Re: [linuxiran] : Translating GPL [was:redhat manuals translation]

[Aryan Ameri]

On Sunday 22 June 2003 14:25, Zoup wrote:
> > Also remember that translating GPL is not programmer's job. It is a
> > license, it has legal consequenses. Who ever translates it should
> > be very familiar with both, software programming, and law.
> > Translating it is the job of a programmer and a lawyer.
> >
> > If you ever get serious about translating GNU GPL, then make sure
> > to sit beside one (or two) lawyers(s). Iranian free software
> > projects might need to include a copy of your translation of GPL
> > with their software, and that means that it should be legaly
> > 'right'.
> >
> > A year ago, it also came to my mind to translate GPL, but then I
> > realized that I should pay a lawyer, and I didn't like the idea !!
> >
> > Cheers
>
> but there is *no* law about computer's here ! :)
> what can we say about free software so ? :)
> i guess its just good for people to read and know it :)

GPL is not a computer law. It is a Copyright law. And Iran does have a 
Copyright Law ( Hefazate az hoghooghe manavi nasherin va nevisandegan). 
Although Iran has not signed the international copyright law (i.e you 
can copy windows), but it does have a domestic copyright law (i.e you 
can not republish a farsi book, you will be jailed). 

Currently software which is published in Iran (like Zar Negar) is 
protected by the Iranian Copyright law. That is the reason that if you 
go to Paytakht, or Reza, Persian softwares are so expensive. Because 
they are covered by Copyright, and copying them is illegal, according 
to Iranian law.

So if we want Iranian free software projects to also be covered by GPL, 
then we should translate GPL, in a legal way. Then according to Iranian 
Copyright law, it will be enforceable.

Maybe translating GPL is one of the things which the "National Farsi 
Linux" project should do. 

Anyway, Zoup translating GPL is legal stuff. It is not a joke, it is 
serious business. I never dared doing this job. It should be done, I 
agree, but if we are to do it, it should be done correctly.

Cheers

-- 
/* You can always count on Americans to do the 
right thing; - after they've tried everything else.
                         Winston Churchill */
Aryan Ameri