Re: [PATCH] USB: mark USB drivers as being GPL only

Lee Mathers
2008-02-07T20:00:49Z

>> And it's a logical problem, too: why should the *driver* enforce a
>> *technical* limit?
>>
> That's part of it's purpose. It permits a manufacturer to make a global
> device that operates within local restrictions.
> --
>

Then the hardware vendor needs to review there practices. If you want
to limit the ability of your technology do not include it. I realize
that this has become large revenue stream for many company's. What
they do not realize is that they have created a Wack-a-Mole situation.
Just look at the Digital Satellite TV industry.

Companies used to Produce one logic board and selectively remove certain
resistors or ic's to limit the end users ability. The end user could
still solder the missing chips etc to by pass but much more
difficult. Way I see it is let the companies does as they please as
they will bury themselves in the long run.

Now we have hardware ASIC that depend on the most part a (dll in
windows) or .ko .o file under linux to provide the entire instruction
set. Think Winmodems, Winprinters etc....