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Don't use GPL software then...
Authors of GPL'ed code own their code inasmuch as commercial software companies own theirs. They are allowing you to use the software for free and have its source code. If you use *their* code as the basis for your product you must supply the source for it. If you make improvements to *their* code in your product, you must return your enhancements in the form of source code back to the original authors so it can be incorporated into the original source. Isn't that horrible of them?

The "L" in GPL stands for the same thing as the "L" in EULA, but EULA'ed software is much more restrictive and you don't get the source code. Plus, you generally have to pay for EULA'ed software and can't make copies and give it away.

So, if you are hoping that the GPL gets invalidated in court, you are also pulling the rug out from under EULA's. This is why even Microsoft respects the GPL. I'm sure their army of lawyers has tried to pick it apart, but found that it is as well built as their own EULA's.

If you want source code to use as you see fit, stick with BSD-licensed code. Microsoft and Apple have used it in their commercial products. You have probably paid them for some of it.
Posted by: rinaldo   Posted on: 04/23/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Eben Moglen's Speech for Harvard Journal of Law & Technology  David Mohring | 04/22/04
Nice link!  Peter Komisar | 04/23/04
GPL has been through a lot of review  Chad_z | 04/22/04
GPL gains clout in German legal case  Loverock Davidson | 04/22/04
I have an idea!!!  Martin Marvinski | 04/22/04
I have an idea!!!  Loverock Davidson | 04/23/04
Re: GPL gains clout in German legal case  none none | 04/22/04
Prevents too much branching  CobraA1 | 04/22/04
You can use GPL programs in a commercial product...  rinaldo | 04/23/04
They have a pretty broad definition . . .  CobraA1 | 04/24/04
Why don't you put some substance  IT_User | 04/23/04
Ok...  bchesmer | 04/23/04
Sorry but I don't see it.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/23/04
huh  Daxx | 04/23/04
Don't use GPL software then...  rinaldo | 04/23/04
re gpl  Llandros Loressin | 04/23/04
Who cares Germany is closer to 3rd world  Enterprise Analyst | 04/23/04
In what? And who called it that?  FirstNLastN | 04/23/04
3rd World????  bchesmer | 04/23/04
Ford GT kicks BMW or Mercedes rear ends big time  voska | 04/24/04
Can't pass this one up...  Linux User 147560 | 04/23/04
I beg to differ on the Car quailty  voska | 04/24/04
Okay here...  Linux User 147560 | 04/24/04
Sure, keep thinking that....  boomslang_z | 04/25/04
Re: Germany  casimirartmann | 04/26/04
gpl like a spit hand shake  V Sanders | 04/23/04
Someone has been watching to much "Deadwood" on TV.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/23/04
Good for software licensing.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/23/04
Don't confuse GPL with EULA  Yagotta B. Kidding | 04/23/04
You are the one confused I think.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/23/04
Someone's confused  none none | 04/23/04
Nic cherry picking.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
Re: Nic cherry picking.  none none | 04/24/04
I see your point.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
Re: I see your point.  none none | 04/24/04
Licensing copyright, not "seats"  Robert Crocker | 04/23/04
Yes, sort of, and maybe.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/23/04
GPL is not an EULA  Root User | 04/23/04
Re: GPL is not an EULA  none none | 04/23/04
Exactly...  Root User | 04/23/04
Has been spelled out  azurensis | 04/27/04
The ONLY difference is the terms.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
you are getting into an interpretive issue.  B.O.F.H. | 04/24/04
What in the world are you talking about?  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
Re: What in the world are you talking about?  none none | 04/24/04
Seems this court disagree's with you.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
Just an FYI  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
Absolutely...  John L. Ries | 09/17/04
The terms are the terms.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/23/04
Re: The terms are the terms.  none none | 04/23/04
Not really true.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
Re: Not really true.  none none | 04/24/04
That is true of any software. Nothing special about the GPL.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
Re: That is true of any software. Nothing special about the GPL.  none none | 04/24/04
Sounds just like MS EULA's.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 04/24/04
I'm really tired of hearing about "strategy"  John L. Ries | 09/17/04

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