Re: [opensuse] Fw: Driver Repository for openSUSE / SuSE Linux Enterprise (nVidia)
The Linux kernel is GPLed. "Shim" modules that link into it automatically have to be GPLed as well. So the kernel and the shim module together form a GPLed work. How exactly are you going to tell a court that the GPL suddenly didn't apply anymore?
As I understand the situation: Nvidia own the copyright to the shim, Nvidia GPL the shim and link it against the GPLed kernel, creating a combined GPLed work. Then Nvidia link their closed driver to their own shim (which they own the copyright for) and not the rest of the kernel, so there is no violation.
I admit that for a few persons the eradication of closed source kernel modules may be somewhat unpleasant, but in the longer term it is the only feasible way. The unavailability of said modules will make people more willing to test reverse engineered drivers, leading to greater driver quality overall.
I quite agree. benji --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org
On Mon, Sep 04, 2006 at 07:12:42PM +0100, B.Weber@warwick.ac.uk wrote:
The Linux kernel is GPLed. "Shim" modules that link into it automatically have to be GPLed as well. So the kernel and the shim module together form a GPLed work. How exactly are you going to tell a court that the GPL suddenly didn't apply anymore?
As I understand the situation: Nvidia own the copyright to the shim, Nvidia GPL the shim and link it against the GPLed kernel, creating a combined GPLed work. Then Nvidia link their closed driver to their own shim (which they own the copyright for) and not the rest of the kernel, so there is no violation.
The GPL as license is transitive. Not "License" not "Copyright", two different beasts.
I admit that for a few persons the eradication of closed source kernel modules may be somewhat unpleasant, but in the longer term it is the only feasible way. The unavailability of said modules will make people more willing to test reverse engineered drivers, leading to greater driver quality overall.
Please contact a lawyer ;) Ciao, Marcus --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org
participants (2)
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B.Weber＠warwick.ac.uk -
Marcus Meissner