Re: DRAFT: debian-legal summary of the QPL

[Matthew Garrett <mgarrett@chiark.greenend.org.uk>]

Brett Parker <iDunno@sommitrealweird.co.uk> wrote:
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> Matthew Garrett <mjg59@srcf.ucam.org> wrote:
>> QPL requirement: if you pass on binaries, you must pass on source to 
>> both the recipient and upstream. You claim this is a fee.
> 
> Well, this is non-free as upstream may have died, and if you can't
> distribute without distributing to upstream, it makes forking
> impractical too. If upstream is dead then you're fully knackered though.

The clause in question is:

"If the items are not available to the general public, and the initial
developer of the Software requests a copy of the items, then you must
supply one."

If upstream is dead, it's a bit difficult for them to request a copy.
--
Matthew Garrett | mjg59-chiark.mail.debian.legal@srcf.ucam.org