On Tue, Jul 25, 2000 at 09:27:39AM +0300, Juhapekka Tolvanen wrote: > > I just found this kewl software and it claims to be Open-Source. > > http://www.steelblue.com/ > > Well, here is its licence: > > http://www.steelblue.com/sb/download/SteelBlue/latest/LICENSE.TXT > > What you think about?
Quick Answer : It's not neither DFSG-ly, nor common-sense-ly free. Little Longer Answer : Some parts of License are even void. Long Answer : QUOTE : The Program [...] may not be sold, transferred by you in any manner for any reason, other than in compliance with the terms of this License. PROBLEM: Copyright can't prohibit you from reselling in most countries. VOID. QUOTE : b. All distributed modifications to the Program shall immediately become subject to a permanent non-exclusive royalty-free right hereby granted to TCG to include such modifications in the Program as it may determine from time to time, and the unrestricted right to distribute such modification in all future versions of the Program, without obligation to User of any kind. PROBLEM: They seem to claim that every *.diff to program is automagically licensed to them, what is false. ILLEGAL. QUOTE : c. Upon distribution, the source code of all modifications to the Program must be made available free of charge to TCG as specified on the Web page at http://www.steelblue.com/modifications/ . PROBLEM A : License is not fully contained in this document. They might change http://www.steelblue.com/modifications/ on their wish. NON-DFSG. PROBLEM B : You can't make distribution (to a friend, for example) without making magick and sending all patches to them. NON-FREE. QUOTE : 5. TERMINATION. In the event of any default or failure of User to abide by the terms hereof, this license may be revoked by TCG without prior notice and all rights granted hereunder rescinded. In the event of such revocation, the Program and all copies thereof however stored and on all media, temporary and permanent, shall be returned to TCG or destroyed or otherwise disabled by User. Upon request User shall provide sufficient evidence of compliance said obligation. PROBLEM : Everyone can see what's wrong here, don't you ? NON-DFSG + ILLEGAL. QUOTE : The term "Program" shall include all portions thereof, all versions, releases, upgrades, enhancements, improvements, modifications, updates and all derivatives, as determined by TCG to be part of the Program. [...] 6. COPYRIGHT. All right, title and interest in and to the Program, including but not limited to the copyright and the right to sell, transfer, license or otherwise convey the Program and any rights therein, remain exclusively with TCG. PROBLEM : They not only want to have you patches for free, they also want you to give your copyrights to them. ILLEGAL.