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Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?
From: |
Alexander Terekhov |
Subject: |
Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software? |
Date: |
Wed, 02 Aug 2006 18:45:39 +0200 |
Stay away from the [L]GPL (aka All Your Base Are Belong To GNU) and
stick to something non-idiotic like the CPL or (its derivative with
minor modification regarding patent retaliation) EPL.
http://www.eclipse.org/legal/eplfaq.php
----
21. If I write a module to add to a Program licensed under the EPL
and distribute the object code of the module along with the rest
of the Program, must I make the source code to my module
available in accordance with the terms of the EPL?
No, as long as the module is not a derivative work of the
Program.
[...]
26. Some free software communities say that linking to their code
automatically means that your program is a derivative work. Is
this the position of the Eclipse Foundation?
No, the Eclipse Foundation interprets the term "derivative work"
in a way that is consistent with the definition in the U.S.
Copyright Act, as applicable to computer software. Therefore,
linking to Eclipse code might or might not create a derivative
work, depending on all of the other facts and circumstances.
27. I"m a programmer not a lawyer, can you give me a clear cut
example of when something is or is not a derivative work?
If you have made a copy of existing Eclipse code and made a few
minor revisions to it, that is a derivative work. If you"ve
written your own Eclipse plug-in with 100% your own code to
implement functionality not currently in Eclipse, then it is not
a derivative work. Scenarios between those two extremes will
require you to seek the advice of your own legal counsel in
deciding whether your program constitutes a derivative work.
----
#27's "scenarios between those two extremes" is about the AFC test.
http://digital-law-online.info/lpdi1.0/treatise22.html
Then go here:
http://www.innovationlaw.org/userfiles/page_attachments/Library/1/Heer_nonliteral_728806.pdf
Hth.
regards,
alexander.
- Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Stephan Kuhagen, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?,
Alexander Terekhov <=
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Stephan Kuhagen, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Alexander Terekhov, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, David Kastrup, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Alexander Terekhov, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Alfred M. Szmidt, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Alfred M. Szmidt, 2006/08/02
- Message not available
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Alexander Terekhov, 2006/08/02
- Message not available
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Stephan Kuhagen, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Stephan Kuhagen, 2006/08/02
- Re: Is it possible to write GPL-Modules for closed-source Software?, Alfred M. Szmidt, 2006/08/02