Messages in this thread | | | From | "David Schwartz" <> | Subject | RE: Possible GPL infringement in Broadcom-based routers | Date | Thu, 4 Nov 2004 15:57:33 -0800 |
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> Can Broadcom and the vendors "escape" the obligations of the GPL by > shipping those proprietary drivers as modules, or are they violating the > GPL plain and simple by removing the related source code (and showing > irrelevant code to show "proof of good will") ?
That is a contentious issue that has been debated on this group far too much. In the United States, at least, the answer comes down to the complex legal question of whether the module is a "derived work" of the Linux kernel and whether the kernel as shipped with those modules is a "mere aggregation".
You can google those terms to form your own opinions. IMO, discussing and debating these type of borderline GPL violations on the LKML is not a good idea. Save bringing up GPL violations on the LKML for cases where the violation is really obvious and all measures short of public shaming have already been tried.
DS
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