Re: [avr-libc-dev] Linux -> avr-libc - License issue?

[David Brown]

Stu Bell wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I have started looking at porting the relatively simple byteorder
> routines from Linux to avr-libc as requested in AVRFreaks.  The question
> I have is that all Linux code is covered by the GPLv2, while (I believe)
> avr-libc is covered by the LGPL.

avr-libc uses a BSD license - embedded libraries using the LGPL cannot 
easily be used with non-GPL (or LGPL) code.

> Would importing the code (in any form) into avr-libc violate GPLv2 by
> putting the code (modified though it will be) under the somewhat more
> restrictive LGPL?

The GPL is in most ways more restrictive than the LGPL.  You can't 
relicense GPL'ed code as LGPL - but you *can* relicense LGPL code as 
GPL.  Neither can be relicenses as BSD for use in avrlibc.

> Or am I being pedantic?

No, it's not being pedantic - it's about respecting the copyrights and 
wishes of other programmers.  There is no way to move code from GPL'ed 
code into BSD-licensed code - you'll have to either re-write the code, 
or ask the copyright holder's permission.  If the copyright holder okays 
the port, then there is no problem.

mvh.,

David