Re: [gnu.org #214016] GPL Violation of 'sveasoft' with GPL Linux Kernel/Busybox + code

From: novalis@xxxxxxx via RT
Date: Wed Nov 10 2004 - 19:28:46 EST


I didn't realize linux-kernel was CC'd here. I'm going to take this
off-list with Shawn, because I don't want to waste everyone's time. If
anyone else has any information about this, please feel free to email me
at <license-violation@xxxxxxx> . Thanks.

On Tue, 2004-11-09 at 10:21 -0500, Shawn Starr via RT wrote:
> REPLIES GO TO REQUESTORS BY DEFAULT.
>
> <URL: http://rt.gnu.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=214016 >
>
> They won't be distributing the source because of their new
> anti-distribution methods, they aren't providing the source because they
> don't want people to distribute the binaries any more either or know now the
> anti-distribution mechanism will work (which requires the user to enter a
> value to unlock the binary firmware and send a request to their servers).
>
> It is this action that they are violating the GPL and that needs to be
> enforced.
>
> If they want to relicense their changes they need to not use GPL existing code
> which they are not doing. They have not added written any of this code from
> scratch and thus must distribute the source on request to those who get the
> binaries which they are not doing anymore.
>
> What was true before of redistribution and being kicked out of the program is
> now not happening anymore as there is no code to distribute of the resulting
> binaries.
>
> Shawn.
>
> On November 9, 2004 07:07, Alan Cox via RT wrote:
> > On Maw, 2004-11-09 at 00:11, novalis@xxxxxxx via RT wrote:
> > > But if you distribute binaries, you must either include or offer source
> > > code. Do they do this? What software do they include that FSF holds
> > > copyright on? Where can I check this?
> > >
> > > Do they include a copy of the GPL with the software?
> >
> > They include the GPL, they include the source nothing I can find they do
> > violates the GPL. They do appear to annoy a few people because their
> > policy is that while you may join their early access process and get
> > source if you redistribute that source then you get kicked off their
> > program, but you are still allowed to distribute that source.
>
--
-Dave Turner
GPL Compliance Engineer
Support my work: http://svcs.affero.net/rm.php?r=novalis&p=FSF



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