@ 08/06/2004 12:10 : wrote Benjamin Cutler : > Brian Thomas Sniffen wrote: > >> Not only is that non-free, it may not be distributable. A single >> work, parts of which are GPL'd and parts of which are non-free, >> can't be distributed because the GPL requires that the entire >> thing be under the terms of the GPL. >> >> -Brian
Just to nitpick a little: "A single work, parts of which are GPL'd and parts of which are _GPL_ _incompatible_ in terms of licensing." If the other parts were GPL compatible, licensing-wise, then the whole work could be considered GPL'd. (like using a BSD/MIT/2clause license to a library to be incorporated in a GPL'd program). > I guess I'm missing something, I just read through the GPL and I'm > having trouble locating the specific clause that states this... > not that I'm doubting you, I just was not aware of this. GPL#6: "Each time you redistribute the Program (or any work based on the Program), the recipient automatically receives a license from the original licensor to copy, distribute or modify the Program subject to these terms and conditions. You may not impose any further restrictions on the recipients' exercise of the rights granted herein. You are not responsible for enforcing compliance by third parties to this License." What this means is: for some GPLed-code derived work, all the distributions of such code *must* be done under the terms of the GPL (non-derived parts may be licensed _if_ _distributed_ _separately_, but if distributed as a single work, the single work must be distributed under the terms of the GPL, without additional restrictions on the rights granted by the GPL). > Would this mean that even the source tarball is not distributable > as well? Well, it is if you yank off the non-GPL parts. If you meant the _pristine_, untouched source tarball, yes, it's not distributable. If gens is still usable/useful without the non-free parts, you can package it this way (/vide/ all the flam^W healthy discussions about the non-free parts in the kernel over this list). -- best regards, Massa
