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Re: GPL: Does a conveyor's violation result in rights to users?


From: Alfred M. Szmidt
Subject: Re: GPL: Does a conveyor's violation result in rights to users?
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:54:12 +0200 (CEST)

   GPL: Does a conveyor's violation result in rights to users?

   E.g. Assume a user receives a binary-only copy of the firmware bundled
   with a hardware device based on a GPL'd OS (no source or offer of
   source is provided). 

A copyriight violation, see Section 3 of the GNU GPL.

   Does the GPL give the user the right (or for
   other reasons does the user now have the right) to provide or obtain
   newer versions of the GPL'd firmware that the vendor sells (e.g. to or
   from another client)?  i.e. does it give anyone holding a binary copy
   the right to distribute it for free to users denied the source that is
   their right to receive?   From a moral standpoint, it's well-
   justified, 

On the contrary, from a moral stand point it is not justified.  The
user is being deprived of the right to study the program.  You cannot
distribute a binary without also allowing the user to recive the
source code; see section 3 of the GNU GPL.

   Anyone aware of discussion as to whether the GPLv3 should (or could)
   make a user entitled to do this?

The GPLv3 will, as the GPLv2 expressly not allow it, since it is just
distirbuting non-free software, and this is wrong.




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