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

[David Strauss]

Cog Rusty wrote:
> I am all for system thinking and intended uses, but somehow I am
> losing the "parts" view here, things like responsibilities,
> consequences, legal or other.
> 
> Suppose I write a spelling checker for MS Word in VBA (I don't really
> know VBA, just an example), with the clear intention to be used with
> MS Word and nothing else. I slap a GPL license file with no caveats on
> it and I distribute it. What happens now? What does it mean not to be
> GPL-compliant in this case, practically?
> 
> MS or anyone else can take it, package it in some other software and
> sell it, claiming that it is not really GPL? Is that it?

One of the beautiful things about the GPL is that, when it fails, normal
copyright takes over. So, if the GPL is shown to be invalid on something
you've created, other parties have *no rights* to distribute your work
without other permission.

> Also, because I have met lawyers before, are there any information
> about how the "system" interpretation ever did in court?

For better or worse, the GPL hasn't seen too much time in court.

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: signature.asc
Type: application/pgp-signature
Size: 186 bytes
Desc: OpenPGP digital signature
Url : http://lists.drupal.org/pipermail/development/attachments/20070831/973b007f/attachment.pgp