RE: Possible GPL infringement in Broadcom-based routers

["David Schwartz" <davids@webmaster.com>]

> Can Broadcom and the vendors "escape" the obligations of the GPL by
> shipping those proprietary drivers as modules, or are they violating the
> GPL plain and simple by removing the related source code (and showing
> irrelevant code to show "proof of good will") ?

	That is a contentious issue that has been debated on this group far too
much. In the United States, at least, the answer comes down to the complex
legal question of whether the module is a "derived work" of the Linux kernel
and whether the kernel as shipped with those modules is a "mere
aggregation".

	You can google those terms to form your own opinions. IMO, discussing and
debating these type of borderline GPL violations on the LKML is not a good
idea. Save bringing up GPL violations on the LKML for cases where the
violation is really obvious and all measures short of public shaming have
already been tried.

	DS