On Jan 27, 2009, at 12:09 PM, Ceki Gulcu wrote:
Russell E Glaue wrote:
But I am not seeing how including LGPL libraries in a distribution,
which only
provides additional options, can be a problem. Especially as Ceki
says Logback
code is actually implementing an interface with an APL license.
The only thing to be careful of is that if there are any derived
works from the
LGPL libraries, that the code is probably contributed to the LGPL
licensed work
instead of the APL licensed work.
The LGPL 2.1 license has a rather ambiguous definition of "derivative
work". See conditions 5 and 6 of the LGPL 2.1. The ASF folks have a
conservative interpretation of the LGPL terms, preferring to forbid
Apache projects from referencing software licensed under the LGPL. The
poor communication channel between the ASF and the FSF has not helped
to clarify matters. If I remember correctly, some years ago the
ASF has asked to clarify the terms of LGPL. FSF's answer was rather
unsatisfactory. That's my understanding of the matter.
That has all been cleared up. As I said, LGPL'd works can be used for
optional components. For example, a project may use Hibernate but only
if it is not required for the project to work.
So if I want to contribute some code to Geronimo which the code
actually is a
derived work of Logback libraries, I should contribute it to
Logback and then
put in a request to upgrade the Logback libraries in Geronimo so
that support
exists there.
And this answer a previous question of where to commit the GBean
implementation
of the Logback Jetty RequestLogImpl for Geronimo. We should
contribute it to
Logback for inclusion in release X, then lobby Geronimo to support
release X of
Logback.
I would not hold my breath until the licensing issues are resolved.
In order to move forward quickly, you could simply create your own
oss project and develop your GBean there, licensed under LGPL. By
the way, if you don't intend to distribute the GBean, you could use
any license.
The GBean may not be a derivative work, in which case it can be
licensed under the Apache license. The whole point of the LGPL is that
while the library itself is under the LGPL, applications using the
library can choose any license they like.
Ralph
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