Re: [GPL] No linking with proprietary programs: where?
Brian Kimball <bfk@footbag.org> writes:
> Oops, I only thought of this after reading SScott's mail. Even if I'm
> incorrect regarding the meaning of "modified work as a whole", how could
> one possibly violate the GPL if, as above, the GPLed work is not
> distributed. After all, the GPL purports to only restrict modifying and
> distributing that which is licensed under it:
>
> Activities other than copying, distribution and modification are
> not covered by this License; they are outside its scope.
>
> So if, as in case 3, I'm not copying, distributing, or modifying
> find_outer_otter or a derivative of find_outer_otter, how could I
> possibly be in violation of the GPL?
Because (3) is a subterfuge designed to get around (2). It's a thing
called "contributory infringement."
As a general legal rule, you cannot assume that A+B is legal, even if
A separately is legal and B separately is legal; the combination can
still be illegal. In this case, it is the combination of distributing
find_outer_otter, and locate_inner_otter, and perhaps instructions on
how to combine them. The sum of those actions, is a violation of the
GPL, and if they are done by more than one person, then any person who
intended to help make the sum happen is violating the GPL.
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