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FSF might sue Microsoft

by on29 August 2007

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GPLv3 applies

 

The Free Software Foundation might be gearing up to sue Microsoft to prevent it from declaring itself exempt from the requirements of GPLv3.

The FSF said that Microsoft claims regarding its obligations under the GPLv3 were incorrect.

When the GPLv3 was drafted the FSF  wrote a clause which says that if any user receives a discriminatory patent promise from Microsoft when they buy a GPLv3 program Vole  would be bound by GPLv3 to extend that same promise of safety to all downstream users of that software.

However if Microsoft distributes FSF works licensed under GPLv3, or pays others to distribute them on its behalf, it is bound by the terms of that licence. The FSF said that it will ensure, to the extent of its  resources, to help GPLv3 licensors complies with its licenses.

The full statement can be found here.

Last modified on 29 August 2007
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