On Nov 25, 2003, at 13:54, Joachim Breitner wrote:
The remaining question is: Is it also binding if they sell it to me for zero money, that is, give it to me for free? I think so. The cost has nothing to do with whether promises have to be kept or not.
No, it has nothing to do with whether a promise is kept, but it does have something to do with if a legal promise ( = contract ) is made. A contract (at least in many places) needs an offering ("consideration") from both sides; and if you paid nothing, I doubt you've made one.
That's not always the case --- for example, if its adware, then being subjected to ads is it. Or at least I'd argue.
But if I just hand you a floppy disk with two files on it, program.exe and COPYING, and ask nothing in return, what contract could of been formed?
And does it matter whether they advertised the GPL? I also think this does not change any facts. As said before (not checked by me), the GPL is noted in the firmware file - could be enough of an "advertisement" for someone really looking for Free firmware.
Maybe, but I suspect even if that were the case, all they could do is demand their money back (for the card purchase).
Thanks for the interesting talk
Your welcome.