Re: softwarecombinations paper again Re: LGPL vs. GPL

[Hyman Rosen]

Tim Smith wrote:
> What does the success of Linux have to do with whether using different 
> pieces of software in combination in various ways involves the 
> derivative work preparation right?

There's not much precedent for this question for software,
as far as I know, so if someone demonstrates to a court that
the straightforward meaning of the license has generally been
accepted by industry, the court might just go along and allow
it. Note that even organizations who might be considered as
being opposed to the principles of the GPL, such as Microsoft,
act as if its provisions are valid. They are careful to make
sure that the software they license does not fall under the
GPL, rather than arguing that the GPL does not work.