Re: discussion with the FSF: GPLv3, GFDL, Nexenta

[Arnoud Engelfriet <arnoud@engelfriet.net>]

Jean-Christophe Dubacq wrote:
> I am not a specialist, but in France, private use of a work cannot be
> denied (as well as private copy, in some measure). Whether this applies
> only to countries following "author rights" doctrine instead of
> "copyrights", I let it to someone more knowledgeable in this field.

It applies to all countries who have implemented EC Directive 91/250/EC
regarding copyright protection for coomputer programs.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31991L0250:EN:HTML

Basic principles
1) use of software is one of the exclusive rights (art. 4(a))
2) uses by a lawful acquirer are deemed not an infringement (art. 5(1))
3) a license may restrict or annul item 2 (art. 5(1) first part)

IOW I don't need a license to run GPL software. If the person who
made the software available to me obeys the GPL, I'm a "lawful
acquirer" and I couldn't care less about what the GPL says.
Only when I redistribute the software do I need to worry about
the GPL provisions.

IANYL, TINLA.

Arnoud

-- 
Arnoud Engelfriet, Dutch & European patent attorney - Speaking only for myself
Patents, copyright and IPR explained for techies: http://www.iusmentis.com/