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Subject: GPL -private versions-additional restrictions

Author: Cesar Contreras

Date: 15:18:40 08/17/05



http://www.fsf.org/licensing/licenses/gpl-faq.html


"Does the GPL require that source code of modified versions be posted to the
public?
The GPL does not require you to release your modified version. You are free to
make modifications and use them privately, without ever releasing them. This
applies to organizations (including companies), too; an organization can make a
modified version and use it internally without ever releasing it outside the
organization. But if you release the modified version to the public in some way,
the GPL requires you to make the modified source code available to the program's
users, under the GPL.
Thus, the GPL gives permission to release the modified program in certain ways,
and not in other ways; but the decision of whether to release it is up to you."

--------------------------------------------------------
What can be a little confusing it's:

"release the modified version to the public in some way"

I think "giving to testers" doesn't mean "releasing to the public", since
testers are part of the "development team", with the task to "test" (esential
part of any software development work).

--------------------------------------------------------

IT SEAMS THERE CAN'T BE MADE ADDITIONAL REQUERIMENTS:

ALSO FROM FAQ;

"Why is the original BSD license incompatible with the GPL?
Because it imposes a specific requirement that is not in the GPL; namely, the
requirement on advertisements of the program. The GPL states:

   *** You may not impose any further restrictions on the recipients' exercise
   of the rights granted herein.  ****

The advertising clause provides just such a further restriction, and thus is
GPL-incompatible.
The revised BSD license does not have the advertising clause, which eliminates
the problem."


So asking "not to post" test results seems to be out of context.



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