1529 lines
73 KiB
TeX
1529 lines
73 KiB
TeX
% gpl-buisness.tex -*- LaTeX -*-
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% Tutorial Text for the GPL for Businesspeople and Developers course
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%
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% Copyright (C) 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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% Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire document is permitted in
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% any medium, provided this notice is preserved.
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\documentclass[12pt]{report}
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% FILTER_HTML: \input{generate-html-file}
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\newcommand{\defn}[1]{\emph{#1}}
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%\pagestyle{empty}
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\begin{document}
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\begin{titlepage}
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{\Large
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\begin{center}
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\vspace{.5in}
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{\sc The GNU General Public License for Businesspeople and Developers } \\
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\vspace{1in}
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A Tutorial By:
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\vspace{.3in}
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Bradley M. Kuhn
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Executive Director
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Free Software Foundation
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\end{center}
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}
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\vfill
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{\parindent 0in
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Copyright \copyright{} 2003 \hspace{.2in} Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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\vspace{.3in}
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Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire document is permitted in
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any medium, provided this notice is preserved.
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}
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\end{titlepage}
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\pagestyle{plain}
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\pagenumbering{roman}
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\begin{abstract}
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This tutorial gives a section-by-section explanation of the most popular
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Free Software copyright license, the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL),
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and teaches software developers, managers and businesspeople how to use
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the GPL and GPL'ed software successfully in new Free Software business and
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in existing, successful enterprises.
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Attendees should have a general familiarity with software development
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processes. A vague understanding of how copyright law applies to software
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is also helpful. The tutorial is of most interest to software developers
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and managers who run software businesses that modify and/or redistribute
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software under terms of the GNU GPL (or who wish to do so in the future),
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and those who wish to make use of existing GPL'ed software in their
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enterprise.
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This tutorial introduces the GNU GPL and its terms to professionals who
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are not well versed in the details of copyright law. Presented by a
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software developer and manager, this tutorial informs those who wish to
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have a deeper understanding of how the GNU GPL uses copyright law to
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protect software freedom and to assist in the formation of Free Software
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businesses, and of the organizational motivations behind the GNU GPL.
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Upon completion of the tutorial, successful attendees can expect to have
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learned the following:
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\begin{itemize}
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\item the freedom-defending purpose of each term of the GNU GPL.
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\item the redistribution options under the GPL.
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\item the obligations when modifying GPL'ed software.
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\item how to properly apply the GPL to a new software.
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\item how to build a plan for proper and successful compliance with the GPL.
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\item the business advantages that the GPL provides.
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\item the most common business models used in conjunction with the GPL.
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\item how existing GPL'ed software can be used in existing enterprises.
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\end{itemize}
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\end{abstract}
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\tableofcontents
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\pagebreak
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\pagenumbering{arabic}
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%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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\chapter{What Is Free Software?}
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Consideration of the GNU General Public License (herein, abbreviated as
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\defn{GNU GPL} or just \defn{GPL}) must begin by first considering the broader
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world of Free Software. The GPL was not created from a void, rather,
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it was created to embody and defend a set of principles that were set
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forth at the founding of the GNU project and the Free Software Foundation
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(FSF)---the organization that upholds, defends and promotes the philosophy
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of software freedom. A prerequisite for understanding the GPL and its
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terms and conditions is a basic understanding of the principles behind it.
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The GPL is unlike almost all other software licenses in that it is
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designed to defend and uphold these principles.
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\section{The Free Software Definition}
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\label{Free Software Definition}
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The Free Software Definition is set forth in full on FSF's website at
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\href{http://www.fsf.org/philosophy/free-sw.html}{http://www.fsf.org/philosophy/free-sw.html}.
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This section presents an abbreviated version that will focus on the parts
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that are most pertinent to the terms of the GPL\@.
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A particular program is Free Software if it grants a particular user of
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that program, the following freedoms:
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\begin{itemize}
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\item the freedom to run the program for any purpose.
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\item the freedom to change and modify the program.
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\item the freedom to copy and share the program.
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\item the freedom to share improved versions of the program.
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\end{itemize}
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The focus on ``a particular user'' is very pertinent here. It is not
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uncommon for the same version of a specific program to grant these
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freedoms to some subset of its user base, while others have none or only
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some of these freedoms. Section~\ref{relicensing} talks in detail about
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how this can happen even if a program is released under the GPL\@.
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Some people refer to software that gives these freedoms as ``Open
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Source''. Besides having a different political focus than those who call
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it Free Software\footnote{The political differences between the Free
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Software Movement and the Open Source Movement are documented on FSF's
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website at
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\href{http://www.fsf.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html}
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{http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-for-freedom.html}.},
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those who call the software ``Open Source'' are focused on a side issue.
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User access to the source code of a program is a prerequisite to make use
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of the freedom to modify. However, the important issue is what freedoms
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are granted in the license of that source code. Microsoft's ``Shared
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Source'' program, for example, gives various types of access to source
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code, but almost none of the freedoms described in this section.
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One key issue that is central to these freedoms is that there are no
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restrictions on how these freedoms can be exercised. Specifically, users
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and programmers can exercise these freedoms non-commercially or
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commercially. Licenses that grant these freedoms for non-commercial
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activities but prohibit them for commercial activities are considered
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non-Free.
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In general, software for which most or all of these freedoms are
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restricted in any way is called ``non-Free Software''. Typically, the
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term ``proprietary software'' is used more or less interchangeably with
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``non-Free Software''. Personally, I tend to use the term ``non-Free
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Software'' to refer to non-commercial software that restricts freedom
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(such as ``shareware'') and ``proprietary software'' to refer to
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commercial software that restricts freedom (such as nearly all of
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Microsoft's and Oracle's offerings).
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The remainder of this section considers each of the four freedoms in
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detail.
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\subsection{The Freedom to Run}
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For a program to be Free Software, the freedom to run the program must be
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completely unrestricted. This means that any use for that software that
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the user can come up with must be permitted. Perhaps, for example, the
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user has discovered an innovative new use for a particular program, one
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that the programmer never could have predicted. Such a use much not be
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restricted.
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It was once rare that this freedom was restricted by even proprietary
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software; today it is not so rare. Most End User Licensing Agreements
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(EULAs) that cover most proprietary software restrict some types of use.
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For example, some versions of Microsoft's FrontPage software prohibit use
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of the software to create websites that generate negative publicity for
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Microsoft. Free Software has no such restrictions; everyone is free to
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use Free Software for any purpose whatsoever.
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\subsection{The Freedom to Change and Modify}
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Free Software programs allow users to change, modify and adapt the
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software to suit their needs. Access to the source code and related build
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scripts are an essential part of this freedom. Without the source code
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and the ability to build the binary applications from that source, the
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freedom cannot be properly exercised.
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Programmers can take direct benefit from this freedom, and often do.
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However, this freedom is essential to users who are not programmers.
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Users must have the right to engage in a non-commercial environment of
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finding help with the software (as often happens on email lists and in
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users groups). This means they must have the freedom to recruit
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programmers who might altruistically assist them to modify their software.
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The commercial exercise of this freedom is also essential. Each user, or
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group of users, must have the right to hire anyone they wish on a
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competitive free market to modify and change the software. This means
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that companies have a right to hire anyone they wish to modify their Free
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Software. Additionally, such companies may contract with other companies
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to commission software modification.
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\subsection{The Freedom to Copy and Share}
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Users may share Free Software in a variety of ways. Free Software
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advocates work to eliminate fundamental ethical dilemma of the software
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age: choosing between obeying a software license, and friendship (by
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giving away a copy of a program your friend who likes the software you are
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using). Free Software licenses, therefore, must permit this sort of
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altruistic sharing of software among friends.
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The commercial environment must also have the benefits of this freedom.
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Commercial sharing typically takes the form of selling copies of Free
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Software. Free Software can be sold at any price to anyone. Those who
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redistribute Free Software commercially have the freedom to selectively
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distribute (you can pick your customers) and to set prices at any level
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the redistributor sees fit.
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It is true that many people get copies of Free Software very cheaply (and
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sometimes without charge). The competitive free market of Free Software
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tends to keep prices low and reasonable. However, if someone is willing
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to pay a billion dollars for one copy of the GNU Compiler Collection, such
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a sale is completely permitted.
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Another common instance of commercial sharing is service-oriented
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distribution. For example, a distribution vendor may provide immediate
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security and upgrade distribution via a special network service. Such
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distribution is completely permitted for Free Software.
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\subsection{The Freedom to Share Improvements}
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The freedom to modify and improve is somewhat empty without the freedom to
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share those improvements. The Free Software community is built on the
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pillar of altruistic sharing of improved Free Software. Inevitably, a
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Free Software project sprouts a mailing list where improvements are shared
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freely among members of the development community. Such non-commercial
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sharing must be permitted for Free Software to thrive.
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Commercial sharing of modified Free Software is equally important. For a
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competitive free market for support to exist, all developers --- from
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single-person contractors to large software companies --- must have the
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freedom to market their services as improvers of Free Software. All forms
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of such service marketing must be equally available to all.
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For example, selling support services for Free Software is fully
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permitted. Companies and individuals can offer themselves as ``the place
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to call'' when software fails or does not function properly. For such a
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service to be meaningful, the entity offering that service must have the
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right to modify and improve the software for the customer to correct any
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problems that are beyond mere user error.
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Entities must also be permitted to make available modified versions of
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Free Software. Most Free Software programs have a so-called ``canonical
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version'' that is made available from the primary developers of the
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software. However, all who have the software have the ``freedom to fork''
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--- that is, make available non-trivial modified versions of the software
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on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Such freedom is central to
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vibrant developer and user interaction.
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Companies and individuals have the right to make true value-added versions
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of Free Software. They may use freedom to share improvements to
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distribute distinct versions of Free Software with different functionality
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and features. Furthermore, this freedom can be exercised to serve a
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disenfranchised subset of the user community. If the developers of the
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canonical version refuse to serve the needs of some of the software's
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users, other entities have the right to create long- or short-lived fork
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that serves that sub-community.
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\section{How Does Software Become Free?}
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The last section set forth the freedoms and rights are respected by Free
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Software. It presupposed, however, that such software exists. This
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section discusses how Free Software comes into existence. But first, it
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addresses how software can be non-free in the first place.
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Software can be made proprietary only because it is governed by copyright
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law\footnote{This statement is a bit of an oversimplification. Patents
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and trade secrets can cover software and make it effectively non-free,
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and one can contract away their rights and freedoms regarding software.
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However, the primary control mechanism for software is copyright.}.
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Copyright law, with respect to software governs copying, modifying, and
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redistributing that software\footnote{Copyright law in general also
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governs ``public performance'' of copyrighted works. There is no
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generally agreed definition for public performance of software and
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version 2 of the GPL does not govern public performance.}. By law, the
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copyright holder (aka the author) of the work controls how others my copy,
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modify and/or distribute the work. For proprietary software, these
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controls are used to prohibit these activities. In addition, proprietary
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software distributors further impede modification in a practical sense by
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distributing only binary code and keeping the source code of the software
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secret.
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Copyright law is a construction. In the USA, the Constitution permits,
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but does not require, the creation of copyright law as federal
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legislation. Software, since it is tangible expression of an idea, is
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thus covered by the statues, and is copyrighted by default.
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However, software, in its natural state without copyright, is Free
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Software. In an imaginary world, which has no copyright, the rules would
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be different. In this world, when you received a copy of a program's
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source code, there would be no default legal system to restrict you from
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sharing it with others, making modifications, or redistributing those
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modified versions\footnote{There could still exist legal systems, like our
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modern patent system, which could restrict the software in other ways.}.
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Software in the real world is copyrighted by default, and that default
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legal system does exist. However, it is possible to move software out of
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the domain of the copyright system. A copyright holder is always
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permitted to \defn{disclaim} their copyright. If copyright is disclaimed,
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the software is not governed by copyright law. Software not governed by
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copyright is in the ``public domain''.
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\subsection{Public Domain Software}
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An author can create public domain software by disclaiming all copyright
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interest on the work. In the USA and other countries that have signed the
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Berne convention on copyright, software is copyrighted automatically by
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the author when (s)he ``fixes the software into a tangible medium''. In
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the software world, this usually means typing the source code of the
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software into a file.
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However, an author can disclaim that default control given to her by the
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copyright laws. Once this is done, the software is in the public domain
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--- it is no longer covered by copyright. Since it is copyright law that
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allows for various controls on software (i.e., prohibition of copying,
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modification, and redistribution), removing the software from the
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copyright system and placing it into the public domain does yield Free
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Software.
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Carefully note that software in the public domain is \emph{not} licensed
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in any way. It is nonsensical to say software is ``licensed for the
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public domain'', or any phrase that implies the copyright holder gave an
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expressed permission to take actions governed by copyright law.
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By contrast, what the copyright holder has done is renounce her copyright
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controls on the work. The law gave her controls over the work, and she
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has chosen to waive those controls. Software in the public domain is
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absent copyright and absent a license. The software freedoms discussed in
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Section~\ref{Free Software Definition} are all granted because there is no
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legal system in play to take them away.
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\subsection{Why Copyright Free Software?}
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If simply disclaiming copyright on software yields Free Software, then it
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stands to reason that putting software into the public domain is the
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easiest and most straightforward way to produce Free Software. Indeed,
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some major Free Software projects have chosen this method for making their
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software Free. However, most of the Free Software in existence \emph{is}
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copyrighted. In most cases (particularly in that of FSF and the GNU
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Project), this was done due to very careful planning.
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Software released into the public domain does grant freedom to those users
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who receive the canonical versions on which the original author disclaimed
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copyright. However, since the work is not copyrighted, any non-trivial
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modification made to the work is fully copyrightable.
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Free Software released into the public domain initially is Free, and
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perhaps some who modify the software choose to place their work into the
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public domain as well. However, over time, some entities will choose to
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proprietarize their modified versions. The public domain body of software
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feeds the proprietary software. The public commons disappears, because
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fewer and fewer entities have an incentive to contribute back to the
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commons, since they know that any of their competitors can proprietarize
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their enhancements. Over time, almost no interesting work is left in the
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public domain, because nearly all new work is done by proprietarization.
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A legal mechanism is needed to redress this problem. FSF was in fact
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originally created primarily as a legal entity to defend software freedom,
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and that work of of defending software freedom is a substantial part of
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its work today. Specifically because of this ``embrace, proprietarize and
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extend'' cycle, FSF made a conscious choice to copyright its Free Software,
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and then license it under ``copyleft'' terms, and many, including the
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developers of the kernel named Linux has chosen to follow this paradigm.
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Copyleft is a legal strategy to defend, uphold and propagate software
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freedom. The basic technique of copyleft is as follows: copyright the
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software, license it under terms that give all the software freedoms, but
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use the copyright law controls to ensure that all who receive a copy of
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the software have equal rights and freedom. In essence, copyleft grants
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freedom, but forbids others to forbid that freedom from anyone else along
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the distribution and modification chains.
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Copyleft is a general concept. Much like ideas for what a computer might
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do must be \emph{implemented} by a program that actually does the job, so
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too must copyleft be implemented in some concrete legal structure.
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``Share and share alike'' is a phrase that is often enough to explain the
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concept behind copyleft, but to actually make it work in the real world, a
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true implementation in legal text must exist. The GPL is the primary
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implementation of copyleft in copyright licensing language.
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\section{An Ecosystem of Equality}
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The GPL uses copyright law to defend freedom and equally ensure users'
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rights. This ultimately creates an ecosystem of equality for both
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business and non-commercial users.
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\subsection{The Non-Commercial Ecosystem}
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A GPL'ed code base becomes a center of a vibrant development and user
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community. Traditionally, volunteers, operating non-commercially out of
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keen interest or ``scratch an itch'' motivations, produce initial versions
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of a GPL'ed system. Because of the efficient distribution channels of the
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Internet, any useful GPL'ed system is adopted quickly by non-commercial
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users.
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Fundamentally, the early release and quick distribution of the software
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gives birth to a thriving non-commercial community. Users and developers
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begin sharing bug reports and bug fixes across a shared intellectual
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commons. Users can trust the developers, because they know that if the
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developers fail to address their needs or abandon the project, the GPL
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ensures that someone else has the right to pick up development.
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Developers know that the users cannot redistribute their software without
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passing along the rights granted by GPL, so they are assured that every
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one of their users is treated equally.
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Because of the symmetry and fairness inherent in GPL'ed distribution,
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nearly every GPL'ed package in existence has a vibrant non-commercial user
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and developer base.
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\subsection{The Commercial Ecosystem}
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By the same token, nearly all established GPL'ed software systems have a
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vibrant commercial community. Nearly every GPL'ed system that has gained
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wide adoption from non-commercial users and developers eventually begins
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to fuel a commercial system around that software.
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For example, consider the Samba file server system that allows Unix-like
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systems (including GNU/Linux) to serve files to Microsoft Windows systems.
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Two graduate students originally developed Samba in their spare time and
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it was deployed non-commercially in academic environments. However, very
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soon for-profit companies discovered that the software could work for them
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as well, and their system administrators began to use it in place of
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Microsoft Windows NT file-servers. This served to lower the cost of
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ownership by orders of magnitude. There was suddenly room in Windows
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file-server budgets to hire contractors to improve Samba. Some of the first
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people hired to do such work were those same two graduate students who
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originally developed the software.
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The non-commercial users, however, were not concerned when these two
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fellows began collecting paychecks off of their GPL'ed work. They knew
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that because of the nature of the GPL that improvements that were
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distributed in the commercial environment could easily be folded back into
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the canonical version. Companies are not permitted to proprietarize
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Samba, so the non-commercial users, and even other commercial users are
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safe in the knowledge that the software freedom ensured by GPL will remain
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protected.
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Commercial developers also work in concert with non-commercial developers.
|
|
Those two now-long-since graduated students continue to contribute to
|
|
Samba altruistically, but also get work doing it. Priorities change when a
|
|
client is in the mix, but all the code is contributed back to the
|
|
canonical version. Meanwhile, many other individuals have gotten involved
|
|
non-commercially as developers, because they want to ``cut their teeth on
|
|
Free Software'' or because the problem interest them. When they get good
|
|
at it, perhaps they will move on to another project or perhaps they will
|
|
become commercial developers of the software themselves.
|
|
|
|
No party is a threat to another in the GPL software scenario because
|
|
everyone is on equal ground. The GPL protects rights of the commercial
|
|
and non-commercial contributors and users equally. The GPL creates trust,
|
|
because it is a level playing field for all.
|
|
|
|
\subsection{Law Analogy}
|
|
|
|
In his introduction to Stallman's \emph{Free Software, Free Society},
|
|
Lawrence Lessig draws an interesting analogy between the law and Free
|
|
Software. He argues that the laws of a Free society must be protected
|
|
much like the GPL protects software. So that I might do true justice to
|
|
Lessig's argument, I quote it verbatim:
|
|
|
|
\begin{quotation}
|
|
|
|
A ``free society'' is regulated by law. But there are limits that any free
|
|
society places on this regulation through law: No society that kept its
|
|
laws secret could ever be called free. No government that hid its
|
|
regulations from the regulated could ever stand in our tradition. Law
|
|
controls. But it does so justly only when visibly. And law is visible
|
|
only when its terms are knowable and controllable by those it regulates,
|
|
or by the agents of those it regulates (lawyers, legislatures).
|
|
|
|
This condition on law extends beyond the work of a legislature. Think
|
|
about the practice of law in American courts. Lawyers are hired by their
|
|
clients to advance their clients' interests. Sometimes that interest is
|
|
advanced through litigation. In the course of this litigation, lawyers
|
|
write briefs. These briefs in turn affect opinions written by judges.
|
|
These opinions decide who wins a particular case, or whether a certain law
|
|
can stand consistently with a constitution.
|
|
|
|
All the material in this process is free in the sense that Stallman means.
|
|
Legal briefs are open and free for others to use. The arguments are
|
|
transparent (which is different from saying they are good) and the
|
|
reasoning can be taken without the permission of the original lawyers.
|
|
The opinions they produce can be quoted in later briefs. They can be
|
|
copied and integrated into another brief or opinion. The ``source code''
|
|
for American law is by design, and by principle, open and free for anyone
|
|
to take. And take lawyers do---for it is a measure of a great brief that
|
|
it achieves its creativity through the reuse of what happened before. The
|
|
source is free; creativity and an economy is built upon it.
|
|
|
|
This economy of free code (and here I mean free legal code) doesn't starve
|
|
lawyers. Law firms have enough incentive to produce great briefs even
|
|
though the stuff they build can be taken and copied by anyone else. The
|
|
lawyer is a craftsman; his or her product is public. Yet the crafting is
|
|
not charity. Lawyers get paid; the public doesn't demand such work
|
|
without price. Instead this economy flourishes, with later work added to
|
|
the earlier.
|
|
|
|
We could imagine a legal practice that was different---briefs and
|
|
arguments that were kept secret; rulings that announced a result but not
|
|
the reasoning. Laws that were kept by the police but published to no one
|
|
else. Regulation that operated without explaining its rule.
|
|
|
|
We could imagine this society, but we could not imagine calling it
|
|
``free.'' Whether or not the incentives in such a society would be better
|
|
or more efficiently allocated, such a society could not be known as free.
|
|
The ideals of freedom, of life within a free society, demand more than
|
|
efficient application. Instead, openness and transparency are the
|
|
constraints within which a legal system gets built, not options to be
|
|
added if convenient to the leaders. Life governed by software code should
|
|
be no less.
|
|
|
|
Code writing is not litigation. It is better, richer, more
|
|
productive. But the law is an obvious instance of how creativity and
|
|
incentives do not depend upon perfect control over the products created.
|
|
Like jazz, or novels, or architecture, the law gets built upon the work
|
|
that went before. This adding and changing is what creativity always is.
|
|
And a free society is one that assures that its most important resources
|
|
remain free in just this sense.\footnote{This quotation is Copyright
|
|
\copyright{} 2002, Lawrence Lessig. It is licensed under the terms of
|
|
\href{http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/1.0/}{the ``Attribution
|
|
License'', version 1.0} or any later version as published by Creative
|
|
Commons.}
|
|
\end{quotation}
|
|
|
|
In essence, lawyers are paid to service the shared commons of legal
|
|
infrastructure. Few defend themselves in court or write their own briefs
|
|
(even though they legally permitted to do so) because everyone would
|
|
prefer to have an expert do that job.
|
|
|
|
The Free Software economy is a market that is ripe for experts. It
|
|
functions similarly to other well established professional fields like the
|
|
law. The GPL, in turn, serves as the legal scaffolding that permits the
|
|
creation of this vibrant commercial and non-commercial Free Software
|
|
economy.
|
|
|
|
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|
|
\chapter{Copying, Modifying and Redistributing}
|
|
|
|
This chapter begins the deep discussion of the details of the terms of
|
|
GPL\@. In this chapter, we consider the core terms: GPL \S\S 0--3. These
|
|
are the sections of the GPL that fundamentally define the legal details of
|
|
how software freedom is respected.
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 0: Freedom to Run}
|
|
|
|
\S 0, the opening section of GPL, sets forth that the work is governed by
|
|
copyright law. It specifically points out that it is the ``copyright
|
|
holder'' who decides if a work is licensed under its terms, and explains
|
|
how the copyright holder might indicate this fact.
|
|
|
|
A bit more subtly, \S 0 makes an inference that copyright law is the only
|
|
system under which it is governed. Specifically, it states:
|
|
\begin{quote}
|
|
Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are not
|
|
covered by this License; they are outside its scope.
|
|
\end{quote}
|
|
In essence, the license governs \emph{only} those activities and all other
|
|
activities are unrestricted, provided that no other agreements trump GPL
|
|
(which they cannot; see Sections~\ref{GPLs6} and~\ref{GPLs7}). This is
|
|
very important, because the Free Software community heavily supports
|
|
users' rights to ``fair use'' and ``unregulated use'' of copyrighted
|
|
material. GPL asserts through this clause that it supports users' rights
|
|
to fair and unregulated uses.
|
|
|
|
Fair use of copyrighted material is an established legal doctrine that
|
|
permits certain activities. Discussion of the various types of fair use
|
|
activity are beyond the scope of this tutorial. However, one important
|
|
example of fair use is the right to reverse engineering software.
|
|
|
|
Fair use is a doctrine established by the courts or by statute. By
|
|
contrast, unregulated uses are those that are not covered by the statue
|
|
nor determined by a court to be covered, but are common and enjoyed by
|
|
many users. An example of unregulated use is reading a program like a
|
|
novel for the purpose of learning how to be a better programmer.
|
|
|
|
\medskip
|
|
|
|
Thus, the GPL protects users fair and unregulated use rights precisely by
|
|
not attempting to cover them. Furthermore, the GPL ensures the freedom
|
|
to run specifically by stating the following:
|
|
\begin{quote}
|
|
The act of running the Program is not restricted
|
|
\end{quote}
|
|
Thus, users are explicitly given the freedom to run by \S 0.
|
|
|
|
\medskip
|
|
|
|
The bulk of \S 0 not yet discussed gives definitions for other terms used
|
|
throughout. The only one worth discussing in detail is ``work based on
|
|
the Program''. The reason this definition is particular interesting is
|
|
not for the definition itself, which is rather straightforward, but the
|
|
because it clears up a common misconception about the GPL\@.
|
|
|
|
The GPL is often mistakenly criticized because it fails to give a
|
|
definition of ``derivative work''. In fact, it would be incorrect and
|
|
problematic if the GPL attempt to define this. A copyright license, in
|
|
fact, has no control over what may or may not be a derivative work. This
|
|
matter is left up to copyright law, not the licenses that utilize it.
|
|
|
|
It is certainly true that copyright law as a whole does not propose clear
|
|
and straightforward guidelines for what is and is not a derivative
|
|
software work under copyright law. However, no copyright license --- not
|
|
even the GNU GPL -- can be blamed for this. Legislators and court
|
|
opinions must give us guidance to decide the border cases.
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 1: Verbatim Copying}
|
|
|
|
GPL \S 1 covers the matter of redistributing the source code of a program
|
|
exactly as it was received. This section is quite straightforward.
|
|
However, there are a few details worth noting here.
|
|
|
|
The phrase ``in any medium'' is important. This, for example, gives the
|
|
freedom to publish a book that is the printed copy of the program's source
|
|
code. It also allows for changes in the medium of distribution. Some
|
|
vendors may ship Free Software on a CD, but others may place it right on
|
|
the hard drive of a pre-installed computer. Any such redistribution media
|
|
is allowed.
|
|
|
|
Preservation of copyright notice and license notifications are mentioned
|
|
specifically in \S 1. These are in some ways the most important part of
|
|
the redistribution, which is why they are mentioned by name. The GPL
|
|
always strives to make it abundantly clear to anyone who receives the
|
|
software what its license is. The goal is to leave no reason that someone
|
|
would be surprised that the software she got was licensed under GPL\@.
|
|
Thus throughout the GPL, there are specific reference to the importance of
|
|
notifying others down the distribution chain that they have rights under
|
|
GPL.
|
|
|
|
Also mentioned by name is the warranty disclaimer. Most people today do
|
|
not believe that software comes with any warranty. Notwithstanding the
|
|
proposed state-level UCITA bills (which have never obtained widespread
|
|
adoption), there are little or no implied warranties with software.
|
|
However, just to be on the safe side, GPL clearly disclaims them, and the
|
|
GPL requires redistributors to keep the disclaimer very visible. (See
|
|
Sections~\ref{GPLs11} and~\ref{GPLs12} of this tutorial for more on GPL's
|
|
warranty disclaimers.)
|
|
|
|
Note finally that \S 1 begins to set forth the important defense of
|
|
commercial freedom. \S 1 clearly states that in the case of verbatim
|
|
copies, one may make money. Redistributors are fully permitted to charge
|
|
for the redistribution of copies of Free Software. In addition, they may
|
|
provide the warranty protection that the GPL disclaims as an additional
|
|
service for a fee. (See Section~\ref{Business Models} for more discussion
|
|
on making profit from Free Software redistribution.)
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 2: Share and Share Alike}
|
|
|
|
Many consider \S 2 the heart and soul of the GPL\@. For many, this is
|
|
where the ``magic'' happens that defends software freedom along the
|
|
distribution chain. I certainly agree that if GPL has a soul, this is
|
|
where it is. However, I argue that the heart is in fact contained in \SS
|
|
4--5 (see Section~\ref{GPLs4} and~\ref{GPLs5} of this tutorial). But, for
|
|
the moment, let us consider the soul.
|
|
|
|
\S 2 gives the only permission in the GPL that governs the modification
|
|
controls of copyright law. If someone modifies a GPL'ed program, she is
|
|
bound in the making those changes by \S 2. The goal here is to ensure
|
|
that the body of GPL'ed software, as it continues and develops, remains
|
|
Free as in freedom.
|
|
|
|
To achieve that goal, \S 2 first sets forth that the rights of
|
|
redistribution modified versions are the same as those for verbatim
|
|
copying, as presented in \S 1. Therefore, the details of charging,
|
|
keeping copyright notices in tact, and other \S 1 provisions are in tact
|
|
here as well. However, there are three additional requirements.
|
|
|
|
The first (\S 2(a)) requires that modified files carry ``prominent
|
|
notices'' explaining what changes were made and the date of such changes.
|
|
The goal here is not to put forward some specific way of marking changes,
|
|
or controlling the process of how changes get made. Primarily, \S 2(a)
|
|
seeks to ensure that those receiving modified versions what path it took
|
|
to them. For some users, it is important to know that they are using the
|
|
canonical version of program, because while there are many advantages to
|
|
using a fork, there are a few disadvantages. Users should be informed the
|
|
historical context of the software version they use, so that they can make
|
|
proper support choices. Finally, \S 2(a) serves an academic purpose ---
|
|
ensuring that future developers can use a diachronic approach to
|
|
understand the software.
|
|
|
|
\medskip
|
|
|
|
The second requirement (\S 2(b)) contains the four short lines that embody
|
|
the legal details of ``share and share alike''. These 46 words are
|
|
considered by some to be the most worthy of careful scrutiny. It is worth
|
|
the effort to carefully understand what each clause is saying, because \S
|
|
2(b) can be a source of great confusion when not properly understood.
|
|
|
|
In considering \S 2(b), first note the qualifier: it only applies to
|
|
derivative works that ``you distribute or publish''. Despite years of
|
|
education efforts by FSF on this matter, many still believe that modifiers
|
|
of GPL'ed software are required by the license to publish or otherwise
|
|
share their changes. On the contrary, \S 2(b) {\bf does not apply if} the
|
|
changes are never distributed. Indeed, the freedom to make private,
|
|
personal changes to software that are not shared should be protected and
|
|
defended\footnote{FSF does maintain that there is an {\bf ethical}
|
|
obligation to redistributor changes that are generally useful, and often
|
|
encourages companies and individuals to do so. However, there is a
|
|
clear distinction between what one {\bf ought} to do and what one {\bf
|
|
must} do.}.
|
|
|
|
Next, we again encounter the same matter that appears in \S 0, in the
|
|
following text:
|
|
\begin{quote}
|
|
... that in whole or part contains or is derived from the Program or any
|
|
part thereof,
|
|
\end{quote}
|
|
Again, the GPL relies here on what the copyright law says is a derivative
|
|
work. If, under copyright law, the modified version ``contains or is
|
|
derived from'' the GPL'ed software, then the requirements of \S 2(b)
|
|
apply. The GPL invokes its control as a copyright license over the
|
|
modification of the work in combination with its control over distribution
|
|
of the work.
|
|
|
|
The final clause of \S 2(b) describes what the licensee must do if she is
|
|
distributing or publishing a work that is deemed a derivative work under
|
|
copyright law --- namely, the following:
|
|
\begin{quote}
|
|
[The work must] be licensed as a whole at no charge to all third parties
|
|
under the terms of this License.
|
|
\end{quote}
|
|
That is probably the most tightly-packed phrase in all of the GPL\@.
|
|
Consider each subpart carefully.
|
|
|
|
The work ``as a whole'' is what is to be licensed. This is an important
|
|
point that \S 2 spends an entire paragraph explaining; thus this phrase is
|
|
worthy of a lengthy discussion here. As a programmer modifies a software
|
|
program, she generates new copyrighted material --- fixing ideas in the
|
|
tangible medium of electronic file storage. That programmer is indeed the
|
|
copyright holder of those new changes. However, those changes are part
|
|
and parcel to the original worked distributed to the programmer under
|
|
GPL\@. Thus, the license of the original work affects the license of the
|
|
new whole derivative work.
|
|
|
|
% {\cal I}
|
|
\newcommand{\gplusi}{$\mathcal{G\!\!+\!\!I}$}
|
|
\newcommand{\worki}{$\mathcal{I}$}
|
|
\newcommand{\workg}{$\mathcal{G}$}
|
|
|
|
It is certainly possible to take an existing independent work (called
|
|
\worki{}) and combine it with a GPL'ed program (called \workg{}). The
|
|
license of \worki{}, when it is distributed as a separate and independent
|
|
work, remains the prerogative of the copyright holder of . However, when
|
|
\worki{} is combined with \workg{}, it produces a new work that is the
|
|
combination of the two (called \gplusi{}). The copyright of this
|
|
derivative work, \gplusi{}, is jointly held by the original copyright
|
|
holder of each of the two works.
|
|
|
|
In this case, \S 2 lays out the terms by which \gplusi{} may be
|
|
distributed and copied. By default, under copyright law, the copyright
|
|
holder of \worki{} would not have been permitted to distribute \gplusi{};
|
|
copyright law forbids it without the expressed permission of the copyright
|
|
holder of \workg{}. (Imagine, for a moment, if \workg{} were a Microsoft
|
|
product --- would they give you permission to create and distribute
|
|
\gplusi{} without paying them a hefty sum?) The license of \workg{}, the
|
|
GPL, sets forth ahead of time options for the copyright holder of \worki{}
|
|
who may want to create and distribute \gplusi{}. This pre-granted
|
|
permission to create and distribute derivative works, provided the terms
|
|
of GPL are uphold, goes far above and beyond the permissions that one
|
|
would get with a typical work not covered by a copyleft license. Thus, to
|
|
say that this restriction is any way unreasonable is simply ludicrous.
|
|
|
|
\medskip
|
|
|
|
The next phrase of note in \S 2(b) is ``licensed ... at no charge''. This
|
|
is a source of great confusion to many. Not a month goes by that FSF does
|
|
not receive an email that claims to point out ``a contradiction in GPL''
|
|
because \S 2 says that redistributors cannot charge for modified versions
|
|
of GPL'ed software, but \S 1 says that they can. The ``at no charge''
|
|
means not that redistributors cannot charge for performing the acts
|
|
governed by copyright law\footnote{Recall that you could by default charge
|
|
for any acts not governed by copyright law, because the license controls
|
|
are confined by copyright.}, but rather that they cannot charge a fee
|
|
for the \emph{license itself}. In other words, redistributors of
|
|
(modified and unmodified) GPL'ed works may charge any amount they choose
|
|
for performing the modifications on contract or the act of transferring
|
|
the copy to the customer, but they may not charge a separate licensing fee
|
|
for the software.
|
|
|
|
\S 2(b) further states that the software must ``be licensed ... to all
|
|
third parties''. This too has led to some confusions, and feeds the
|
|
misconception mentioned earlier --- that all modified versions must made
|
|
available to the public at large. However, the text here does not say
|
|
that. Instead, it says that the licensing under terms of the GPL must
|
|
extend to anyone who might, through the typical distribution chain,
|
|
receive a copy of the software. Distribution to all third parties is not
|
|
mandated here, but \S 2(b) does require redistributors to license the
|
|
derivative works in a way that is extends FIXME to all third parties who may
|
|
ultimately receive a copy of the software.
|
|
|
|
In summary, \S 2(b) says what terms under which the third parties must
|
|
receive this no-charge license. Namely, they receive it ``under the terms
|
|
of this License'', the GPL. When an entity \emph{chooses} to redistribute
|
|
a derivative work of GPL'ed software, the license of that whole derivative
|
|
work must be GPL and only GPL\@. In this manner, \S 2(b) dovetails nicely
|
|
with \S 6 (as discussed in Section~\ref{GPLs6} of this tutorial).
|
|
|
|
\medskip
|
|
|
|
The final paragraph of \S 2 is worth special mention. It is possible and
|
|
quite common to aggregate various software programs together on one
|
|
distribution medium. Computer manufacturers do this when they ship a
|
|
pre-installed hard drive, and GNU/Linux distribution vendors do this to
|
|
give a one-stop CD or URL for a complete operating system with necessary
|
|
applications. The GPL very clearly permits such ``mere aggregation'' with
|
|
programs under any license. Despite what you hear from its critics, the
|
|
GPL is nothing like a virus, not only because the GPL is good for you and
|
|
a virus is bad for you, but also because simple contact with a GPL'ed
|
|
code-base does not impact the license of other programs. Actual effort
|
|
must be expended by a programmer to cause a work to fall under the terms
|
|
of the GPL. Redistributors are always welcome to simply ship GPL'ed
|
|
software alongside proprietary software or other unrelated Free Software,
|
|
as long as the terms of GPL are adhered to for those packages that are
|
|
truly GPL'ed.
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 3: Producing Binaries}
|
|
|
|
% FIXME: need name of a novelist who writes very obscurely and obliquely.
|
|
|
|
Software is a strange beast when compared to other copyrightable works.
|
|
It is currently impossible to make a film or a book that can be truly
|
|
obscured. Ultimately, the full text of a novel must presented to the
|
|
reader as words in some human-readable language so that they can enjoy the
|
|
work. A film, even one directed by David Lynch, must be perceptible by
|
|
human eyes and ears to have any value.
|
|
|
|
Software is not so. While the source code, the human-readable
|
|
representation of software is of keen interest to programmers, users and
|
|
programmers alike cannot make the proper use of software in that
|
|
human-readable form. Binary code --- the ones and zeros that the computer
|
|
can understand --- must be producible and attainable for the software to
|
|
be fully useful. Without the binaries, be they in object or executable
|
|
form, the software serves only the didactic purposes of computer science.
|
|
|
|
Under copyright law, binary representations of the software are simply
|
|
derivative works of the source code. Applying a systematic process (i.e.,
|
|
``compilation'') to a work of source code yields binary code. The binary
|
|
code is now a new work of expression fixed in the tangible medium of
|
|
electronic file storage.
|
|
|
|
Therefore, for GPL'ed software to be useful, the GPL, since it governs the
|
|
rules for creation of derivative works, must grant permission for the
|
|
generation of binaries. Furthermore, notwithstanding the relative
|
|
popularity of source-based GNU/Linux distributions like ``Gentoo'', users
|
|
find it extremely convenient to receive distribution of binary software.
|
|
Such distribution is the redistribution of derivative works of the
|
|
software's source code. \S 3 addresses the matter of creation and
|
|
distribution of binary versions.
|
|
|
|
Under \S 3, binary versions may be created and distributed under the terms
|
|
of \S\S 1--2, so all the material previously discussed applies here.
|
|
However, \S 3 must go a bit further. Access to the software's source code
|
|
is an incontestable prerequisite for the exercise of the fundamental
|
|
freedoms to modify and improve the software. Making even the most trivial
|
|
changes to a software program at the binary level is effectively
|
|
impossible. \S 3 must ensure that the binaries are never distributed
|
|
without the source code, so that these freedoms are ensured to be passed
|
|
along the distribution chain.
|
|
|
|
\S 3 permits distribution of binaries, and then offers three options for
|
|
distribution of source code along with binaries. The most common and the
|
|
least complicated is the option given under \S 3(a).
|
|
|
|
\S 3(a) offers the option to directly accompany the source code alongside
|
|
the distribution of the binaries. This is by far the most convenient
|
|
option for most distributors, because it means that the source-code
|
|
provision obligations are fully completed at the time of binary
|
|
distribution (more on that later).
|
|
|
|
Under \S 3(a), the source code code provided must be the ``corresponding
|
|
source code''. Here ``corresponding'' primarily means that the source
|
|
code provided must be that code used to produce the binaries being
|
|
distributed. That source code must also be ``complete''. A later
|
|
paragraph of \S 3 explains in detail what is meant by ``complete''. In
|
|
essence, it is all the material that a programmer of average skill would
|
|
need to actually use the source code to produce the binaries she has
|
|
received. Complete source is required so that, if the licensee choses,
|
|
she should be able to exercise her freedoms to modify and redistribute
|
|
changes. Without the complete source, it would not be possible to make
|
|
changes that were actually directly derived from the version received.
|
|
|
|
Furthermore, \S 3 is defending against a tactic that has in fact been seen
|
|
in FSF's GPL enforcement. Under GPL, if you pay a high price for a copy
|
|
of GPL'ed binaries (which comes with corresponding source, of course), you
|
|
have the freedom to redistribute that work at any fee you choose, or not
|
|
at all. Sometimes, companies attempt to build a racket by producing very
|
|
specialized binaries (perhaps for an obscure architecture), and then
|
|
giving source code that does corresponding, but not giving the
|
|
``incantations'' and build plans they used to make that source compile
|
|
into the specialized binaries. Therefore, \S 3 that the source code
|
|
include ``meta-material'' like scripts, interface definitions, and other material
|
|
that is used to ``control compilation and installation'' of the binaries.
|
|
In this manner, those further down the distribution chain are assured that
|
|
they have the unabated freedom to build their own derivative works from
|
|
the sources provided.
|
|
|
|
FSF (as authors of GPL) realizes that software distribution comes in many
|
|
forms. Embedded manufacturers, for example, have the freedom to put
|
|
GPL'ed software into their PDAs with very tight memory and space
|
|
constraints. In such cases, putting the source right alongside the
|
|
binaries on the machine itself might not be an option. While it is
|
|
recommended that this be the default way that people comply with GPL, the
|
|
GPL does provide options when such distribution is infeasible.
|
|
|
|
\S 3, therefore, allows source code to be provided on any physical
|
|
``medium customarily used for software interchange''. By design, this
|
|
phrase covers a broad spectrum. At best, FSF can viably release a new GPL
|
|
every ten years or so. Thus, phrases like this must be adaptive to
|
|
changes in the technology. When GPL version 2 was first published in June
|
|
1991, distribution on magnetic tape was still common, and CD was
|
|
relatively new. Today, CD is the default, and for larger systems DVD-ROM
|
|
is gaining adoption. This language must adapt with changing technology.
|
|
|
|
Meanwhile, the binding created by the word ``customarily'' is key. Many
|
|
incorrectly believe that distributing binary on CD and source on the
|
|
Internet is acceptable. In the corporate world, it is indeed customary to
|
|
simply download CDs worth of data over a T1 or email large file
|
|
attachments. However, even today in the USA, many computer users with
|
|
CD-ROM drives are not connected to the Internet, and most people connected
|
|
to the Internet are connected via a 56K dial-up connection. Downloading
|
|
CDs full of data is not customary for them in the least. In some cities
|
|
in Africa, computers are becoming more common, but Internet connectivity
|
|
is still available only at a few centralized locations. Thus, the
|
|
``customs'' here have must have a worldwide scope in context, and simply
|
|
providing source on the Internet --- while it is a kind, friendly and
|
|
useful thing to do --- is not usually sufficient.
|
|
|
|
Note, however, a major exception to this rule, given by the last paragraph
|
|
of \S 3. \emph{If} distribution of the binary files is made only on the
|
|
Internet (i.e., ``from a designated place''), \emph{then} simply providing
|
|
the source code right alongside the binaries in the same place is
|
|
sufficient to comply with \S 3.
|
|
|
|
\midskip
|
|
|
|
As is shown above, Under \S 3(a), embedded manufacturers can put the
|
|
binaries on the device and ship the source code along on a CD\@. However,
|
|
sometimes this turns out to be too costly. Including a CD with every
|
|
device could prove too costly, and may practically (although not legally)
|
|
prohibit using GPL'ed software. For this situation and others like it, \S
|
|
3(b) is available.
|
|
|
|
\S 3(b) allows a distributor of binaries to instead provide a written
|
|
offer for source code alongside those binaries. This is useful in two
|
|
specific ways. First, it may turn out that most users do not request the
|
|
source, and thus the cost of producing the CDs is saved --- a financial
|
|
and environmental windfall. In addition, along with a \S 3(b) compliant
|
|
offer for source, a binary distributor might choose to \emph{also} give a
|
|
URL for source code. Many who would otherwise need a CD with source might
|
|
turn out to have those coveted high bandwidth connections, and are able to
|
|
download the source instead --- again yielding environmental and financial
|
|
windfalls.
|
|
|
|
However, note that regardless of how many users prefer to get the source
|
|
online, that \S 3(b) does place lasting long-term obligations on the
|
|
binary distributor. The binary distributor must be prepared for three
|
|
years to honor that offer for source, and ship it out (just as they would
|
|
have had to do under \S 3(a)) at a moment's notice when they receive such
|
|
a request. There is real organizational cost here: support engineers for
|
|
three years must be trained how to route source requests, and source CD
|
|
images for every release version for the last three years must be kept on
|
|
hand to burn such CDs quickly. The requests might not even come from
|
|
actual customers; the offer for source must be valid for ``any third
|
|
party''.
|
|
|
|
That phrase is another place where some get confused --- thinking again
|
|
that full public distribution of source is required. The offer for source
|
|
must be valid for ``any third party'' because of the freedoms of
|
|
redistribution granted by \S\S 1--2. A company may ship a binary image
|
|
and an offer for source to only one customer. However, under GPL, that
|
|
customer has the right to redistribute that software to the world if she
|
|
likes. When she does, that customer has an obligation to make sure that
|
|
those who receive the software from her can exercise their freedoms under
|
|
GPL --- including the freedom to modify, rebuild, and redistribute the
|
|
source code.
|
|
|
|
This is where \S 3(c) comes into play. Ultimately, \S 3(b) is a big
|
|
compromise. It separates the binary software from the key tool that
|
|
people can use to exercise their freedom. The GPL permits this separation
|
|
because it is good for redistributors, and those users who turn out not to
|
|
need the source. However, to ensure equal rights for all software users,
|
|
anyone along the distribution chain must have the right to get the source
|
|
and exercise those freedoms that require it.
|
|
|
|
Meanwhile, \S 3(b)'s compromise primarily benefits companies who
|
|
distribute binary software commercially. Without \S 3(c), that benefit
|
|
would be at the detriment of the companies' customers; the burden of
|
|
source code provision would be unfairly shifted to the companies'
|
|
customers. A customer, who had received binaries with a \S 3(b)-compliant
|
|
offer, would be required under GPL (sans \S 3(c)) to acquire the source,
|
|
merely to give a copy of the software to a friend who needed it. \S 3(c)
|
|
reshifts this burden to entity who benefits from \S 3(b).
|
|
|
|
\S 3(c) allows those who undertake \emph{non-commercial} distribution to
|
|
simply pass along a \S 3(b)-compliant source code offer. The customer who
|
|
wished to give a copy to her friend can now do so without provisioning the
|
|
source, as long as she gives that offer to her friend. By contrast, if
|
|
she wanted to go into business for herself selling CDs of that software,
|
|
she would have to acquire the source and either comply via \S 3(a), or
|
|
write her own \S 3(b)-compliant source offer.
|
|
|
|
This process is precisely the reason why a \S 3(b) source offer must be
|
|
valid for all third parties. At the time the offer is made, there is no
|
|
way of knowing who might end up non-commercially receiving a copy of the
|
|
software. Companies who choose to comply via \S 3(b) must thus be
|
|
prepared to honor all incoming source code requests. For this and the
|
|
many other additional necessary complications under \S\S 3(b--c), it is
|
|
only rarely a better option than complying via \S 3(a).
|
|
|
|
|
|
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|
|
\chapter{Defending Freedom On Many Fronts}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL, Section 4}
|
|
\label{GPLs4}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL, Section 5}
|
|
\label{GPLs5}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL, Section 6}
|
|
\label{GPLs6}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL, Section 7}
|
|
\label{GPLs7}
|
|
|
|
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|
|
\chapter{Odds, Ends, and Absolutely No Warranty}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 8}
|
|
\label{GPLs8}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 9}
|
|
\label{GPLs9}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 10}
|
|
\label{GPLs10}
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL \S 11}
|
|
\label{GPLs11}
|
|
|
|
There was a case where the disclaimer of a contract was negated because it
|
|
was not "conspicuous" to the person entering into the contract. Therefore,
|
|
to make such language "conspicuous" people started placing it in bold or caps it. My question
|
|
has always been, does that mean all the other parts of the document aren't
|
|
important such that they too need to be "conspicuous."
|
|
|
|
As for disclaiming warranties, remember that there are many types of
|
|
warranties, and in some jurisdictions some of them cannot be disclaimed.
|
|
Therefore, usually agreements will have both a warranty disclaimer and a
|
|
limitation of liability. The former gets rid of everything that can be
|
|
gotten rid of, while the latter limits the liability of the actor for any
|
|
warranties that cannot be disclaimed (such as personal injury, etc.).
|
|
|
|
\section{GPL, \S 12}
|
|
\label{GPLs12}
|
|
|
|
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|
|
\chapter{Integrating the GPL into Business Practices}
|
|
|
|
\section{Using Free Software In-House}
|
|
|
|
\section{Business Models}
|
|
\label{Business Models}
|
|
|
|
\section{Ongoing Compliance}
|
|
|
|
\appendix
|
|
|
|
\chapter{The GNU General Public License}
|
|
|
|
\begin{center}
|
|
{\parindent 0in
|
|
|
|
Version 2, June 1991
|
|
|
|
Copyright \copyright\ 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
|
|
|
|
\bigskip
|
|
|
|
59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307, USA
|
|
|
|
\bigskip
|
|
|
|
Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies
|
|
of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
|
|
}
|
|
\end{center}
|
|
|
|
\begin{center}
|
|
{\bf\large Preamble}
|
|
\end{center}
|
|
|
|
|
|
The licenses for most software are designed to take away your freedom to
|
|
share and change it. By contrast, the GNU General Public License is
|
|
intended to guarantee your freedom to share and change free software---to
|
|
make sure the software is free for all its users. This General Public
|
|
License applies to most of the Free Software Foundation's software and to
|
|
any other program whose authors commit to using it. (Some other Free
|
|
Software Foundation software is covered by the GNU Library General Public
|
|
License instead.) You can apply it to your programs, too.
|
|
|
|
When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not price.
|
|
Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you have the
|
|
freedom to distribute copies of free software (and charge for this service
|
|
if you wish), that you receive source code or can get it if you want it,
|
|
that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new free programs;
|
|
and that you know you can do these things.
|
|
|
|
To protect your rights, we need to make restrictions that forbid anyone to
|
|
deny you these rights or to ask you to surrender the rights. These
|
|
restrictions translate to certain responsibilities for you if you
|
|
distribute copies of the software, or if you modify it.
|
|
|
|
For example, if you distribute copies of such a program, whether gratis or
|
|
for a fee, you must give the recipients all the rights that you have. You
|
|
must make sure that they, too, receive or can get the source code. And
|
|
you must show them these terms so they know their rights.
|
|
|
|
We protect your rights with two steps: (1) copyright the software, and (2)
|
|
offer you this license which gives you legal permission to copy,
|
|
distribute and/or modify the software.
|
|
|
|
Also, for each author's protection and ours, we want to make certain that
|
|
everyone understands that there is no warranty for this free software. If
|
|
the software is modified by someone else and passed on, we want its
|
|
recipients to know that what they have is not the original, so that any
|
|
problems introduced by others will not reflect on the original authors'
|
|
reputations.
|
|
|
|
Finally, any free program is threatened constantly by software patents.
|
|
We wish to avoid the danger that redistributors of a free program will
|
|
individually obtain patent licenses, in effect making the program
|
|
proprietary. To prevent this, we have made it clear that any patent must
|
|
be licensed for everyone's free use or not licensed at all.
|
|
|
|
The precise terms and conditions for copying, distribution and
|
|
modification follow.
|
|
|
|
\begin{center}
|
|
{\Large \sc Terms and Conditions For Copying, Distribution and
|
|
Modification}
|
|
\end{center}
|
|
|
|
|
|
%\renewcommand{\theenumi}{\alpha{enumi}}
|
|
\begin{enumerate}
|
|
|
|
\addtocounter{enumi}{-1}
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
|
|
This License applies to any program or other work which contains a notice
|
|
placed by the copyright holder saying it may be distributed under the
|
|
terms of this General Public License. The ``Program'', below, refers to
|
|
any such program or work, and a ``work based on the Program'' means either
|
|
the Program or any derivative work under copyright law: that is to say, a
|
|
work containing the Program or a portion of it, either verbatim or with
|
|
modifications and/or translated into another language. (Hereinafter,
|
|
translation is included without limitation in the term ``modification''.)
|
|
Each licensee is addressed as ``you''.
|
|
|
|
Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are not
|
|
covered by this License; they are outside its scope. The act of
|
|
running the Program is not restricted, and the output from the Program
|
|
is covered only if its contents constitute a work based on the
|
|
Program (independent of having been made by running the Program).
|
|
Whether that is true depends on what the Program does.
|
|
|
|
\item You may copy and distribute verbatim copies of the Program's source
|
|
code as you receive it, in any medium, provided that you conspicuously
|
|
and appropriately publish on each copy an appropriate copyright notice
|
|
and disclaimer of warranty; keep intact all the notices that refer to
|
|
this License and to the absence of any warranty; and give any other
|
|
recipients of the Program a copy of this License along with the Program.
|
|
|
|
You may charge a fee for the physical act of transferring a copy, and you
|
|
may at your option offer warranty protection in exchange for a fee.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
|
|
You may modify your copy or copies of the Program or any portion
|
|
of it, thus forming a work based on the Program, and copy and
|
|
distribute such modifications or work under the terms of Section 1
|
|
above, provided that you also meet all of these conditions:
|
|
|
|
\begin{enumerate}
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
|
|
You must cause the modified files to carry prominent notices stating that
|
|
you changed the files and the date of any change.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
|
|
You must cause any work that you distribute or publish, that in
|
|
whole or in part contains or is derived from the Program or any
|
|
part thereof, to be licensed as a whole at no charge to all third
|
|
parties under the terms of this License.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
If the modified program normally reads commands interactively
|
|
when run, you must cause it, when started running for such
|
|
interactive use in the most ordinary way, to print or display an
|
|
announcement including an appropriate copyright notice and a
|
|
notice that there is no warranty (or else, saying that you provide
|
|
a warranty) and that users may redistribute the program under
|
|
these conditions, and telling the user how to view a copy of this
|
|
License. (Exception: if the Program itself is interactive but
|
|
does not normally print such an announcement, your work based on
|
|
the Program is not required to print an announcement.)
|
|
|
|
\end{enumerate}
|
|
|
|
|
|
These requirements apply to the modified work as a whole. If
|
|
identifiable sections of that work are not derived from the Program,
|
|
and can be reasonably considered independent and separate works in
|
|
themselves, then this License, and its terms, do not apply to those
|
|
sections when you distribute them as separate works. But when you
|
|
distribute the same sections as part of a whole which is a work based
|
|
on the Program, the distribution of the whole must be on the terms of
|
|
this License, whose permissions for other licensees extend to the
|
|
entire whole, and thus to each and every part regardless of who wrote it.
|
|
|
|
Thus, it is not the intent of this section to claim rights or contest
|
|
your rights to work written entirely by you; rather, the intent is to
|
|
exercise the right to control the distribution of derivative or
|
|
collective works based on the Program.
|
|
|
|
In addition, mere aggregation of another work not based on the Program
|
|
with the Program (or with a work based on the Program) on a volume of
|
|
a storage or distribution medium does not bring the other work under
|
|
the scope of this License.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
You may copy and distribute the Program (or a work based on it,
|
|
under Section 2) in object code or executable form under the terms of
|
|
Sections 1 and 2 above provided that you also do one of the following:
|
|
|
|
\begin{enumerate}
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
|
|
Accompany it with the complete corresponding machine-readable
|
|
source code, which must be distributed under the terms of Sections
|
|
1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or,
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
|
|
Accompany it with a written offer, valid for at least three
|
|
years, to give any third party, for a charge no more than your
|
|
cost of physically performing source distribution, a complete
|
|
machine-readable copy of the corresponding source code, to be
|
|
distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium
|
|
customarily used for software interchange; or,
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
|
|
Accompany it with the information you received as to the offer
|
|
to distribute corresponding source code. (This alternative is
|
|
allowed only for noncommercial distribution and only if you
|
|
received the program in object code or executable form with such
|
|
an offer, in accord with Subsection b above.)
|
|
|
|
\end{enumerate}
|
|
|
|
|
|
The source code for a work means the preferred form of the work for
|
|
making modifications to it. For an executable work, complete source
|
|
code means all the source code for all modules it contains, plus any
|
|
associated interface definition files, plus the scripts used to
|
|
control compilation and installation of the executable. However, as a
|
|
special exception, the source code distributed need not include
|
|
anything that is normally distributed (in either source or binary
|
|
form) with the major components (compiler, kernel, and so on) of the
|
|
operating system on which the executable runs, unless that component
|
|
itself accompanies the executable.
|
|
|
|
If distribution of executable or object code is made by offering
|
|
access to copy from a designated place, then offering equivalent
|
|
access to copy the source code from the same place counts as
|
|
distribution of the source code, even though third parties are not
|
|
compelled to copy the source along with the object code.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
You may not copy, modify, sublicense, or distribute the Program
|
|
except as expressly provided under this License. Any attempt
|
|
otherwise to copy, modify, sublicense or distribute the Program is
|
|
void, and will automatically terminate your rights under this License.
|
|
However, parties who have received copies, or rights, from you under
|
|
this License will not have their licenses terminated so long as such
|
|
parties remain in full compliance.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
You are not required to accept this License, since you have not
|
|
signed it. However, nothing else grants you permission to modify or
|
|
distribute the Program or its derivative works. These actions are
|
|
prohibited by law if you do not accept this License. Therefore, by
|
|
modifying or distributing the Program (or any work based on the
|
|
Program), you indicate your acceptance of this License to do so, and
|
|
all its terms and conditions for copying, distributing or modifying
|
|
the Program or works based on it.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
Each time you redistribute the Program (or any work based on the
|
|
Program), the recipient automatically receives a license from the
|
|
original licensor to copy, distribute or modify the Program subject to
|
|
these terms and conditions. You may not impose any further
|
|
restrictions on the recipients' exercise of the rights granted herein.
|
|
You are not responsible for enforcing compliance by third parties to
|
|
this License.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
If, as a consequence of a court judgment or allegation of patent
|
|
infringement or for any other reason (not limited to patent issues),
|
|
conditions are imposed on you (whether by court order, agreement or
|
|
otherwise) that contradict the conditions of this License, they do not
|
|
excuse you from the conditions of this License. If you cannot
|
|
distribute so as to satisfy simultaneously your obligations under this
|
|
License and any other pertinent obligations, then as a consequence you
|
|
may not distribute the Program at all. For example, if a patent
|
|
license would not permit royalty-free redistribution of the Program by
|
|
all those who receive copies directly or indirectly through you, then
|
|
the only way you could satisfy both it and this License would be to
|
|
refrain entirely from distribution of the Program.
|
|
|
|
If any portion of this section is held invalid or unenforceable under
|
|
any particular circumstance, the balance of the section is intended to
|
|
apply and the section as a whole is intended to apply in other
|
|
circumstances.
|
|
|
|
It is not the purpose of this section to induce you to infringe any
|
|
patents or other property right claims or to contest validity of any
|
|
such claims; this section has the sole purpose of protecting the
|
|
integrity of the free software distribution system, which is
|
|
implemented by public license practices. Many people have made
|
|
generous contributions to the wide range of software distributed
|
|
through that system in reliance on consistent application of that
|
|
system; it is up to the author/donor to decide if he or she is willing
|
|
to distribute software through any other system and a licensee cannot
|
|
impose that choice.
|
|
|
|
This section is intended to make thoroughly clear what is believed to
|
|
be a consequence of the rest of this License.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
If the distribution and/or use of the Program is restricted in
|
|
certain countries either by patents or by copyrighted interfaces, the
|
|
original copyright holder who places the Program under this License
|
|
may add an explicit geographical distribution limitation excluding
|
|
those countries, so that distribution is permitted only in or among
|
|
countries not thus excluded. In such case, this License incorporates
|
|
the limitation as if written in the body of this License.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
The Free Software Foundation may publish revised and/or new versions
|
|
of the General Public License from time to time. Such new versions will
|
|
be similar in spirit to the present version, but may differ in detail to
|
|
address new problems or concerns.
|
|
|
|
Each version is given a distinguishing version number. If the Program
|
|
specifies a version number of this License which applies to it and ``any
|
|
later version'', you have the option of following the terms and conditions
|
|
either of that version or of any later version published by the Free
|
|
Software Foundation. If the Program does not specify a version number of
|
|
this License, you may choose any version ever published by the Free Software
|
|
Foundation.
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
If you wish to incorporate parts of the Program into other free
|
|
programs whose distribution conditions are different, write to the author
|
|
to ask for permission. For software which is copyrighted by the Free
|
|
Software Foundation, write to the Free Software Foundation; we sometimes
|
|
make exceptions for this. Our decision will be guided by the two goals
|
|
of preserving the free status of all derivatives of our free software and
|
|
of promoting the sharing and reuse of software generally.
|
|
|
|
\begin{center}
|
|
{\Large\sc
|
|
No Warranty
|
|
}
|
|
\end{center}
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
{\sc Because the program is licensed free of charge, there is no warranty
|
|
for the program, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Except when
|
|
otherwise stated in writing the copyright holders and/or other parties
|
|
provide the program ``as is'' without warranty of any kind, either expressed
|
|
or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
|
|
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as
|
|
to the quality and performance of the program is with you. Should the
|
|
program prove defective, you assume the cost of all necessary servicing,
|
|
repair or correction.}
|
|
|
|
\item
|
|
{\sc In no event unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing
|
|
will any copyright holder, or any other party who may modify and/or
|
|
redistribute the program as permitted above, be liable to you for damages,
|
|
including any general, special, incidental or consequential damages arising
|
|
out of the use or inability to use the program (including but not limited
|
|
to loss of data or data being rendered inaccurate or losses sustained by
|
|
you or third parties or a failure of the program to operate with any other
|
|
programs), even if such holder or other party has been advised of the
|
|
possibility of such damages.}
|
|
|
|
\end{enumerate}
|
|
|
|
|
|
\begin{center}
|
|
{\Large\sc End of Terms and Conditions}
|
|
\end{center}
|
|
|
|
|
|
\pagebreak[2]
|
|
|
|
\section*{Appendix: How to Apply These Terms to Your New Programs}
|
|
|
|
If you develop a new program, and you want it to be of the greatest
|
|
possible use to the public, the best way to achieve this is to make it
|
|
free software which everyone can redistribute and change under these
|
|
terms.
|
|
|
|
To do so, attach the following notices to the program. It is safest to
|
|
attach them to the start of each source file to most effectively convey
|
|
the exclusion of warranty; and each file should have at least the
|
|
``copyright'' line and a pointer to where the full notice is found.
|
|
|
|
\begin{quote}
|
|
one line to give the program's name and a brief idea of what it does. \\
|
|
Copyright (C) yyyy name of author \\
|
|
|
|
This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
|
|
it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
|
|
the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
|
|
(at your option) any later version.
|
|
|
|
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
|
|
but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
|
|
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
|
|
GNU General Public License for more details.
|
|
|
|
You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
|
|
along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
|
|
Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307, USA.
|
|
\end{quote}
|
|
|
|
Also add information on how to contact you by electronic and paper mail.
|
|
|
|
If the program is interactive, make it output a short notice like this
|
|
when it starts in an interactive mode:
|
|
|
|
\begin{quote}
|
|
Gnomovision version 69, Copyright (C) yyyy name of author \\
|
|
Gnomovision comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY; for details type `show w'. \\
|
|
This is free software, and you are welcome to redistribute it
|
|
under certain conditions; type `show c' for details.
|
|
\end{quote}
|
|
|
|
|
|
The hypothetical commands {\tt show w} and {\tt show c} should show the
|
|
appropriate parts of the General Public License. Of course, the commands
|
|
you use may be called something other than {\tt show w} and {\tt show c};
|
|
they could even be mouse-clicks or menu items---whatever suits your
|
|
program.
|
|
|
|
You should also get your employer (if you work as a programmer) or your
|
|
school, if any, to sign a ``copyright disclaimer'' for the program, if
|
|
necessary. Here is a sample; alter the names:
|
|
|
|
\begin{quote}
|
|
Yoyodyne, Inc., hereby disclaims all copyright interest in the program \\
|
|
`Gnomovision' (which makes passes at compilers) written by James Hacker. \\
|
|
|
|
signature of Ty Coon, 1 April 1989 \\
|
|
Ty Coon, President of Vice
|
|
\end{quote}
|
|
|
|
|
|
This General Public License does not permit incorporating your program
|
|
into proprietary programs. If your program is a subroutine library, you
|
|
may consider it more useful to permit linking proprietary applications
|
|
with the library. If this is what you want to do, use the GNU Library
|
|
General Public License instead of this License.
|
|
|
|
\end{document}
|
|
|
|
% LocalWords: proprietarize redistributors sublicense yyyy Gnomovision EULAs
|
|
% LocalWords: Yoyodyne FrontPage improvers Berne copyrightable Stallman's GPLs
|
|
% LocalWords: Lessig Lessig's UCITA pre PDAs CDs reshifts
|