From: Shawn W. <sw...@op...> - 2009-07-27 20:10:22
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Bob Friesenhahn wrote: > On Mon, 27 Jul 2009, Adam Retter wrote: >> >> I have CC'd Dennis Clarke of Blastwave, perhaps they already have a >> plan to offer the more up to date SFE encumbered packages? If not >> perhaps Sun would be willing to provide network.com infrastructure in >> a similar way to Blastwave so that we might set up a SFE encumbered >> IPS repo? > > There is the small problem that GPL prohibits distribution of GPL > software when local law prohibits it (section 7 of GPLv2). > > GPL software published by the FSF goes to great lengths to avoid patent > issues, but some other software using GPL knowingly includes patented > algorithms. > > If any Blastwave distribution point was located in the US, or located in > a country which supports US patent rights, or Blastwave is an legal > entity in one of those locations, then Blastwave would be violating GPL > (in addition to laws) if it knowingly distributed GPLed code which > violated US patent rights. Which also means that Blastwave doesn't technically have the right to distribute that software at all since the GPL license is what allows redistribution. With that said, that would also require the copyright holder of whatever software they're distributing to care about this, and I seriously doubt the author of ffmpeg or mplayer cares. Ultimately, you have to consult your own legal counsel to determine what is or is not allowable or assume the risks on your own. Cheers, -- Shawn Walker |