[ILUG] Linux Appliance & a GPL query

[Paul Jakma]

On Fri, 14 May 2004, Ronan Cunniffe wrote:

> I think we're talking past each other.

No, i think you need to read the GPL FAQ and the GPL itself on 
FSF.org. :)

> I'm not interested in NiceProgrammer trying to get paid, I'm simply
> and monotonously focussed on BadCompany, who doesn't want to get
> paid at all!

And so? If you dont want to get paid, only want to use your 
modifications in house, then that is fine. The GPL allows that.
 
> Example:
>    BadCompany is selling a piece of hardware, say a wireless router,
>    using Linux.  They offer the source code on CD for a trillion euro.
> 
> They are clearly *way* out of line with the spirit of the GPL, but
> whether they've broken the letter of it depends (AFAICS) on whether
> they can defend in court that a trillion euro is the physical cost
> of copying.
> 
> Either there is an upper limit on the price of access to source
> code, or there is a very serious flaw in the GPL.
 
> Is there something I'm missing in this example?

You're missing the distinction between:

1. Distributing the software (ie binaries, possibly the source too) 
and charging whatever you want you for that, which is fine.

and

2. Complying with 3b for the case where the software is _not_ 
distributed with source. In which case 3b applies (written offer, 
valid 3 years, to provide source at no more than cost).

I dont know how else to explain it to you anymore. Try the GPL FAQ :)
 
> Ronan

regards,
-- 
Paul Jakma	paul at clubi.ie	paul at jakma.org	Key ID: 64A2FF6A
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Fortune:
To do two things at once is to do neither.
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