Re: [gnu.org #214016] GPL Violation of 'sveasoft' with GPL Linux Kernel/Busybox + code

["novalis@fsf.org via RT" <license-violation@fsf.org>]

I didn't realize linux-kernel was CC'd here.  I'm going to take this
off-list with Shawn, because I don't want to waste everyone's time.  If
anyone else has any information about this, please feel free to email me
at <license-violation@fsf.org> .  Thanks.

On Tue, 2004-11-09 at 10:21 -0500, Shawn Starr via RT wrote:
> REPLIES GO TO REQUESTORS BY DEFAULT.
> 
> <URL: http://rt.gnu.org/Ticket/Display.html?id=214016 >
> 
> They won't be distributing the source because of their new 
> anti-distribution methods, they aren't providing the source because they 
> don't want people to distribute the binaries any more either or know now the 
> anti-distribution mechanism will work (which requires the user to enter a 
> value to unlock the binary firmware and send a request to their servers).
> 
> It is this action that they are violating the GPL and that needs to be 
> enforced. 
> 
> If they want to relicense their changes they need to not use GPL existing code 
> which they are not doing. They have not added written any of this code from 
> scratch and thus must distribute the source on request to those who get the 
> binaries which they are not doing anymore.
> 
> What was true before of redistribution and being kicked out of the program is 
> now not happening anymore as there is no code to distribute of the resulting 
> binaries.
> 
> Shawn.
> 
> On November 9, 2004 07:07, Alan Cox via RT wrote:
> > On Maw, 2004-11-09 at 00:11, novalis@fsf.org via RT wrote:
> > > But if you distribute binaries, you must either include or offer source
> > > code.  Do they do this?  What software do they include that FSF holds
> > > copyright on?   Where can I check this?
> > >
> > > Do they include a copy of the GPL with the software?
> >
> > They include the GPL, they include the source nothing I can find they do
> > violates the GPL.  They do appear to annoy a few people because their
> > policy is that while you may join their early access process and get
> > source if you redistribute that source then you get kicked off their
> > program, but you are still allowed to distribute that source.
> 
-- 
-Dave Turner
GPL Compliance Engineer
Support my work: http://svcs.affero.net/rm.php?r=novalis&p=FSF