Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 17:56:29 -0600 From: "Mike Meyer" <mwm-dated-1009583789.5d0de0@mired.org> To: dwalton@acm.org Cc: chat@freebsd.org Subject: Re: Does Linux violate the GPL? Message-ID: <15398.28461.605242.845831@guru.mired.org> In-Reply-To: <20011223153232.4b562a74.dwalton@acm.org> References: <20011223153232.4b562a74.dwalton@acm.org>
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Dave Walton <dwalton@acm.org> types: > A creates software S under BSDL. (Note that the BSDL does not grant > permission to alter the license, a right which is reserved for the author > by default, contrary to popular slashdot belief.) > B creates software T under GPL. > > 1. A decides to include T into S, but does not change the license on S. > One of two possibilities exists: > a. A is in violation of the GPL by not relicensing S and may not > legally use T. This is false. > 2. B decides to include S into T, but does not arrange for A to release S > under GPL. This causes two violations: > a. B has violated the copyright of A by altering the license and may > not legally use S. False again. > b. B has violated the GPL by not releasing ALL the code under GPL. This is true. > 3. C creates a new software U, which is a combination of S and T, but > does not arrange for A to release S under GPL. Once more, two violations: > a. C has violated the copyright of A by altering the license and may > not legally use S. Again false. > b. C has violated the GPL by not releasing ALL the code under GPL. Again true. > I find it mildly entertaining that the GPL makes it so difficult to use > GPL software without violating GPL. You're making the same mistake that Gary kept trying to straighten out. Neither BSDL nor GPL place any restrictions on *use* of the covered work. The restrictions are on distribution. So all the places where you say "may not legally use", you really need to say "may not legally distribute". I.e. - if I take T and add S - neither of which I hold a copyright to - I can legally use it without violating either license, but I can't let anyone else have a copy. <mike -- Mike Meyer <mwm@mired.org> http://www.mired.org/home/mwm/ Independent WWW/Perforce/FreeBSD/Unix consultant, email for more information. To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-chat" in the body of the message
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