Tim Cook wrote: > JohnLeo Zimmer, MD wrote: > . >> Thus, Medsphere's GPL license can be applied only to the <<differences>> >> between OpenVista server and FOIA VistA. (Likewise, any modifications >> World Vista makes to VistA.) >> >> IMHO, of course, >> jlz > > I don't believe so. Public domain software CAN be re-released under > ANY license. > > Tim
Yes, Tim C is correct on this, and not just because his name is Tim C. Public domain means no owner of copyright, no license. So anyone can assert copyright and a license of their choice (any license) over their particular copy of that public domain code. That's why releasing code into "the public domain" is a bad idea - but Vista is obtain under public domain terms through a feature of the US constitution written long before software was conceived of, I believe, not because someone thought that releasing VistA software into the public domain was the best path to take. Tim C
