Paul G. Allen wrote:
> John H. Robinson, IV wrote:
> >
> >--snip of GNU General Public License Version 2, Section 2--
> >
> >Wrong secton. You want section 3:
>
> Section 3 refers to Sections 1 and 2. So actually, Sections 1 - 3 are
> important.
The question was to whom the sources must be given (Section 3) not how
(Section 1,2).
-- Snip of the GNU GPL v 2 Section 3 --
> Note, that all subsections refer to Sections 1 and 2.
All that says is how the source must be licensed, not to whom it must be
distributed to.
> >If you distibrute the source along with the object code, you are good
> >and never need to bother with giving any J Random User any source code
> >if they come begging.
>
> Yes you do. Section 3 stipulates that distribution is to be provided under
> the terms of Sections 1 and 2. So, you must make available the source code
> to any random user for a minimum of three (3) years.
False.
If you distribute via 3a, sources with the binary (such as in the same
tarball) and you then remove the tarball, you are under NO legal
obligation to give anyything to anyone.
Why? Because when the Section 1 or Section 2 distribution was made,
the Section 3 requirement was met.
False (reason two).
If you gave the a written offer (Section 3b) to one person, and that
person then passed on the written offer, and J Random User comes by,
no written offer in hand, then they have no recourse. You are under no
obligation.
Of course, if J Random User comes by with said written offer, and it
is less than three years old[1], then yes: sources must be provided.
[1] Or however long the offer was initially valid for.
KPLUG POLL:
How many of you have offered a written offer (GNU GPL v2 Section 3b) for
the sources of a Program you have distributed?
I am going to go out on a limb and say ZERO.
That's it. If you never gave a written offer, then anyone that comes by
begging can keep right on going. (Spare some source?) If you gave a
written offer, then you have to provide the sources to anyone with that
*written* offer, if that offer is still valid.
Plain English.
-john
Not being a Lawyer, I do not know if e-mail counts as valid for written
offer.
I am not a lawyer.
This is not legal advice.
Please consult a lawyer.
Laws and their enforceability may vary based upon Country, State, and
Local jurisdictions.
Have a nice day.
--
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