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List:       gentoo-dev
Subject:    Re: [gentoo-dev] License Interpretation
From:       Richard Freeman <rich0 () gentoo ! org>
Date:       2008-08-23 17:10:16
Message-ID: 48B04478.9030701 () gentoo ! org
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Donnie Berkholz wrote:
> 
> Have you heard of the term "contributory infringement"? It means you're 
> helping someone else break copyright law.

Wouldn't somebody need to distribute the software to be in violation of 
copyright law?

If I in legal and fully-licensed manner install a program on my PC, and 
then I modify that program but don't distribute it, have I violated 
copyright law?  If the end-user doesn't violate copyright, then Gentoo 
couldn't be guilty of contributory infringement.

If I purchase a piece of artwork and then draw over it I haven't 
violated copyright.  If I make 10 copies of the resulting modified art 
and distribute them then I may have.  If I sell a magic marker and print 
on the box "you can draw all over your expensive artwork" on it I'm not 
contributing to copyright infringement.  If I write on the box "you can 
draw all over your expensive artwork and sell it on ebay" then I may be 
contributing to copyright infringement.

At least, that is how I see it...  :)

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