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Re: (d-l fw:) [gNewSense-users] PFV call for help.
From: |
Karl Goetz |
Subject: |
Re: (d-l fw:) [gNewSense-users] PFV call for help. |
Date: |
Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:33:45 +1030 |
On Thu, 2008-01-24 at 08:26 +1030, Karl Goetz wrote:
> First reply is the only one i got, so i assume theres not to much they
> want to add :)
> kk
oops, forgot to add a link to the archive:
http://lists.debian.org/debian-legal/2008/01/msg00181.html
kk
>
> -------- Forwarded Message --------
> From: John Halton
> To: address@hidden
> Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: [gNewSense-users] PFV call for help.]
> Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:28:45 +0000
>
> On Jan 23, 2008 10:58 AM, Karl Goetz <address@hidden> wrote:
>
> Here, for the record - and to save Francesco Poli the trouble ;-) - is
> the full text of the relevant section of the krb5 copyright file:
>
> -------------------------------------------
>
> The following copyright and permission notice applies to the
> OpenVision Kerberos Administration system located in kadmin/create,
> kadmin/dbutil, kadmin/passwd, kadmin/server, lib/kadm5, and portions
> of lib/rpc:
>
> Copyright, OpenVision Technologies, Inc., 1996, All Rights Reserved
>
> WARNING: Retrieving the OpenVision Kerberos Administration system
> source code, as described below, indicates your acceptance of the
> following terms. If you do not agree to the following terms, do not
> retrieve the OpenVision Kerberos administration system.
>
> You may freely use and distribute the Source Code and Object Code
> compiled from it, with or without modification, but this Source
> Code is provided to you "AS IS" EXCLUSIVE OF ANY WARRANTY,
> INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
> FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, WHETHER
> EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IN NO EVENT WILL OPENVISION HAVE ANY LIABILITY
> FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF
> SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES, OR FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR
> CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING,
> WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE SOURCE
> CODE, OR THE FAILURE OF THE SOURCE CODE TO PERFORM, OR FOR ANY
> OTHER REASON.
>
> OpenVision retains all copyrights in the donated Source Code. OpenVision
> also retains copyright to derivative works of the Source Code, whether
> created by OpenVision or by a third party. The OpenVision copyright
> notice must be preserved if derivative works are made based on the
> donated Source Code.
>
> OpenVision Technologies, Inc. has donated this Kerberos
> Administration system to MIT for inclusion in the standard
> Kerberos 5 distribution. This donation underscores our
> commitment to continuing Kerberos technology development
> and our gratitude for the valuable work which has been
> performed by MIT and the Kerberos community.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------
>
> Moving on to consider the specific points raised:
>
> > * line 18-21: "Export of this software from the United States of America
> > may require
> > a specific license from the United States Government. It is the
> > responsibility of any person or organization contemplating export to
> > obtain such a license before exporting."
> > This section may not suit freedom 2: The freedom to redistribute copies
> > so you can help your neighbor.
>
> I don't think that clause is a problem. US export laws will (or won't)
> apply regardless of what the licence says, so this is really just a
> matter of information. It doesn't affect the DFSG-freeness of the
> software.
>
> > * line 81-83: "OpenVision
> > also retains copyright to derivative works of the Source Code, whether
> > created by OpenVision or by a third party." I think this could threat
> > this software freedom.
>
> This is rather an odd one. It's not clear in the context of the
> relevant paragraph whether this is just making a statement of fact
> about the Source Code as you may be using it, or whether it is seeking
> to claim ownership of any modifications that licensees make. If the
> latter, then I suspect that in a lot of jurisdictions it will not
> actually achieve the desired effect - for example, UK copyright law
> requires an assignment of copyright to be in writing and signed by the
> assignor.
>
> The question is then whether this interferes with software freedom. If
> you create a derivative work from the software, then (making the *big*
> assumption that the clause is legally effective) the copyright in that
> work, including your modifications, will vest in OpenVision. However,
> you still have the benefit of the licence terms as regards those
> modifications, so it doesn't interfere with your freedom on a
> practical level.
>
> What it does potentially mean is that OpenVision can *additionally*
> license your modifications under non-free licence terms, which many
> developers may consider undesirable. But OpenVision would be taking a
> risk if they actually did this, given that it is highly doubtful that
> they can claim legal ownership of the copyright in licensees'
> modifications on the basis of this licence provision.
>
> It probably wouldn't hurt to raise this with OpenVision, if possible.
> Do they consider this clause to give them ownership of copyright in
> any modifications made to the software, or is it simply saying that
> your rights under the licence do not affect the ultimate ownership of
> the copyright?
>
> I don't think the DFSG-freeness is affected in either event, but if
> OpenVision are trying to claim ownership of modifications then this is
> unusual, undesirable and probably ineffective.
>
> John
>
> (TINLA)
>
>
--
Karl Goetz <address@hidden>