11 messages in com.mysql.lists.communityRe: License Name?| From | Sent On | Attachments |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Hillyer | 21 Feb 2004 16:52 | |
| Steph | 21 Feb 2004 17:16 | |
| Mike Hillyer | 21 Feb 2004 17:45 | |
| Steph | 22 Feb 2004 03:13 | |
| Zak Greant | 23 Feb 2004 07:41 | |
| Mike Hillyer | 23 Feb 2004 11:37 | |
| Stéphane Croisier | 26 Feb 2004 07:57 | |
| Mahesh T. Pai | 26 Feb 2004 08:35 | |
| Stéphane Croisier | 26 Feb 2004 09:10 | |
| Mahesh T. Pai | 26 Feb 2004 09:47 | |
| Mahesh T. Pai | 26 Feb 2004 10:23 |
| Subject: | Re: License Name? |
|---|---|
| From: | Mike Hillyer (mi...@vbmysql.com) |
| Date: | 02/23/2004 11:37:03 AM |
| List: | com.mysql.lists.community |
Hi Mike!
Please note that I am not a lawyer, but I will provide the best answers that I can here.
Heh, perhaps we need a lawyer on this list.
On Feb 22, 2004, at 01:53, Mike Hillyer wrote:
Hello Again;
Now here's another question: MySQL uses the GPL, but it seems like this leaves a lot of room for interpretation. In addition, modifications are already being made to the license to allow for linking in PHP. Is it perhaps time to implement the changes as "The MySQL License"?
I think that this would increase the level of confusion about the licensing.
I was worried about the same thing while suggesting it.
The license is the GPL, with optional exceptions. This makes it clear that you can use it just as if it were stock GPL. If you need to do things that go outside of the GPL, then you can look at the exceptions or purchase a license for proprietary use.
Also, I like the GPL - I think it is still the best representation of the community side of our business ideals.
When MySQL uses the GPL as "The GPL" it makes me wonder whose interpretation of the GPL is final in licensing issues: is it MySQL AB's interpretation or the FSF's that applies? Perhaps a naming of "The MySQL Open License" and "The MySQl Commercial License" would make it clear that the license is specific to MySQL and MySQL AB is the final decider.
Neither party is the final interpreter of the GPL. The GPL is based on copyright law and neither MySQL AB or the Free Software Foundation has the ability to interpret or pass laws - instead, this is generally the responsibility of a court.
Perhaps the goal is to open things up as little to interpretation as possible.
Just one more thing to ponder...
Thanks for the input - I do not think that it is a strong option right now.
But it did get you thinking... My work here is complete. ;)