> > > Can GPL'd things be shipped as a *subsystem*?
>
> > I think you need LGPL for that. (GPL for Libraries). Under GPL,
> > something that includes a GPLed component as a subsystem is a
> > "derived work" of that GPLed component, and therefore by linking that
> > component in you assert that the system as a whole is under GPL.
>
> If kaffe implemented the Open Java API, then could Netscape distribute
> and *use* it without *containing* it?
According to RMS, if two pieces of software are statically or dynamically linked, then
they constitute a "derived work". If they run as separate processes, they can be
considered separate. This seems like an arbitrary distinction to me, however my
opinion doesn't really matter since I didn't write the software.
The only true way to answer this question is to start distributing a version of
Mozilla with Kaffe in it. If Transvirtual sues you, then it probably isn't legal. I
won't be trying that myself...
Wesley Felter - [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Hack the Planet
