Jean-Christophe Dubacq wrote: > I am not a specialist, but in France, private use of a work cannot be > denied (as well as private copy, in some measure). Whether this applies > only to countries following "author rights" doctrine instead of > "copyrights", I let it to someone more knowledgeable in this field.
It applies to all countries who have implemented EC Directive 91/250/EC regarding copyright protection for coomputer programs. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31991L0250:EN:HTML Basic principles 1) use of software is one of the exclusive rights (art. 4(a)) 2) uses by a lawful acquirer are deemed not an infringement (art. 5(1)) 3) a license may restrict or annul item 2 (art. 5(1) first part) IOW I don't need a license to run GPL software. If the person who made the software available to me obeys the GPL, I'm a "lawful acquirer" and I couldn't care less about what the GPL says. Only when I redistribute the software do I need to worry about the GPL provisions. IANYL, TINLA. Arnoud -- Arnoud Engelfriet, Dutch & European patent attorney - Speaking only for myself Patents, copyright and IPR explained for techies: http://www.iusmentis.com/ -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
