cygwin redistribution and gpl requirements

[Jon Allen]

Chuck,

Thanks for your information.  After several close readings of the GPL I
could not determine this.

Jon

> Jon Allen wrote:
> 
> > My company wants to re-distribute some of the pre-compiled 
> cygwin utilities,
> > e.g. grep.exe.  These utilities will be distributed without 
> modification,
> > and to make them run we will copy the needed cygwin dll's.  
> I assume we will
> > maintain GPL compliance if we:
> > 
> > 1. Include a copy of the GPL with the programs.
> > 2. Reference source code availability at http://cygwin.com 
> > 
> > Is this sufficient?
> 
> 
> (IANAL)
> No, it is not.  The GPL states that if YOU distribute GPL 
> binaries, then 
> YOU must also distribute the sources.  A pointer to a  web 
> page outside 
> of your control, that might die, doesn't satisfy your legal 
> obligations.
> 
> Besides, what if the cygwin site stops distributing the 
> source code for 
> cygwin-1.3.3 -- because we're now distributing cygwin-1.3.9, 
> and provide 
> the source code for the NEW version?  Where are YOUR users 
> going to get 
> the source code for the version of the cygwin DLL that YOU are 
> distributing?  You gave them version 1.3.3 -- they need to be able to 
> get the source code for version 1.3.3.
> 
> Those who obtain the software from you, must also be able to 
> obtain the 
> source code from you via the same distribution medium.  Thus, if you 
> provide the binaries via your ftp site, then you must put the 
> sources on 
> that ftp site.  If you mail out CDROMs with the binaries, 
> then those who 
> receive the CDROMs must be able to request a CDROM with the 
> source code.
> 
> A close reading of the GPL itself would reveal these things...but a 
> company, having more at stake than individuals, should seek 
> the advice 
> of a lawyer before venturing into new legal waters.  (Not 
> that the GPL 
> is new, but based on your questions it appears that they are 
> new waters 
> for your company)
> 
> --Chuck
> 

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