Re: GPL and inhouse use?

[Alexander Terekhov]

Merijn de Weerd wrote:
> 
> On 2006-05-14, Eric <nospam@email.com> wrote:
> > Well, suppose, hypothetically, that you added a lot of code to the
> > kernel/base distribution, stripped out some of the base distribution stuff
> > (like X or whaever) too in order to create a really robust and unique
> > testing environment for testing new computer systems. You'd want to keep
> > that inhouse to prevent your competition from gaining the same advantage
> > that you just worked months or years to create.
> 
> Suppose you add a lot of code to implement a really robust and
> unique embedded software stack that makes a great product. You'd
> want to keep that proprietary to prevent your competition from
> gaining the same advantage that you just worked months or years to
> create. Yet, you have to share if you build upon GPL software.

You certainly don't have to share any parts of your work as long as you 
don't modify any GPL'd work and only add separate and independent
computer program works to build a stack upon GPL software.

Please bare in your mind that <quote> In fact, the GPL itself rejects 
any automatic aggregation of software copyrights under the GPL simply 
because one program licensed under the GPL is distributed together with 
another program that is not licensed under the GPL: "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. </quote> http://www.terekhov.de/Wallace_v_FSF_37.pdf

regards,
alexander.