GPL: Does a conveyor's violation result in rights to users? E.g. Assume a user receives a binary-only copy of the firmware bundled with a hardware device based on a GPL'd OS (no source or offer of source is provided).
A copyriight violation, see Section 3 of the GNU GPL. Does the GPL give the user the right (or for other reasons does the user now have the right) to provide or obtain newer versions of the GPL'd firmware that the vendor sells (e.g. to or from another client)? i.e. does it give anyone holding a binary copy the right to distribute it for free to users denied the source that is their right to receive? From a moral standpoint, it's well- justified, On the contrary, from a moral stand point it is not justified. The user is being deprived of the right to study the program. You cannot distribute a binary without also allowing the user to recive the source code; see section 3 of the GNU GPL. Anyone aware of discussion as to whether the GPLv3 should (or could) make a user entitled to do this? The GPLv3 will, as the GPLv2 expressly not allow it, since it is just distirbuting non-free software, and this is wrong. _______________________________________________ gnu-misc-discuss mailing list gnu-misc-discuss@gnu.org http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/gnu-misc-discuss
