Re: [RFC PATCH 0/6] Boot logo supplied by the device tree

["Ulrich Ölmann" <u.oelmann@pengutronix.de>]

Hi Max,

On Tue, Aug 04 2026 at 00:04 +0200, Màxim Pedraza Padilla <maximpedraza@gmail.com> wrote:
> El lun, 3 ago 2026 a las 14:39, Ulrich Ölmann
> (<u.oelmann@pengutronix.de>) escribió:
>> independently of the specific implementation, please keep in mind that
>> the kernel is distributed under the GPLv2, which may have implications
>> for a proprietary image embedded in the device tree. That doesn't
>> necessarily have to be a deal-breaker, but it's probably something that
>> should be considered carefully.
>
> Good point, I had not considered it.
>
> A warning could be added to the binding documentation about the licensing
> implications of a proprietary logo, aimed at anyone thinking of
> submitting a device tree carrying one to the kernel tree. I am happy to
> add that in v2 if it is considered useful.

I think the issue is broader than upstream submissions. Once such a
device tree is shipped as part of a GPL kernel in a product, the GPL
obligations already apply to that distribution. Therefore, the licensing
implications of embedding a proprietary logo are not limited to upstream
acceptance, they also affect downstream product distributions.

> Patches 4 and 5 also avoid the question by construction: there the image
> is a separate binary the bootloader loads, and the device tree carries
> only a phandle to the reserved region.

Right, here everything is clearly uncoupled.

> In any case, whether such device trees are accepted is ultimately for the
> device tree maintainers to decide.

As mentioned above, the issue also extends to deployed products.

Those were just my thoughts on the licensing aspect.

Best regards,
Ulrich


> Best regards,
> Max
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