Definition of "distribution"?

[Martin Dickopp]

Hello,

I have a question about what the term "distribution" (in the GPL)
means. If this kind of question is not appropriate for this list,
please tell me where to ask.

In a discussion on Slashdot
(http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=31024&cid=3334512), somebody
was claiming that distribution of a software within an organisation
(e.g., within a company) does not constitute distribution at all,
because the organisation is considered a single legal person. Under
this assumption, it would not violate the GPL to distribute a work
based on a GPLed program in binary-only form within a company.

According to my understanding, I distribute a program as soon as
I give it to another individual, even if it is my co-worker in the
same office. Can somebody please clarify this?

Thanks,
Martin