Messages in this thread | | | From | Peter Chubb <> | Date | Fri, 5 Dec 2003 15:23:10 +1100 | Subject | Re: Linux GPL and binary module exception clause? |
| |
>>>>> "Nick" == Nick Piggin <piggin@cyberone.com.au> writes:
Nick> Paul Adams wrote:
Nick> Seriously: What about specifically a module that includes the Nick> Linux Kernel's headers and uses its APIs? I don't think you Nick> could say that is definitely not a derivative work.
As far as I know, interfacing to a published API doesn't infringe copyright.
Note:
Paul> A standard filter is that you eliminate an element if "The Paul> element's expression was dictated by external factors, such as Paul> using an existing file format or interoperating with another Paul> program." Computer Associates v. Altai specifically discusses Paul> the need to filter elements related to "compatibility Paul> requirements of other programs with which a program is designed Paul> to operate in conjunction." Paul> http://www.bitlaw.com/source/cases/copyright/altai.html
If you don't accept this, then maybe you have to start accepting SCO's claims on JFS, XFS, &c.
(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer) -- Dr Peter Chubb http://www.gelato.unsw.edu.au peterc AT gelato.unsw.edu.au The technical we do immediately, the political takes *forever* - To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in the body of a message to majordomo@vger.kernel.org More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/
| |