This is the kind of notice that gets deep-pocket distributors in knots.
Pedigree is a major concern. Where did this code from? Is it authorized for
distribution? Did some insider take this (perhaps confidential) source and
add it to the distribution?
The deep-pocket distributor could be sued by the owner of this code for
reproduction/distribution infringement and it will be of little help to say
that it got it from Debian, FSF, Red Hat, etc. For one, the limitation of
liability clauses in the various "open source" agreements. Further, even if
there was a valid claim against someone downstream, that
person(s)/corporation(s)/etc. may be judgment proof. In the end, it will
likely be a cost (perhaps a huge cost) of doing business that needs to be
seriously considered in the distribution decision by deep-pocket
distributors (or any distributor for that matter).
Just some thoughts when I saw the FORE notice jump out....
From: David Starner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Greg KH <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, debian-legal@lists.debian.org, [EMAIL
PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Keyspan Firmware fun
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 02:55:29 -0500
On Thu, Apr 26, 2001 at 12:33:09AM -0700, Aaron Lehmann wrote:
> Copyright (c) 1995-2000 FORE Systems, Inc., as an unpublished work.
This
This is what gets me. It's being distributed, in some cases by
permanant media, to millions of random people, and it's unpublished?
--
David Starner - [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Pointless website: http://dvdeug.dhis.org
"I don't care if Bill personally has my name and reads my email and
laughs at me. In fact, I'd be rather honored." - Joseph_Greg
--
To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
