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List:       linux-kernel
Subject:    Re: Fasttrak100 questions...
From:       "Jeff V. Merkey" <jmerkey () vger ! timpanogas ! org>
Date:       2000-11-30 19:39:24
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On Thu, Nov 30, 2000 at 01:09:37PM -0500, Christopher Friesen wrote:
> "Jeff V. Merkey" wrote:
> > 
> > On Thu, Nov 30, 2000 at 10:14:47AM -0500, Christopher Friesen wrote:
> 
> > > I think you should re-read the GPL.  You only have to provide source to
> > > people to whome you have distributed your new binaries, and you only
> > > have to provide that source if you are asked for it.  If you have some
> > > code that you have written that is based on GPL'd code, and you are the
> > > only person that ever runs the binaries, then there is no obligation for
> > > you to make your code available to anybody.
> > 
> > Depends on what terms the code is provided under.  Using GPL code in a
> > for profit enterprise and distributing it to customers does require
> > that the changes be provided upon request.  I have read the GPL, and
> > I've had a lot of lawyers around here read and analyze it too.
> > 
> > :-)
> 
> Well of course this is the case.  I specifically said that I am the only
> one that ever ran the binaries.  Once you start distributing it to other
> people, then they can request the source additions/modifications and you
> are obligated to provide it.
> 
> Theoretically you could use software based on GPL'd code all throughout
> a for-profit corporation and make boatloads of money using that
> software.  As long as you don't distribute it to customers outside the
> company, and as long as none of the employees using it ask for the
> source and distribute it outside the company, nobody outside that
> corporation has any right to the source even though it is being used for
> profit.

I'm not certain this is technically correct, but I think it would be worth
having some folks here investigate this secnario.

Jeff


> 
> -- 
> Chris Friesen                    | MailStop: 043/33/F10  
> Nortel Networks                  | work: (613) 765-0557
> 3500 Carling Avenue              | fax:  (613) 765-2986
> Nepean, ON K2H 8E9 Canada        | email: cfriesen@nortelnetworks.com
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