I stand by what I said. The US Federal District courts are the first rung; and a preliminary ruling has no doubt 'in terrorem' (as the lawyers like to say) effect since nobody wants to be exposed liability. Until the court of appeals rules (there are eleven circuits + 2 more) or the Supreme Court opines, there is no real law. There are current cases which have been widely noticed now pending at this very moment (to be decided by June maybe) which will determine a lot. The g p l is quite probably generally valid; but it is the construction put on it by the courts, not its literal language, or what they, the g p l folks, think it means, that will decide. The German cases look to support the general concept of the g p l and its application; but that I think actually had a software application in view --- correct me if I am mistaken (also, after all, by the way, 'nmap', which is cited, is a program, most assuredly).
The situation in Europe is unsettled. If the g p l is of 'viral' nature that may itself run afoul of the law; to the extent attracts the content of works, it may be invalid and a breach of the anti-trust acts besides and an unjust appropriation restrained by the equity courts. The shoe, which fits the g p l as to software, may well be over-extended as to anything else. Time will tell and our opinions, although well intentioned and informed (as, hopefully, they will be) remain, as they must, tentative and premature. As long as everyone is aware of the issues, harm is minimized Practically, then, where does Scribus get its fonts, if it cannot really distribute or recommend any with assurance? or hardly any? Does anyone want to WRITE fonts for Scribus??? Remaining constructive and optimistic, I am, cordially, your humble servant, Bart Alberti
