While we're cleaning up, it might be a good idea to clarify the
license, even if we don't switch.
Regardless of our past statements, lyx is not GPL, but quasi-GPL.
The act of releasing LyX under the GPL while it dependent upon xforms
has two interpetations:
1) we're complete idiots and in violation of our license (the debian
view :)
2) The license is modified by our actions (all Common Law (english
speaking) countries, and I presume civil code countries, and I
expect anywhere else where the rule of law is real).
So before there's a KDE-style nightmare, I suggest language along these
lines:
"While LyX has been released nominally under the GPL in the past, it
has in fact never been truly GPL. Particularly, it has always been
linked to a closed source library. While some have taken a view that
such actions violate the GPL, this is a legal impossibility. The law
is quite clear that the release of the software by the original authors
and copyright holders changed the licenses.
"Rather than leaving the issue to be debated, the following
clarifications are given. This is not a change of license, but a
clarification of the license that LyX has always used.
"1) LyX is quasi-GPL software. The terms of the GPL apply save where
they conflict with this statement.
"2) There is no limitation on the license or nature of any software,
source, binary, library, or other, that may be linked to LyX, or to
which LyX may be linked. Particularly, clauses *** of the GPL are
rejected in their entirety.
"3) There is no limitation on combining LyX source code with code
subject to any other license, provided that the LyX source remains
under this same license. Particularly, clause ** of the GPL is
rejected in its entirety.
"4) Any other clause or interpretation of the GPL limiting the
combination of other software of any type and LyX is rejected in its
entirety, provided that the LyX code and modifications to the LyX
source dode remains under this same license.
"5) Nothing in this statement purports to alter or interpret the
license of any other software. Any combination of other software with
LyX must also meet the requirements of that software."
Although I'd prefer to replace the "legal impossibility" with "only a
complete muttonhead could conclude", but I suppose that would be
impolitic :)
rick, esq.
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