Bug#451502: hplip is NON-FREE as of 2.7.10
On Fri November 16 2007 05:25:01 am Rick Richardson wrote:
> Package: hplip
> Version: 2.7.10
>
> "Note: HPLIP is free, open source software distributed under the MIT,
> BSD, and GPL licenses. HP does not provide formal consumer or
> commercial support for this software."
>
> Unfortunately, this statement is incorrect as of 2.7.10.
>
> hplip/hpijs since 2.7.10 is not open software anymore.
>
> It downloads binary libraries and firmware automatically
It looks like it is just the plugins needed for a few printers which
are non-free[1], HPLIP itself is still GPL.
The user is notified of the situation and asked to accept the non-free
license before anythying is downloaded. i.e.: it is not automatic and no
user will end up in a situation where they've installed Debian and ended
up with non-free software as a direct result.
Some users will need to install a non-free driver (which HPLIP offers to
do) to make full (any?) use of their HP printer, but isn't this much the
same situation that X is in when someone has a video card which needs a
non-free driver?
The *.plugin files can be found here:
http://www.linuxprinting.org/download/printdriver/auxfiles/HP/plugins/
The code which looks after installing the plugins resides primarily in:
- /usr/share/hplip/setup.py at lines 399-538
- /usr/share/hplip/installer/core_install.py at lines 1257+
I'm not sure if this situation requires: moving HPLIP into contrib, a
notice that `some HP printers require a non-free driver which can not be
distributed by Debian', or if it can simply be ignored.
I'm leaning towards the last option because I don't think HPLIP would be
considered non-free if the drivers were shipped with the printer. It is
only HPLIP's ability to install non-free sowtware IF necessary which brings
this issue to the forefront.
- Bruce
[1]
LICENSE TERMS FOR HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) Driver Plug-in
These License Terms govern your Use of the HPLIP Driver Plug-in Software (the "Software").
USE OF THE SOFTWARE INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY DOCUMENTATION, IS SUBJECT TO THESE
LICENSE TERMS AND THE APPLICABLE AS-IS WARRANTY STATEMENT. BY DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING
THE SOFTWARE, YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF
THESE TERMS, DO NOT DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL THE SOFTWARE ON YOUR SYSTEM.
1. License Grant. HP grants you a license to Use one copy of the Software
with HP printing products only. "Use" includes using, storing, loading,
installing, executing, and displaying the Software. You may not modify the
Software or disable any licensing or control features of the Software.
2. Ownership. The Software is owned and copyrighted by HP or its third party
suppliers. Your license confers no title to, or ownership in, the Software
and is not a sale of any rights in the Software. HP's third party suppliers
may protect their rights in the Software in the event of any violation of
these license terms.
3. Copies and Adaptations. You may only make copies or adaptations of the
Software for archival purposes or when copying or adaptation is an essential
step in the authorized Use of the Software. You must reproduce all copyright
notices in the original Software on all copies or adaptations. You may not
copy the Software onto any public network.
4. No Disassembly. You may not Disassemble the Software unless HP's prior
written consent is obtained. "Disassemble" includes disassembling, decompiling,
decrypting, and reverse engineering. In some jurisdictions, HP's consent may
not be required for limited Disassembly. Upon request, you will provide HP
with reasonably detailed information regarding any Disassembly.
5. No Transfer. You may not assign, sublicense or otherwise transfer all or any
part of these License Terms or the Software.
6. Termination. HP may terminate your license, upon notice, for failure to
comply with any of these License Terms. Upon termination, you must immediately
destroy the Software, together with all copies, adaptations and merged portions
in any form.
7. Export Requirements. You may not export or re-export the Software or any
copy or adaptation in violation of any applicable laws or regulations.
8. U.S. Government Restricted Rights. The Software has been developed entirely
at private expense. It is delivered and licensed, as defined in any applicable
DFARS, FARS, or other equivalent federal agency regulation or contract clause,
as either "commercial computer software" or "restricted computer software",
whichever is applicable. You have only those rights provided for such Software
by the applicable clause or regulation or by these License Terms.
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HP AND ITS SUPPLIERS PROVIDE THE SOFTWARE "AS IS" AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND
HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED,
OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF TITLE AND
NON-INFRINGEMENT, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, DUTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY, OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND OF LACK OF VIRUSES
ALL WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE. Some states/jurisdictions do not allow
exclusion of implied warranties or limitations on the duration of implied
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10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Notwithstanding any damages that you might incur,
the entire liability of HP and any of its suppliers under any provision of
this agreement and your exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be
limited to the greater of the amount actually paid by you separately for the
Software or U.S. $5.00. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW,
IN NO EVENT SHALL HP OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR CONFIDENTIAL OR OTHER INFORMATION, FOR BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION, FOR PERSONAL INJURY, FOR LOSS OF PRIVACY ARISING OUT OF OR IN
ANY WAY RELATED TO THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHERWISE
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF HP OR ANY SUPPLIER
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND EVEN IF THE REMEDY
FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. Some states/jurisdictions do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
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