This version seems fine, given what we were told about the license last time. I read this license to have the same or similar purpose as the LGPL, and in that respect section 2(a) seems permissible. It is a slight restriction that could have a strategic purpose, but the author says the limitation is consistent with the LGPL and that sounds fine. It might be more acceptable if the provision did not impose a mandatory requirement, but, instead, used a permissive condition. Still, I do not see the issue as an OSD matter.
- Rod On Wed, 18 Jun 2003, Christophe Dupre wrote: > > Following all the comments received from this list about a week ago, we've > slightly modified the license. It now stands as follows. > Cluase #2 was changed, and doesn't ask for automatic co-ownership of > changes, but only those submitted for inclusion in central repository. > Would this be more palatable to this group ? > Is there any additional objection ? > > Thanks again for all the feedback. > > ---- > > RENSSELAER SCOREC PUBLIC LICENSE > TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COPYING, DISTRIBUTION AND MODIFICATION > > 0. This License Agreement applies to any software library or other program > which contains a notice placed by the copyright holder saying it may be > distributed under the terms of this Rensselaer Public License (also called > "this License"). 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