[GNU-linux-libre] Re: [Gnewsense-dev] 9wm - No FSF Free

[Paul O'Malley - gnu's not unix -]

Rubén Rodríguez Pérez wrote:
> El vie, 28-08-2009 a las 23:48 +0100, Marco Oliva escribió:
> > " The argument that there's a strongly-implied right to modify is unlikely to 
> > fly in many countries outside the US. "
> >
> > -> https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Licensing#Bad_Licenses
> >
> > -> http://archive.gnewsense.org/gnewsense/pool/universe/9/9wm/
>
>
> It was also reported at Trisquel (thanks, Marcooliva), but I didn't have
> much time to review it, as it is a tricky license this one. Its problem
> is the absence of *explicit* permission for modifications:
>
> -----------------------
>
> 9wm is free software, and is Copyright (c) 1994 by David Hogan.
>   Permission is granted to all sentient beings to use this software,
>   to make copies of it, and to distribute those copies, provided
>   that:
>
>       (1) the copyright and licence notices are left intact
>       (2) the recipients are aware that it is free software
>       (3) any unapproved changes in functionality are either
>             (i) only distributed as patches
>         or (ii) distributed as a new program which is not called 9wm
>                 and whose documentation gives credit where it is due
>       (4) the author is not held responsible for any defects
>           or shortcomings in the software, or damages caused by it.
>
>   There is no warranty for this software.  Have a nice day.
>
> ------------------------
>
> Notes:
>
> - The package is included in debian main [1]
> - 9wm licence is not listed in the -informal- debian dfsg license list [2]
> - The author, sadly, died [3]
>
> 1 http://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=9wm
> 2 http://wiki.debian.org/DFSGLicenses
> 3 http://lwn.net/Articles/312262/

This licence exerts items similar to a trademark.
If you want to change the code change the name.

In other words -
If you change this program you should also change the name.
So you could call it 9wm-delta and no one could call you on it.

You are obliged in any case to give credit for copyright.

The four freedoms don't look like they are being challenged, or am I wrong?

With regard to 3 you could go to the successor(s) in interest and ask 
for a dual licence, i.e. please now release this under the GPL.


Regards,

Paul