On Tue, Dec 21, 2010 at 01:00:26PM +0000, Simon Ward wrote: > On Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 11:52:04AM +0000, DavidD wrote: > > On 20 December 2010 10:25, Simone Cortesi <sim...@cortesi.com> wrote: > > > On Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 10:00, Stephen Hope <slh...@gmail.com> wrote: > > >> I must admit, however, that basically handing the keys to the OSMF, > […] > > > this is no way different from GPL released software: > > > http://www.gnu.org/licenses/why-assign.html > > > > Reading the link it looks like a very different situation. > > It’s different.
The FSF requires you assign copyright to them (for their projects), and promises that they will make it free software (so you have the rights given by the free software licence used) and on request they will grant you back the non‐exclusive rights to do whatever you see fit with the software. This makes it easier for them to enforce copyright because they are now the copyright holders. It also allows them to re‐license, but they have promised by contractual agreement to release the software with only a licence that gives the freedoms that the organisation is founded on (by explicitly stating them, not by stating “a free software licence” or similar). OSMF is asking you to grant them non‐exclusive rights, essentially to do as they see fit, but you remain the copyright holder (where there is any copyright). I’m unclear on how copyright can be enforced in this situation, but the CTs also include a grant to sue for infringement. > > The OSMF clearly are not using the CT for the same reasons the FSF > > require copyright assignment. > > To OSMF it seems to be largely a vehicle to prevent them from being able > to change the licence. I of course meant “it seems to be largely a vehicle to allow them to change the licence”, d’oh! From reading the lists, and OSMF minutes, this is the impression I get. Copyright enforcement, while included in the CTs, is secondary. Much of the discussion has revolved around the need for the ability to re‐ license, although that may be because it is one of the most contested parts of the CTs. Simon -- A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that works.—John Gall
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