Re: freebox possible GPL violation

From: Stefan Smietanowski
Date: Wed Oct 05 2005 - 20:04:51 EST


-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

>> If the box downloads a linux kernel through the DSLAM network, then
>> someone is clearly distributing linux kernels through the DSLAM network.
>> I would guess it is the same guys, because relying on someone else
>> providing
>> them with kernels is a risky business. But whoever is on the other end
>> of the DSLAM net have to offer the source as well, because they _are_
>> distributing kernels.
>>
>> The fact that the user isn't supposed to know how this box work
>> doesn't change anything, of course. The GPL says those who
>> distribute the work - it doesn't matter that they don't tell the
>> customer that they're given a linux kernel. They still have to offer
>> the source if asked.
>
>
> the argument that they are making is that they are only moveing the
> kernel within their own companies equipment, and therefor it doesn't
> count as 'distribution'
>
> agree with this argument or not, but please acknowledge this point of
> view rather then pretending that they have no argument at all and are
> just plain refusing.
>
> David Lang
>

If one turns it on, doesn't turn it off, pays the 400 EUR and
as a result OWNS it, then what one has is a box that at that point
in time is running Linux and one is the owner of it.

// Stefan
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.1 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFDRHnpBrn2kJu9P78RApviAJ9AwjF8wU+6ao/L61AC7xW/QSBRZwCaA9u1
yDDXxWQ/0MHeAS7pSg4C4rg=
=oLR8
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
-
To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in
the body of a message to majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html
Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/