On 1/7/06, Florian Weimer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > * Alexander Terekhov: > > > Unrestricted downloads of the GPL'd stuff aside for a moment, the GPL > > gives me a copy or two. Thank you. The distribution of those copies (as > > I see fit) is made under 17 USC 109, not the GPL. Being not a contract > > (according to the FSF), the GPL is irrelevant at the time of distribution. > > Sure, some parts of the GPL are highly questionable (especially the > termination clause). But according to the usual interpretation of > copyright law, you are still not allowed to distribute modified copies > of a computer program, even if the original copy was obtain legally > from the copyright holder.
That's because absent a permission to prepare derivative works, modifications fall under restricted "adaptations" under 17 USC 117 (presuming they are done within its scope). But once you've got a permission to prepare derivative works... it's then the same as with exact copies -- thank you for your not-a-contract/no-promises- made-in-exchange unilateral permission to prepare derivative works and make copies, now it's time for 17 USC 109, dear Prof. Moglen. regards, alexander.
