Subj : *nix Licenses
To   : Richard Falken
From : Kai Richter
Date : Thu Jan 07 2021 19:28:38

Hello Richard!

07 Jan 21, Richard Falken wrote to paul lee:

 RF> Since your business model is selling hardware, this should be no big
 RF> deal anyway.

If the hardware comes with pre-installed GPL software it is a big deal.

 RF> If you appliance uses unmodified Linux / GNU components, then you
 RF> need not to worry.

Are you sure? From my point of view the GPL is a point to point license.

If you install a GPLed Linux on your hardware and sell it to me, then we both have a contract. If you sold me the binary of an GPLed Linux then i can request the source from you because you are the distributor.

We both may agree that i would download it from a repo server somewhere on the web but i don't have to. Let's say i'm on a limited cellphone bandwith and claim this part of the GPL:

"For example, if you distribute copies of such a program, whether
gratis or for a fee, you must pass on to the recipients the same
freedoms that you received.
*You must make sure that they, too, receive or can get the source code*."

So if i tell you it does not work, then it is still your responsibility to find a way that will work for me.

Regards

Kai

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