[consulting] Fwd: [development] Modules that integrate non-GPL PHP apps violate the GPL.

[Kevin Reynen]

I'm going to ask one of the things Liam asked, but very specifically...

Are modules that create XML designed to be used by another piece of software
considered a "bridge"?  Or is the XML considered the final output of the GPL
code and the point at which the GPL's influence stops?

I'm thinking of Flash photo gallery, but this could be applied to an RSS
reader as well.  It fits the definatition of "seperate pieces of software
with a purpose to make a single unit of software out of those parts".

Is a module a bridge if it uses a standard like RSS, NewsML, or other XML
standardized for the purpose of moving or sharing data between systems or
applications... GPL'ed or not?

- Kevin Reynen



On 8/30/07, Liam McDermott <liam at intermedia-online.com> wrote:
>
> Karoly Negyesi wrote:
>
> > Before going any further, I want to make clear that I'm not
> > expressing approval or disapproval of this: I'm just relaying the
> > conclusions that were reached after several days of discussion and
> > questioning with the FSF.
> Quite, now annoyingly I'm going to ask you some questions and probably
> repeat what you've already asked the FSF. My apologies in advance for
> this. :)
>
> > Why do these modules violate the GPL?
> >
> > 1) Under the FSF's accepted interpretation of the GPL, if a module is
> > integrating Drupal and another PHP script, by calling one's APIs when
> > triggered by the other for example, its purpose is to make a single
> > unit of software out of those parts.
> Then how is any GPL'd software allowed to run on Microsoft Windows? How
> are Opera, Adobe Flash or Java allowed to run on GNU/Linux?
>
> > 2) If multiple programs are operating together and functioning as one
> > unit, all the pieces must be GPL'd.
> I find this hard to believe. Take the vBulletin bridge for example, you
> want to build a site that uses Drupal for the CMS and vBulletin for the
> message board. Drupal distribute the CMS and the vBulletin bridge, both
> available under the GPL, this integrates with vBulletin on the Web server.
>
> Since the GPL is a copyright license it only comes into effect when
> software is distributed. The end user is allowed to mix whatever license
> combinations they want. That is why I am running GNU/Linux with Opera as
> my browser, Java and Flash installed, and some proprietary Windows
> software running under Wine.
>
> If you mean that it's technically a breach of the GPL to _provide a
> service_ integrating software with incompatible licenses then I can see
> that you may have a point. Although if accused of breaching the GPL in
> this manner a good answer could be: 'the customer downloaded and
> installed that piece of proprietary software, guvn'r.'
>
> I don't believe the Drupal maintainers have done anything wrong, they've
> only distributed GPL'd software. I can't imagine it would do the FSF's
> public image any good to go after individual developers for something so
> trivial either. Most people would jump to BSD licenses faster than you
> can say: 'Richard Stallman!'
>
> This seems to be the same problem as graphics card vendors and their
> binary drivers. They provide a binary (cross-platform) blob with some
> GPL'd 'glue' software between the blob and the Linux kernel. This has
> been argued--on both sides--but never really tested. As you pointed out,
> not taking any action will probably cause no problems.
>
> By the way: I am not a lawyer. I have no experience with law, only a
> vague understanding of the GPL. Am asking these questions as you
> probably have the answers already and if not you can query the FSF again
> (or provide us with an e-mail address).
>
> Thanks for the information! :)
>
> Kind Regards,
> Liam McDermott.
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