Re: The GPL: GPL Programming Loophole :-)

From: Robert Redelmeier (redelm_at_ev1.net.invalid)
Date: 06/03/04 

Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2004 12:15:24 GMT

Randall Hyde <randyhyde@earthlink.net> wrote:
> You could use this same trick to apply any other
> modification to a GPL application. Indeed, you're
> not limited to dynamically linked modules. You
> could supply an "installation program" that takes
> the object modules and links them into an
> executable by the user's command. As long as
> *they* build the application, they can link in
> whatever modules they want, subject to the
> limitation that they cannot distribute the result
> (as it is no longer covered by the GPL).

Intriguing. Perhaps NVidia is relying upon this when they
distribute their drivers. I've always seen some sort of
`make` process.

-- Robert

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Studienarbeit =?UTF-8?B?w7xiZXI=?= Freie Software
    ... GPL Funktion sqrtdirekt linke muss ich mein Programm unter die GPL ... stellen, wenn ich den Trick mit einem WebService mache, muss ich es ... daß sich die GPL aufs Urheberrecht bezieht. ...
    (de.comp.gnu)
  • Re: Linux GPL and binary module exception clause?
    ... >> I have heard many people reference the fact that the although the Linux ... >> under the GPL. ... > become a derived work of the kernel? ... To date we have not even attempted to load our SNAP drivers inside the ...
    (Linux-Kernel)
  • Re: [PATCH] Blacklist binary-only modules lying about their license
    ... >> rather than waste time arguing about controversial GPL politics. ... I use a myriad of different binary drivers on various Linux ... >> sometimes resort to such kludges is that some kernel maintainers have ...
    (Linux-Kernel)
  • Re: Developing non-commercial drivers ?
    ... There is an interesting situation that seemingly meets the GPL clause ... kernel drivers for an embedded defence related project. ... 'manufactured' hardware and sells it to their ONLY customer, ... Organization A NOT REVEAL the source code to anybody else and this is ...
    (Linux-Kernel)
  • Re: [RFC/PATCH 1/2] in-kernel sockets API
    ... arguing /in favor of/ any kind of stable module API is asking for it. ... drivers are cut off from the tree regardless of their licensing terms. ... Any open-source license not compatible with the GPL. ...
    (Linux-Kernel)