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

[Gerhard Killesreiter]

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David Strauss schrieb:
> 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.

Not much, but there have been several recent cases in Germany where
hardware vendors selling Linux based appliances were taken to court and
the courts ordered them to abide by the GPL and include source code etc.

See http://gpl-violations.org/

Cheers,
	Gerhard
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