Re: Question About GNU General Public License

[telford]

In gnu.misc.discuss Alexander Terekhov <terekhov@web.de> wrote:

> I mean that what you've suggested is pretty much exactly what folks 
> at OSRM are doing with respect to "SCO risk" ("Potential Corporate 
> SCO Defendants... Membership in the program is $100,000 annually"). 

> http://www.osriskmanagement.com/offerings.shtml

It isn't a "demand", they are not going to do anything adverse if
you decide to ignore their offer. Anyone else is welcome to come along
and provide an indemnification for a lower price if they like.

> I consider FSF to be in the same class of "tiger" animals, so to say.

The FSF is attempting to control distribution of derivative works
of their software. Many other copyright owners also maintain similar
control. No one is demanding that you use any GPL software.

>> The last time I looked, he did not particularly condone breaking the
>> GPL or copyright law for profit.  You should take a look at _what_ he
>> "allows for profit".

> Yeah. He allows "freedom for profit". ;-)

You have a right to TRY and make a profit within legal limitations,
no one has a right to ACHIEVE any particular profit. The GPL does
not directly prevent selling software or services but it does prevent
selling licenses for GPL software or for derivative works.

        - Tel