Re: Linux GPL and binary module exception clause?

[Stefan Smietanowski]

Helge Hafting wrote:

> Ihar 'Philips' Filipau wrote:
>
> >   GPL is about distribution.
> >
> >   e.g. NVidia can distribute .o file (with whatever license they have 
> > to) and nvidia.{c,h} files (even under GPL license).
> >   Then install.sh may do on behalf of user "gcc nvidia.c blob.o -o 
> > nvidia.ko". Resulting module are not going to be distributed - it is 
> > already at hand of end-user. So no violation of GPL whatsoever.
>
>
> Open source still win if they do this.  Anybody interested
> may then read the restricted source and find out how
> the chip works.  They may then write an open driver
> from scratch, using the knowledge.

What I think he means is that nvidia.c only contains glue code and
blob.o contains the secret parts just like the current driver from
nvidia.

// Stefan

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