Geoffrey Lee wrote:
> On Fri, Jul 20, 2001 at 02:12:12AM -0400, David Walluck wrote:
>
>>Stefan van der Eijk wrote:
>>
>>
>>Off-topic, but isn't there an rpm tool that automates uploading to
>>contribs and sending out an e-mail? Also, what is the policy about where
>>
>
>
>
> /me thinks that you are talking about Vincent's rpmproc ...?
>
Ah... I believe that's it, but it's in contribs so I missed it. Is this
generally used? If so why wouldn't it be in main?
>
>
>
>>Also, what is the legal issue regarding OpenDiVX? Do you think Mandrake
>>would except a package into contribs? I am assuming libcss is illegal
>>for anyone in the U.S. to have at this point. The courts have not
>>decided, so I know that's out, but I'm confused if I'm allowed to upload
>>mplayer containing the OpenDiVX codec at least.
>>
>>
>
>
>>From a legal perspective it's a bad idea to have it in main or contribs ..
>
OpenDiVX or libcss? libcss may be legal in France, but if it's not legal
in the US it certainly can't be mirrored. OpenDiVX may or may not be
illegal (I've heard both), but the problem is OpenDiVX license forbids
redistribution of modified code and fails to meet DFSG standards.
However I have not found a way to separate this from mplayer. The
debian-legal list has some info on this, but no clear answers.
Is mpeg also illegal? I know every other part of mplayer falls under the
GPL, but mpeg is a patented technology. I know mpg123 is included, but
can lame be included, and could mplayer if it uses libmpeg?
This is all so hazy.
For the ones I'm sure are not illegal but, may not meet license
guidelines, I can upload. But I don't even want to possess those which
can be illegal. The problem is there's no clear answer as to what is and
what isn't.
There are some solutions, like provide a .spec for people somewhere.
There's also the NoSource tag, or the conditionals supplied in rpm v4,
that wouldn't compile in the proprietary stuff unless explicity told to
do so with rpm --define.
I think I can at least upload a new libavifile. This is GPL and seems to
be perfectly legal. At least this would give a starting point to some
people.
Of course, I don't want to upload only illegal stuff! But these are the
only things I'm confused and curious about.
If anyone is a lawyer or has experience in this area, please respond.
>
>
--
Sincerely,
David Walluck
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
