Parsing output = derivative work? (was: RFS: gnetworktester)
(out of curiosity moved to debian-legal)
On 2011-03-05 23:46, Timo Juhani Lindfors wrote:
> gnetworktester seems to parse the output of nmap and nmap upstream at
> http://insecure.org/nmap/data/COPYING gives me the impression that
> gnetworktester would thus be "derivative work".
IANAL, but since when parsing the output of another program
constitutes a derivative work? Indeed, the forementioned file
says, a program would be a derivate in the authors
interpretation of the GPL, if it
"""
o Executes Nmap and parses the results (as opposed to typical shell or
execution-menu apps, which simply display raw Nmap output and so are
not derivative works.)
o Integrates/includes/aggregates Nmap into a proprietary executable
installer, such as those produced by InstallShield.
o Links to a library or executes a program that does any of the above
"""
What do the legal experts think about this, especially the
parsing aspect?
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