On Jan 24, 2008 7:41 AM, Arnoud Engelfriet <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This is actually a very intriguing question. If I have a shell account > on someone's computer, and I can copy a binary that resides somewhere > in /bin (or wherever), is the work being distributed to me? > > toad:~> ls -l /bin/ls > -r-xr-xr-x 1 root wheel 29624 Jan 15 04:30 /bin/ls* > toad:~> cp /bin/ls myls > toad:~> > > Can I now demand the source to /bin/ls from the administrators of 'toad'?
That is indeed an intriguing question. Within the GPL language of "distribution", it's probably a little unclear. However, GPL v.3 would appear to be a little tighter on the issue: ----------------- To "propagate" a work means to do anything with it that, without permission, would make you directly or secondarily liable for infringement under applicable copyright law, except executing it on a computer or modifying a private copy. Propagation includes copying, distribution (with or without modification), making available to the public, and in some countries other activities as well. To "convey" a work means any kind of propagation that enables other parties to make or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user through a computer network, with no transfer of a copy, is not conveying. ----------------- It seems clear enough that the administrators of toad are "propagating" /bin/ls. And that "propagation" is one that "enables other parties to make or receive copies". Nor is this "mere interaction ... with no transfer of a copy" - *running* /bin/ls would fit this category, but making a copy of /bin/ls in your home directory is a different matter. So this would seem to be "conveying" within the meaning of GPL v.3, and thus will fall within clause 6 of GPL v.3, "Conveying Non-Source Forms". John (TINLA) -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
