Re: GPL & code concatenation

[Ben Finney <bignose+hates-spam@benfinney.id.au>]

Robert Millan <rmh@aybabtu.com> writes:

> Suppose you have a chunk of code that implements initialisation of
> an MSDOS executable. If you concatenate a payload (raw code) after
> it, you obtain a .exe that runs your code (at a specific, agreed
> upon, address I think).
> 
> My question is, would such combination qualify as a derivative
> program as per GPL requirements?

Wrong question: the GPL, like any copyright license, doesn't have any
say over what is a derivative work.

Whether a work W is a derivative work of another work X is a function
of your local copyright law. Thus, the answer depends on a judge's
interpretation of your local copyright law; please consult a lawyer
who knows your jurisdiction.

-- 
 \        “Like the creators of sitcoms or junk food or package tours, |
  `\         Java's designers were consciously designing a product for |
_o__)                       people not as smart as them.” —Paul Graham |
Ben Finney