Re: [android-developers] Re: Avoiding GPL

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On 6/23/10 10:51 , Sean Hodges wrote:
> You really need to consult a specialist on this subject, developers
> (including me) have a tendency to give out "I am not a lawyer" type
> advice, which is inherently unreliable.
>
> In the strategy you describe, I believe putting A and B in the same
> APK means you are distributing both components as a single piece of
> software. A person cannot modify and distribute B without either
> bundling closed-source A, or modifying the build process (which also
> violates the GPL). You would be closer to a solution if you created 2
> separate APK's, as long as A and B are completely independent of each
> other.
>
> The nature of the GPL is that the authors *do not want* their code
> distributed in a closed-source solution, and this is exactly why it is
> so difficult to find a legal way to do it. If you want to mix
> licences; seek legal advice, and/or contact the authors about the
> possibility of a dual-licence solution.
I agree that binding everything into a single .apk is very likely a
GPL violation; in the best case, an expert would be needed to clarify
the point. I repeat, the simpler thing is to ask the FSF about, as
they are quite open (!) to talk to people.

- --
Fabrizio Giudici - Java Architect, Project Manager
Tidalwave s.a.s. - "We make Java work. Everywhere."
java.net/blog/fabriziogiudici - www.tidalwave.it/people
Fabrizio.Giudici@tidalwave.it
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