[U-Boot] U-book and GPLv3? (fwd)

Wolfgang Denk
2009-07-07T14:43:15Z

Dear Haavard,

In message <20090707155005.2e4a4d6d@hskinnemoen-d830> you wrote:
>
> > The point is that GPLv2 results in situations where you cannot use
> > and modify your own software any more because it is "protected" and
> > any versions you build don't run.
>
> But this is a problem with the _hardware_, not the software. I think
> placing restrictions on the hardware design is way outside the scope of
> a software license.

I'm only talking about software (code and data) here. If I cannot
change (or just rebuild) the (Free!) software any more because to
actually run it I need some secret data (like a signature) then this
is still a software problem. One that can be prevented by releasing
the software under adequate licensing terms.

> In my experience, the most popular AVR-based boards are the ones that
> not only allow the firmware to be replaced freely, but which actively
> encourage modification by making lots of signals available through
> expansion headers. This kind of "hackability" can never be enforced
> through any kind of software license.

Agreed. Hardware should be hackable, too :-) (which includes
documentation where you don't have to sell your soul and sign NDAs
that are plain evil).

Best regards,

Wolfgang Denk

--
DENX Software Engineering GmbH, MD: Wolfgang Denk & Detlev Zundel
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