Re: [PATCH 2/3] lib: improve the performance of memcpy and memmove of the general version

[Alan Cox <alan@lxorguk.ukuu.org.uk>]

On Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:59:02 -0400
Calvin Walton <calvin.walton@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Fri, 2010-09-03 at 11:03 +0000, Florian Weimer wrote:
> > * Miao Xie:
> > 
> > >  EXPORT_SYMBOL(memcpy);
> > 
> > I think you need to change that to EXPORT_SYMBOL_GPL, because the code
> > is now licensed under the GPL, and not the GPL plus kernel exceptions
> > (whatever they are, but they undoubtly exist), unlike the original
> > implementation.
> 
> I wouldn't think so - the intent of EXPORT_SYMBOL_GPL is to mark symbols
> that make it obvious that a module was derived from the Linux kernel, as
> opposed to some sort of generic driver that was just ported to a new
> interface. (It's not foolproof, it's more of a warning to developers.)

EXPORT_SYMBOL_GPL was meant for symbols that were clearly internal
workings. EXPORT_SYMBOL() doesn't in any way imply or excuse GPL
compliance for any derivative work.

Using the FSF memcpy seems a good technical idea, and it'll no doubt
liven up the proprietary module makers lawyers as it'll make the FSF a
party to any infringement disputes 8)

Alan