Re: [EXT] Re: mwifiex firmware mrvl/sd8987_uapsta.bin missing in the firmware git

[Brian Norris <briannorris@chromium.org>]

On Fri, Sep 25, 2026 at 04:58:14PM +0200, Andreas Kemnade wrote:
> The License terms have in 2.3(b):
> "(b)     to copy and distribute as needed, solely in connection with an
> Authorized System and for use in combination with a NXP Product,"
> 
> If I read it correctly, the firmware cannot life in such a repository, since
> the repository is used by different machines. Is my interpretation correct?

I'm no expert and am not providing legal advice.

I see there is some roughly similar (but a little weaker-sounding)
language in some existing linux-firmware licenses. e.g., "permitted
solely operating in conjunction with <company> authorized products".

I also see the linux-firmware README only says:

    Your commit **must** contain a `Signed-Off-By:` from someone authoritative on
    the licensing of the firmware in question (i.e. from within the company
    that owns the code).

I take that to mean that linux-firmware doesn't really try to own the
licensing rules. They defer to the company that owns the IP.

So if NXP wants to submit things to linux-firmware (or "sign off" and
hand it to someone else), they might be able to do so. YMMV if you're
not an NXP employee though.

Brian