Re: [gNewSense-users] Possible problem with closed bug 123

[Markus Laire]

Paul O'Malley wrote:
> Your extract was not verbose enough to prove your case.
> You should have started here:
> ---
> Upstream Author: Wietse Venema
>
> Copyright:
>
> Most of the files, fall under the following copyright, and are 
> distributable
> under the terms of the BSD license (/usr/share/common-licenses/BSD):
>
>  * Copyright (c) 1983,1991 The Regents of the University of California.
>  * All rights reserved.
>
> Some of the RPC code, is copyrighted by Sun Microsystems, and is 
> provided under the following terms:
>
> -----
>
> This implies that the code is part of a product which Wietse has licensed.
>
> Licence is thus free!

But Wietse hasn't licensed RPC code under any free license.

The above text doesn't say that RPC code is licensed under BSD license. 
Actually just the opposite. RPC code "is provided under the following 
terms", and the "following terms" (see below) gives right to distribute 
*only* for the user who developed the product or program, not to anyone 
else.

----- start -----
Sun RPC is a product of Sun Microsystems, Inc. and is provided for
unrestricted use provided that this legend is included on all tape
media and as a part of the software program in whole or part.  Users
may copy or modify Sun RPC without charge, but are not authorized
to license or distribute it to anyone else except as part of a product 
or program developed by the user or with the express written consent of
Sun Microsystems, Inc.

SUN RPC IS PROVIDED AS IS WITH NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND INCLUDING THE
WARRANTIES OF DESIGN, MERCHANTIBILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, OR ARISING FROM A COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE OR TRADE PRACTICE.

Sun RPC is provided with no support and without any obligation on the
part of Sun Microsystems, Inc. to assist in its use, correction,
modification or enhancement.

SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE
INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHTS, TRADE SECRETS OR ANY PATENTS BY SUN RPC
OR ANY PART THEREOF.

In no event will Sun Microsystems, Inc. be liable for any lost revenue
or profits or other special, indirect and consequential damages, even if
Sun has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Sun Microsystems, Inc.
2550 Garcia Avenue
Mountain View, California  94043
----- end -----

--
Markus Laire