Including plugins with your theme

Hello, I was wondering if we are allowed to include plugins with our wordpress themes.

The reason why is that I am using a plugin but have modified it and would rather include the modified plugin instead of instructing the buyer to download it and change the various parts of the code.

Plugins are not allowed to be included. Besides, if you modify a plugin and it gets updated, you lose your modifications.

I usually set a default and then if the plugin is installed have it show something else.

<?php if(function_exists('wp_pagenavi')) {
   wp_pagenavi(); 
} else { 
nav left
nav right
?>

You need permissions from the author of the plugin

Why was I told they were not allowed to be included and I had to remove them when I last uploaded a theme?

Just provide a download link in your instructions – I have done the same with a few of my wordpress themes where I’ve modded plugins…

Alright thanks guys, it will be more steps for the buyer but I guess I will just instruct them to download it.