[Mimedefang] GPLv3

[Jeff Rife]

On 30 Jun 2007 at 14:09, David F. Skoll wrote:

> Jeff Rife wrote:
> 
> > The biggest thing to figure out (and I'm afraid only a laywer could 
> > follow the GPL3 enough to know the answer) is if using GPL3 on 
> > MIMEDefang would essentially require you to give away CanIt with no 
> > limitations on its use.
> 
> As the copyright holder on MIMEDefang, we can distribute it under whatever
> terms we like.  Roaring Penguin is the only organization *not* bound
> by the GPL when we distribute MIMEDefang, so I don't think that's
> an issue.

I had done this same thought process, and it seems logical, but I 
really don't know if GPL3 basically says that you can't keep any part 
of an implementation "private" if it contains any GPL3 code.

Essentially, it would treat RP as two separate entities where one 
distributes MIMEDefang under GPL3, and the other grabs that code, 
modifies it, and distributes another product without including full 
source.  I know that stopping things like Tivoization were at least 
partly on the mind of the GPL3 writers, but I just don't know enough 
about the way the license reads to say what would happen.

One other reason to go to GPL3 is if you have gotten any fairly large 
chunk of code from a 3rd party and included it in MIMEDefang.  GPL3 is 
supposed protect you from being sued for patent infringement for that 
code.


--
Jeff Rife | "I have a question that could affect our entire 
          |  relationship...did you kill Coach Mattay?" 
          | "No!" 
          | "But, you did dress him up like a woman...?" 
          | "Yeah." 
          | "Just checking." 
          |         -- Alex Lambert and Brian Hackett, "Wings"