Re: Tom Tom and Microsofts Linux patent lock-down ..

[Rahul Dhesi]

Rjack <user@example.net> writes:

>Well... there weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeent the goalposts.

>Out to the fifty yard line...

A perceptive observation.

The evolution of the GPL from revision 1 to 2 to 3 doed reflect shifting
goalposts, designed to adjust to changing conditions. No doubt there
will be a version 4 in the future if and when it is needed. Rjack is a
strong believer in stare decisis, i.e., once you decide something, you
stick with it.  But that concept does not apply to changing conditions.
Both the GPL and the law must adapt, and they do. The goalposts must
indeed shift with the times.

And also, stare decisis improperly applied causes problems. For example:

  http://www.constitution.org/col/0610staredrift.htm
-- 
Rahul
http://rahul.rahul.net/