Re: GPL misappropriation

[RJack]

David Kastrup wrote:
> RJack <user@example.net> writes:
>
> > I have been poking around in the source code for BusyBox, v.0.60.3.
> > and unsurprisingly most every thing in the those command line
> > utilities are substantially similar to the old BSD4.4-lite tree.
> > Not only are the defendants Best But et. al. not guilty of 
> > infringing Erik Andersen's source code but BusyBox has appropriated
> >  code from the BSD tree and tried to put it illegally under the
> > GPL.


> You should try rereading that BSD license.  "Appropriating" and 
> releasing under the GPL is perfectly covered by the BSD license as
> long as the original copyright attributions remain intact.

That will never happen. Copyrights are exclusive rights and cannot be
licensed by anyone except the *owner* of a copyright. Releasing BSD
licensed code under the GPL is simply attempting to steal it.

"§ 106. Exclusive rights in copyrighted works.

Subject to sections 107 through 122, the owner of copyright under this
title has the exclusive rights to do and to authorize any of the
following:. . ."
> Of course, when doing so, you can only (successfully) claim copyright
>  violation for those parts which were written/modified by you.
Sincerely,
RJack :)