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Re: The draft Position statement on the GFDL



Raul Miller wrote:

>> >  For example: you can't take code from gcc and code from metafont and
>> >  combine them to build a new compiler -- at least not under the
>> >  current licenses of those programs.
> 
> On Tue, May 11, 2004 at 05:00:49PM -0300, Humberto Massa wrote:
>> It's not forbidden to make copies, just to redistribute the copies of
>> the derived works.
> 
> What's your basis for making this statement?
> 
>> You can combine gcc and metafont and make a new compiler; you can even
>> make a script that combines them, apply some patch to the combination,
>> and compiles the result to get to your invention; what you can't do
>> is to redistribute the resulting binary nor the resulting source.
> 
> Perhaps there's some part of the GPL that gives this permission which
> I've overlooked?  If so, please quote this.

GPL section 2 grants the right to modify and redistribute modified versions
(in source code form), under three conditions.  (2a) and (2b) apply to all
copies, private or not; but look at (2b).

(GPL section 2b)
    b) You must cause any work that you distribute or publish, that in
                               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    whole or in part contains or is derived from the Program or any
    part thereof, to be licensed as a whole at no charge to all third
    parties under the terms of this License.

You are not required to licence your derived work under the GPL if you do
not distribute or publish it.  If you *do* distribute or publish it, you
are.

-- 
There are none so blind as those who will not see.



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