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Re: [WASTE-dev-public] Do not package WASTE! UNAUTHORIZED SOFTWARE [Was: Re: Questions about waste licence and code.]



On 5/18/05, Roberto C. Sanchez <roberto@familiasanchez.net> wrote:
> Peter Samuelson wrote:
[snip]
> > Yes, I'm aware that if it's possible to revoke the GPL, it fails the
> > Tentacles of Evil test, and GPL software would be completely unsuitable
> > for any serious deployment.  Note, however, that "but it *can't* be
> > that way because if it is, we're all in trouble" is not a very strong
> > argument.
> 
> But it can't be done, period.
> 
> Reference: http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html
> 
> "In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as
> long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the
> power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give cause,
> the software is not free."

I would advise you to be very, very wary of assertions made by the FSF
about the legal import of the GPL.  Philosophy is strong stuff and has
been known to cloud the mind.  Case law is a more trustworthy guide to
what is and isn't legally possible, not to mention what can and can't
be construed into the terms of the GPL.

Cheers,
- Michael



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