[LAD] [OT] LinuxSampler and GPL - some clarifications

[Thorsten Wilms]

On Sun, 2008-01-27 at 01:02 +0100, Mlf Conv wrote:

> This means that:
> 1. usage of a computer program licensed under the terms of GPL in a
> hardware product, whether modified or not, is not a distribution of a
> computer program licensed under the terms of GPL, and is thus
> prohibited by GPL.

I don't follow on this one. I was under the impression that it's
perfectly ok to include GPL software in hardware, but that the sources
must be provided.

> 2. usage of a computer program licensed under the terms of GPL,
> whether modified or not, in a software product, the intention of which
> is not to distribute a computer program licensed under the terms of
> GPL, is not a distribution of a computer program licensed under the
> terms of GPL, and is thus prohibited by GPL.

Huh?


> So to summarize that with respect to LinuxSampler, the exception
> "LinuxSampler is licensed under the GNU GPL with the exception that
> USAGE of the source code, libraries and applications FOR COMMERCIAL
> HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE PRODUCTS IS NOT ALLOWED" is in fact no exception
> at all, and is already covered by GPL.

We have been told that the LS team talked to the FSF people. If things
would be so easy, I'm sure it would have been resolved already.


-- 
Thorsten Wilms

thorwil's design for free software:
http://thorwil.wordpress.com/