X-Comment-To: Alex Hudson, Paolo Gianrossi
On Tue, Mar 04, 2003 at 01:28:29PM +0000, Alex Hudson wrote:
What I am talking about is specifically this: the software is under the GPL, but if you download it you are not allowed to redistribute it under a certain name. I think this contradicts GPL.6:
"You may not impose any further restrictions on the recipients' exercise of the rights granted herein."
It sounds to me like a further restriction - that is the point I was making.
The GPL deals with the software, not with names. The name isn't put under the GPL.
The GNU people themselves make such restrictions for modifying the GPL. Have a look at this link: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#ModifyGPL
Trademarks can never prevent you from copying a piece of software.
RedHat disagree with you: http://www.redhat.com/about/corporate/trademark/guidelines/
I've read it, but I didn't find, where they disagree. They allow copying the software under a different name.
Trademark laws ban people from using names and logos of other people/corporation to identify there work.
But if the trademark is used within a piece of software, then that software has to be redistributed according to the wishes of the owner of the trademark until it is removed (if removal is possible).
It would be a violation if removal wouldn't be possible.
Linux Emporium don't even seem to stock it at all now. That prevents people copying free software.
Huh? Isn't the same software also available on other distributions?
P.S.: The company doesn't want to be named. So don't give them any credit by calling their name so often. Just forget their name. ;-)