0) Free use: the ability to use the software in whatever way you deem fit to use it.
1) Free redistribution: the ability to distribute the software to whomever you see fit.
2) Access to the source code: you have the right to request the source code for the program that you're using and the distributor is legally obligated to give it to you.
3) Ability to modify the source code: this is distinct from freedom 2 because one can be given the source code without the ability to modify it for their own personal use. This is where much of the freedom in the GNU GPL stems from.
4) Ability to redistribute your modifications: this is important because a license could restrict you to only personally using your modifications, without allowing the rest of society the benefit of your modifications - if you deem fit to distribute the software. Note, this is an ability, not a demand. You don't have to redistribute changed software.
Inability to provide these rights when distributing modified or unmodified GNU GPL'ed software results in removal of your license. So, if a company decides to violate the GNU GPL and base their primary product on it - and this license violation is found to be true - then that company (or person) can have their license revoked and no longer has the right to use said GNU GPL'ed software for any reason. So, violation of the GNU GPL, for whatever reason, is foolish.
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Re:Not a problem for sold GPL software, surely?
Posted by: fitzix on August 30, 2002 10:55 PM0) Free use: the ability to use the software in whatever way you deem fit to use it.
1) Free redistribution: the ability to distribute the software to whomever you see fit.
2) Access to the source code: you have the right to request the source code for the program that you're using and the distributor is legally obligated to give it to you.
3) Ability to modify the source code: this is distinct from freedom 2 because one can be given the source code without the ability to modify it for their own personal use. This is where much of the freedom in the GNU GPL stems from.
4) Ability to redistribute your modifications: this is important because a license could restrict you to only personally using your modifications, without allowing the rest of society the benefit of your modifications - if you deem fit to distribute the software. Note, this is an ability, not a demand. You don't have to redistribute changed software.
Inability to provide these rights when distributing modified or unmodified GNU GPL'ed software results in removal of your license. So, if a company decides to violate the GNU GPL and base their primary product on it - and this license violation is found to be true - then that company (or person) can have their license revoked and no longer has the right to use said GNU GPL'ed software for any reason. So, violation of the GNU GPL, for whatever reason, is foolish.
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