Messages in this thread | | | Subject | Re: Possible GPL infringement in Broadcom-based routers | From | Michael Poole <> | Date | 05 Nov 2004 13:51:57 -0500 |
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Adam J. Richter writes:
> I think you're missing the idea that that such drivers are > _contributory_ infringement to the direct infringement that occurs when > the user loads the module. In other words, even for a driver that has > not a byte of code derived from the kernel, if all its uses involve it > being loaded into a GPL'ed kernel to form an infringing derivative > work in RAM by the user committing direct copyright infringement against > numerous GPL'ed kernel components, then it fails the test of having > a substantial non-infringing use, as established in the Betamax decision, > and distributing it is contributory infringement of those GPL'ed > components of the kernel.
Combining GPLed works with GPL-incompatible works violates the GPL if you distribute the result; the GPL allows one to make that kind of combination for one's own use. Go read the GPL more closely.
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