Not So Simple

Posted Dec 4, 2003 20:05 UTC (Thu) by dthurston (guest, #4603)
In reply to: Not So Simple by coriordan
Parent article: The GPL Is a License, not a Contract

> When I give you a license, it it yours, not mine. I can stop giving out
> those licenses, but I cannot change, "withdraw", or take back what I have
> already given you.

This is not so obvious (at least world-wide), and needs legal references.
For instance, I've seen Wood V Leadbitter (1845) 13 M and W 838 (in the UK)
cited as implying that licenses can be revoked upon due notice to licensee
under British law. I think I've seen a more specific instance of a
software license case in Australia.