UnitedLinux defends open-source roots (ZDNet) [LWN.net]

UnitedLinux defends open-source roots (ZDNet)

Posted Sep 24, 2002 0:06 UTC (Tue) by proski (subscriber, #104)
In reply to: UnitedLinux defends open-source roots (ZDNet) by ccady
Parent article: UnitedLinux defends open-source roots (ZDNet)

It can be argued that "public domain" means "publicly available" in this context, and then most GPL software will fall into this category. The reference to GPL in the next sentence confirms this interpretation.

Even then, Conectiva can be in violation of GPL if the distribution included changes to GPL software that had not yet been released to the public. Such software would also fall under GPL. It's a violation of GPL to restrict further distribution of GPL software.

It seems to me, that Conectiva tried to weasel out of this situation by using ambiguity of the term "public domain".

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UnitedLinux defends open-source roots (ZDNet)

Posted Sep 24, 2002 3:22 UTC (Tue) by joey (subscriber, #328) [Link]

The next sentence, which mentions the GPL, is not part of the actial NDA, but is later commentary by connectiva. The GPL is nowhere mentioned in the NDA. "Public domain" has a clear legal definition, at least in the US, and GPL is not it.

And indeed you're right about modifications to GPL'd software. And weaseling..