Bug#754441: RFS: gmastermind.app/0.6-1 [ITP] -- GNUstep based Mastermind (TM) clone
> Well, it could be argued if this little notice in README carries more
> legal weight than the intent expressed in the source files (the notice
> does not follow the recommended form and gpl.txt is missing)...
>
> We (pkg-gnustep) had an inititive 6 or 7 years ago to re-check the
> licenses of all GNUstep packages as the license of the GNUstep core
> libraries was upgraded to LGPLv3+ (the summary is still here:
> https://wiki.debian.org/DebianGNUstep/TODO). Unsurprisingly, many of
> the supposed GPLv2-only apps were licensed as such unintentionally by
> their authors, or were presumed by us to be GPLv2-only based on
> assumptions very similar to yours. GMastermind is much more likely to
> be GPL-2+ than GPL-2; I am quite certain about that. It's best to
> clarify though, so that you could sleep well.
If you're worried about the incompatibility between LGPL3 and GPL2, you
don't have to be. gmastermind.app is only linking to the LGPL3
libraries, so the copyleft doesn't apply to it (because of the linking
exemption).
>> To be sure of this, though, I'd have to get confirmation from all of
>> the contributors; writing to upstream wouldn't be enough. Should I
>> try to do this?
>
> I think it would be enough to contact the GAP folks, they can reach
> the others if necessary.
GAP cannot provide us with legal certainty. In fact, while we need their
confirmation (due to the "GNUstep Application Team" 2011 copyright),
their confirmation is not enough. I've written to all of the copyright
holders, and if they all agree, then I'll change the license. There's no
reason to postpone putting the package into Debian, though.
> Thanks; no further remarks from me. Good luck in your sponsor quest.
Thanks; I've fixed the problems that you've described. Now, off to find
a sponsor!
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