like to use for my software. NVIDIA is using its own license, and I have difficulty understanding if it is OK to use the license with my GPL project. Could someone tell me if I can use the license for my GPL project? The following is the copy of the license file which I found at the corresponding SDK folder:Copyright 2011 NVIDIA CorporationBY DOWNLOADING THE SOFTWARE AND OTHER AVAILABLE MATERIALS, YOU  (DEVELOPER) AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONSThe materials available for download to Developers may include software  in both sample source (Source Code) and object code (Object Code)  versions, documentation (Documentation), and other materials  (collectively, these materials referred to herein as Materials).  Except as expressly indicated herein, all terms and conditions of this  Agreement apply to all of the Materials.Except as expressly set forth herein, NVIDIA owns all of the Materials  and makes them available to Developer only under the terms and conditions  set forth in this Agreement.License:  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, NVIDIA hereby grants to  Developer a royalty-free, non-exclusive license to possess and to use the  Materials.  The following terms apply to the specified type of Material:Source Code:  Developer shall have the right to modify and create  derivative works with the Source Code.  Developer shall own any derivative  works (Derivatives) it creates to the Source Code, provided that  Developer uses the Materials in accordance with the terms of this  Agreement.  Developer may distribute the Derivatives, provided that  all NVIDIA copyright notices and trademarks are used properly and the  Derivatives include the following statement: This software contains  source code provided by NVIDIA Corporation.Object Code:  Developer agrees not to disassemble, decompile or  reverse engineer the Object Code versions of any of the Materials.  Developer acknowledges that certain of the Materials provided in Object  Code version may contain third party components that may be subject to  restrictions, and expressly agrees not to attempt to modify or distribute  such Materials without first receiving consent from NVIDIA.Government End Users: If you are acquiring the Software on behalf  of any unit or agency of the United States Government, the following  provisions apply. The Government agrees the Software and documentation  were developed at private expense and are provided with RESTRICTED  RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to  restrictions as set  forth  in  DFARS 227.7202-1(a) and 227.7202-3(a)  (1995), DFARS 252.227-7013(c)(1)(ii) (Oct 1988), FAR 12.212(a)(1995),  FAR 52.227-19, (June 1987) or FAR 52.227-14(ALT III) (June 1987),as  amended from time to time. In the event that this License, or any part  thereof, is deemed inconsistent with the minimum rights identified in  the Restricted Rights provisions, the minimum rights shall prevail.No Other License. No rights or licenses are granted by NVIDIA under this  License, expressly or by implication, with respect to any proprietary  information or patent, copyright, trade secret or other intellectual  property right owned or controlled by NVIDIA, except as expressly provided  in this License.Term:  This License is effective until terminated.  NVIDIA may terminate  this Agreement (and with it, all of Developer's right to the Materials)  immediately upon written notice (which may include email) to Developer,  with or without cause.Support:  NVIDIA has no obligation to support or to continue providing  or updating any of the Materials.No Warranty:  THE SOFTWARE AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED BY NVIDIA  TO DEVELOPER HEREUNDER ARE PROVIDED AS IS.  NVIDIA DISCLAIMS ALL  WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,  THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR  PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT.LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:  NVIDIA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO DEVELOPER,  DEVELOPERS CUSTOMERS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY CLAIMING THROUGH  OR UNDER DEVELOPER FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, INCOME, SAVINGS, OR ANY  OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT  DAMAGES (WHETHER IN AN ACTION IN CONTRACT, TORT OR BASED ON A WARRANTY),  EVEN IF NVIDIA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  THESE LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF THE ESSENTIAL  PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.  IN NO EVENT SHALL NVIDIAS AGGREGATE  LIABILITY TO DEVELOPER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY CLAIMING THROUGH  OR UNDER DEVELOPER EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF MONEY ACTUALLY PAID BY DEVELOPER  TO NVIDIA FOR THE SOFTWARE OR ANY OTHER MATERIALS.
Can this NVIDIA licence be used for GPL open source product?
gpl;license compatibility
No.The GPL is 'viral' and under the FSF's current interpretation, simply statically linking code to GPL stuff means that it must have a GPL compliant licence. (That's a debatable position in itself, but the FSF are the best placed to comment on the implications)The Nvidia licence is going to be nowhere near GPL compliant, as it's restricting you from decompiling the object code they provide. IIRC you may also have issues with the trademarks clause, but would have to check that.The licence stinks anyway- They can terminate without cause simply by sending you an email.