Re: Using GPL software

[Alexander Terekhov]

Stefaan A Eeckels wrote:
> 
> On 1 Oct 2006 03:01:56 -0700
> xiaomitao@gmail.com wrote:
> 
> > So i'm rather confused by what does it really mean by linking?
> 
> Taking code from your program, and code from a library, and making a
> single executable unit from the combination.

Making a "single executable unit from the combination" is no different
(re copyright) than making a single unpackable tarball which is a mere 
aggregation of many separate and independent works in source code form. 
Or ISO  image file, etc. Object code is just another form of the same 
protected work. So stop spouting nonsense, Eeckels. Linking is 
irrelevant to begin with (there's no exclusive right to link).

<quote>

consider the case of two scientific papers which reference each other.
The fact that paper B calls paper A (references it for support) does
not make B a derivative work of A. This remains true whether B and A
are published together in a symposium (analogous to static linkage) or
separately (analogous to dynamic linkage). Computer programs are
defined in 17 USC as literary works

</quote>

"Computer programs, whether in source or object code, shall be 
protected as literary works under the Berne Convention (1971)."

http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/t_agm3_e.htm

regards,
alexander.