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Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2002 18:53:10 -0400
From: "Murray J. Root" <murrayr@brain.org>
To: linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org
Subject: Re: New BK License Problem?
Message-ID: <20021005225310.GA10667@Master.Wizards>
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On Sat, Oct 05, 2002 at 05:10:33PM +0400, Hans Reiser wrote:
> tom_gall@mac.com wrote:
> 
> >Greetings all,
> >
> >I noticed Larry recently changed the license on bk.  Once clause in 
> >particular struck me and I thought I'd better point it out for your 
> >reactions...
> >
> >Specifically from Section 3:
> >
> >       (d)  Notwithstanding any other terms in this License, this
> >            License is not available to You if  You  and/or  your
> >            employer  develop,  produce,  sell,  and/or  resell a
> >            product which contains substantially similar capabil-
> >            ities  of  the BitKeeper Software, or, in the reason-
> >            able opinion of BitMover, competes with the BitKeeper
> >            Software.
> >
> Seems like a pretty straightforward violation of the anti-trust laws, 
> and a conspiracy to restrain trade.  Hope Larry votes for Bush's 
> reelection, cause Bush judges will keep Larry safe from the law on this 
> for sure.
> 
Yup - a blatant and outright violation.
Worse - it's also illegal to refuse to do business with someone
based on who their employer is, in most states.
Also - it's an attempt to restrict first-purchase rights. Most courts
have found such clauses to be unenforcable in standard contracts - I doubt
a shrink-wrap license is gonna fare any better.

-- 
Murray J. Root
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