Re: Using non-GPL libraries in a GPL program

[David Kastrup]

rjack <robjack@insightbb.com> writes:

> Alfred M. Szmidt wrote:
>>    Question:  For what use is an unenforceable agreement?
>>
>>    Answer:    The same use as an unenforceable GPL license. Toilet paper.
>>
>
>
>> A unenforceable license is very useful, without a license, you cannot
>> do anything.
>>
>>
>
> Thank You!
>
> Everything is now crystal clear. It all makes perfect sense.

Well, here is a quote for you from the GPL:

      9. Acceptance Not Required for Having Copies.

      You are not required to accept this License in order to receive or
    run a copy of the Program.  Ancillary propagation of a covered work
    occurring solely as a consequence of using peer-to-peer transmission
    to receive a copy likewise does not require acceptance.  However,
    nothing other than this License grants you permission to propagate or
    modify any covered work.  These actions infringe copyright if you do
    not accept this License.  Therefore, by modifying or propagating a
    covered work, you indicate your acceptance of this License to do so.

A license you need not accept is not enforceable, obviously.  It is the
choice of the recipient whether or not he wants to use the license.  If
he does, he has to heed its terms.  If he doesn't, he is restricted to
what copyright law allows him.

You won't find "You are not required to accept this License in order to
receive or run a copy of the Program" in a license from Microsoft.
That's why _those_ licenses are actually contracts.

-- 
David Kastrup, Kriemhildstr. 15, 44793 Bochum