[luau] that crazy GPL stuff...
Hawaii Linux Institute
wp at HawaiiLinux.us
Thu Oct 16 09:06:01 PDT 2003
Warren Togami wrote:
> SCO
We need to realize that the validity of GPL is closely tied to the
notion of shrink-wrap licenses. There are two important issues. First,
since there are no face-to-face negotiations, do you really need to
abide by the terms of GPL and open your source code? If you have to
open your source code, to what extent? Since there is no uniform law
regarding shrink-wrap licenses, answer to this question will of course
vary from state to state. Then, there is the issue of whether the GPL
will bind you forever. Both issues have been advanced by David Boise of
SCO.
With regard to SCO, AFAIK, the real issue is, whether Microsoft should
be allowed to essentially underwrite the entire cost of the law suit
under the color of a highly questionable licensing agreement. A friend
in Massachusetts told me that some firms are considering filing a
federal RICO ( Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization) law
suit naming Microsoft and SCO as co-defendants. Now that should be
interesting. wayne
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