Hello: Please correct me if this is not correct. As I know GPL states if a program or part of a program or its source code licenced under GPL is used in another program the other program also has to be licenced under GPL and its source code have to be freed too. My question is how one can tell if a compiled binary uses GPL-ed source? Can't one take a GPL-ed source, build it in his program, compile and then sell it without telling that he used a GPL-ed source originally? How this could be prevented? Thanks, IG ___________________________________________________________________________ Digitális fényképezőgépek, videokamerák, MP3 lejátszók a legszélesebb választékban! FotoMarket - http://www.fotomarket.hu
Istvan Gabor wrote:
Hello:
Please correct me if this is not correct. As I know GPL states if a program or part of a program or its source code licenced under GPL is used in another program the other program also has to be licenced under GPL and its source code have to be freed too.
You also have to add the GPL license text to the program.
My question is how one can tell if a compiled binary uses GPL-ed source? Can't one take a GPL-ed source, build it in his program, compile and then sell it without telling that he used a GPL-ed source originally? How this could be prevented?
If a program with GPL code does not have the license text included in the package it is in violation of the GPL. For details see gpl-violations.org. Sandy -- List replies only please! Please address PMs to: news-reply2 (@) japantest (.) homelinux (.) com
Istvan Gabor wrote:
Hello:
Please correct me if this is not correct. As I know GPL states if a program or part of a program or its source code licenced under GPL is used in another program the other program also has to be licenced under GPL and its source code have to be freed too.
Depends on how it's used, it's a complex issue. But normally yes, you're right
My question is how one can tell if a compiled binary uses GPL-ed source? Can't one take a GPL-ed source, build it in his program, compile and then sell it without telling that he used a GPL-ed source originally? How this could be prevented?
It has happened on a few occasions. Usually the developers look at the binary code, and if there are enough similarities between the two programs, they will notify the suspected infringers. As far as I know, it has worked so far. Another way is to see if bugs present in the GPL program is also present in the other one, or other very specific behaviour. This was how they discovered that Microsoft was using the BSD TCP/IP stack in Windows 2000 (which they recently finally admitted, after the world had known for about 5 years or so) It is a tricky subject, and there is no single, simple answer.
On Mon, 2006-02-13 at 15:30 +0100, Istvan Gabor wrote:
Hello:
Please correct me if this is not correct. As I know GPL states if a program or part of a program or its source code licenced under GPL is used in another program the other program also has to be licenced under GPL and its source code have to be freed too.
My question is how one can tell if a compiled binary uses GPL-ed source? Can't one take a GPL-ed source, build it in his program, compile and then sell it without telling that he used a GPL-ed source originally? How this could be prevented?
You mean like Microsoft does? Just deny that you do and never open the source code to study, like Microsoft does. -- Ken Schneider UNIX since 1989, linux since 1994, SuSE since 1998
My question is how one can tell if a compiled binary uses GPL-ed source? Can't one take a GPL-ed source, build it in his program, compile and then sell it without telling that he used a GPL- ed source originally? How this could be prevented?
You mean like Microsoft does? Just deny that you do and never open the source code to study, like Microsoft does.
That's what I think of. If one write a relatively complex program and parts of it are based on GPL programs, after compiling and not giving out the source it will be very difficult to prove that that the given program is built from 'stolen' programs. IG ___________________________________________________________________________ Digitális fényképezőgépek, videokamerák, MP3 lejátszók a legszélesebb választékban! FotoMarket - http://www.fotomarket.hu
On 13/02/06, Istvan Gabor
My question is how one can tell if a compiled binary uses GPL-ed source? Can't one take a GPL-ed source, build it in his program, compile and then sell it without telling that he used a GPL- ed source originally? How this could be prevented?
You mean like Microsoft does? Just deny that you do and never open the source code to study, like Microsoft does.
That's what I think of. If one write a relatively complex program and parts of it are based on GPL programs, after compiling and not giving out the source it will be very difficult to prove that that the given program is built from 'stolen' programs.
Unfortunately, the way the BSD license is written allows Microsoft to use the code legally but not have to disclose it or any alterations they may make. -- ============================================== I am only human, please forgive me if I make a mistake it is not deliberate. ============================================== Xmas may be over but, PLEASE DON'T drink and drive you'll make it to the next one that way. Kevan Farmer Linux user #373362 Cheslyn Hay Staffordshire WS6 7HR
Istvan Gabor wrote:
Hello:
Please correct me if this is not correct. As I know GPL states if a program or part of a program or its source code licenced under GPL is used in another program the other program also has to be licenced under GPL and its source code have to be freed too.
My question is how one can tell if a compiled binary uses GPL-ed source? Can't one take a GPL-ed source, build it in his program, compile and then sell it without telling that he used a GPL-ed source originally? How this could be prevented?
http://searchopensource.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid39_gci116...
participants (6)
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Anders Johansson
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Istvan Gabor
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James Knott
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Ken Schneider
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Kevanf1
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Sandy Drobic