Can I assign exclusive rights to the Linux code?
Today, quite by chance I found out about the next domestic Linux distribution. Somewhat discouraged message posted on the download page:
Not only is there no word about the fact that somewhere you can download the source code, so the demo distribution kit only works for a month and then requires money, which is quite exotic for Linux.
How such a model is in line with the spirit of Linux and specifically - the concept of the GPL - the question remains open. I, in fact, was struck by the user agreement declaring the distribution developer the owner of exclusive rights to the entire distribution kit “as a whole and to its individual components”:
Despite the fact that the following section of the agreement (“Copyright”) casually mentions that “Many of the Programs that make up the Software Product are distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (" GPL ") and similar license agreements", it seems to me an unlawful announcement by the developer of the ownership of the exclusive rights to the distribution code, and the wording of the agreement itself - contradictory.
')
Recently, I witnessed a case when a roguish web developer under the guise of his own design (even invented his “brand”) was selling an open source engine, removing the copyright references and the GPL license file from the code. This incident is now remembered because in both situations, the developers formally arrogate to themselves the work of others, taking advantage of the ignorance of the client.
Here it is impossible not to recall Linspire, which, like Linux XP, is positioned as a simple and affordable alternative to Windows for inexperienced users. Only, unlike the domestic manufacturer, Linspire does not assign exclusive rights to itself and honestly shows licenses for all used components.
I would like to hear the opinion of habrasoobshchestva regarding the legality and moral purity of this license agreement and the very business model of "Trastiers"
On our FTP servers you will find a DVD image of the system (1.6 GB), which can be burned to a DVD for installation.
After installing Linux XP Desktop, you will have a 30-day trial period to evaluate the comfort of working in the system and to make a purchasing decision.
After the end of the 30-day period, in order to continue working with the system, you must enter a unique activation key, which can be purchased by contacting one of our partners.
Not only is there no word about the fact that somewhere you can download the source code, so the demo distribution kit only works for a month and then requires money, which is quite exotic for Linux.
How such a model is in line with the spirit of Linux and specifically - the concept of the GPL - the question remains open. I, in fact, was struck by the user agreement declaring the distribution developer the owner of exclusive rights to the entire distribution kit “as a whole and to its individual components”:
1.1. "Rightholder" - Limited Liability Company "TrustVers", OGRN
1087746380776, ..., which is the copyright holder of all exclusive rights to
Software.
...
1.3. “Software Product” (“Linux XP Desktop 2008 operating system”) - presented in an objective form, a set of data and commands intended for the operation of the Software Product and other computer devices in order to obtain a certain result, including preparatory materials obtained during the development of the Software Product and the audiovisual mappings it generates.
...
2.2. All provisions of this License Agreement shall apply as to all
the product as a whole and its individual components.
Despite the fact that the following section of the agreement (“Copyright”) casually mentions that “Many of the Programs that make up the Software Product are distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (" GPL ") and similar license agreements", it seems to me an unlawful announcement by the developer of the ownership of the exclusive rights to the distribution code, and the wording of the agreement itself - contradictory.
')
Recently, I witnessed a case when a roguish web developer under the guise of his own design (even invented his “brand”) was selling an open source engine, removing the copyright references and the GPL license file from the code. This incident is now remembered because in both situations, the developers formally arrogate to themselves the work of others, taking advantage of the ignorance of the client.
Here it is impossible not to recall Linspire, which, like Linux XP, is positioned as a simple and affordable alternative to Windows for inexperienced users. Only, unlike the domestic manufacturer, Linspire does not assign exclusive rights to itself and honestly shows licenses for all used components.
I would like to hear the opinion of habrasoobshchestva regarding the legality and moral purity of this license agreement and the very business model of "Trastiers"
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/284384/
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