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[Caml-list] Announcing the OMake build system version 0.9.1
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Date: | 2004-09-06 (07:51) |
From: | Erik de Castro Lopo <ocaml-erikd@m...> |
Subject: | Re: [Omake] Re: [Caml-list] Announcing the OMake build system version 0.9.1 |
On Sun, 5 Sep 2004 22:54:09 -0500 (CDT) Brian Hurt <bhurt@spnz.org> wrote: > Having actually had a discussion with an IP lawyer over basically this > issue, fears of the GPL in this case are (I think) unfounded. > > First off, the GPL only covers, can only cover, derived works. The GPL- > nor any copyright license- can not "infect" anything other than derived > works. No license can- as a copyright holder, you only have rights over > the original work and derivitive works, you have no more rights than that, > period. So the question becomes one of what is a derived work. Wether or > not simply *linking* creates a derived work is one that has not been > answered authoritively. I think (and hope) that existing practice supports the idea that linking does create a derived work. I am the (sole) author of a library released under dual license; the GPL for linking with GPL compatibale code and a commercial use license allowing people to use the library in closed source applications. This commercial use license earns me money. The very fact that I give people an option (GPL or commercial) shows the intention that the library can only be used with closed source programs if a license is paid for. I am hoping that not even the slimiest lawyer would try to get around this. > This is why it's an open question as to wether simply linking > code makes the linked code "derivitive" enough for the GPL to cross the > threshold. If this becomes important, hire a lawyer. If you do decide to hire a lawyer, be aware of the large body of existing practice that would be used by the defence to uphold the linking/derived work connection. Erik -- +-----------------------------------------------------------+ Erik de Castro Lopo nospam@mega-nerd.com (Yes it's valid) +-----------------------------------------------------------+ "Linux is produced to be used, whereas the others are produced to be sold" -- Bobby D. Bryant ------------------- To unsubscribe, mail caml-list-request@inria.fr Archives: http://caml.inria.fr Bug reports: http://caml.inria.fr/bin/caml-bugs FAQ: http://caml.inria.fr/FAQ/ Beginner's list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocaml_beginners