[pilot-db-list] Copyright/Licence Questions

[<aji...@t-...>]

Hi,

I have noticed that a company called 9.95 soft (search for "9.95" in
Palmgear)
copies OpenSource GNU GPL software, changes the name and the optics a little
bit and sells the software for 9.95$. They might do this with Pilot-DB too.

http://www.palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?sid=449245D1-070E-4BF5-9D6
D117CD3A566A2&prodID=47895

All the programs that they offer have been copied.
None of them have been developed by the Company!

9.95 Safe copied from KeyRing
9.95 Chess copied from OpenChess
9.95 Calc copied from  Bez Calculator
9.95 Clock copied from BigClock
9.95 Fuel copied from Fuel Log
9.95 Bible copied from Bible Reader

All the above programs were developed under the GNU GPL License.

After discussing with them they have finally added a note stating the
programs on which their programs are based on.

A hidden link to the source files is also available.

Still, are the allowed to sell their slightly (optically) changed
software??

Here is an excerpt of the GPL licence:

  2. You may modify your copy or copies of the Program or any portion
of it, thus forming a work based on the Program, and copy and
distribute such modifications or work under the terms of Section 1
above, provided that you also meet all of these conditions:

    a) You must cause the modified files to carry prominent notices
    stating that you changed the files and the date of any change.

    b) You must cause any work that you distribute or publish, that in
    whole or in part contains or is derived from the Program or any
    part thereof, to be licensed as a whole !!!!!!!!!! at no charge to all
third
    parties under the terms of this License!!!!!!!!!.

Is this permitted in your opinion. If not, would you help me protest?

Thanks,

Hans Ajiet Holtkamp