[Discuss] Govt Source Code Policy

Mike Small smallm at sdf.org
Mon Apr 4 12:50:40 EDT 2016


Rich Pieri <richard.pieri at gmail.com> writes:

> On 4/4/2016 11:28 AM, Mike Small wrote:
>> on a device they keep), without any autodestruction happening.  When the
>> FBI takes possession of a person's, especially a late person's, device
>> and software they aren't being conveyed anything. They've simply taken
>> hold of someone's device and software.
>
> The GPL itself states otherwise:
>
>
> To “propagate” a work means to do anything with it that, without
> permission, would make you directly or secondarily liable for
> infringement under applicable copyright law, except executing it on a
> computer or modifying a private copy. Propagation includes copying,
> distribution (with or without modification), making available to the
> public, and in some countries other activities as well.
>
> To “convey” a work means any kind of propagation that enables other
> parties to make or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user through
> a computer network, with no transfer of a copy, is not conveying.
>
>
> The GPL makes no distinctions between gifts, thefts and warranted
> seizures. There may be a loophole in there but if there is then I for
> one don't see it.

I don't know a lot about copyright, but I'm guessing being a victim of
theft or warranted seizure aren't among experiences that "would make you
directly or secondarily liable for infringement under applicable
copyright law."

-- 
Mike Small
smallm at sdf.org



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