|
[20051027]
|
Software licenses are fun
In my next life, I'm gonna be a lawyer. The other day, I came
across the following license:
* Copyright (c) CCYY YOUR NAME HERE
*
* Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software for any
* purpose with or without fee is hereby granted, provided that the above
* copyright notice and this permission notice appear in all copies.
*
* THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES
* WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
* MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR
* ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES
* WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN
* ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF
* OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
*/
Spot the problem?
Read the second paragraph closely: when passing this on, the first
("the above copyright notice") and second ("this permission")
paragraph needs to be preserved, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE THIRD
ONE? Shall I really be able to pass on the software but leave out
passing on the "no warranty"-clause? I don't think so, too.
The mistake was already confirmed by the copyright holder of
the original license, and the good deed of the day was to notify
another project that chose the same license.
[Tags: licensing]
|
