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Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2003 02:12:09 -0500
From: Ryan Anderson <ryan@michonline.com>
To: Andrew McGregor <andrew@indranet.co.nz>
Cc: linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org
Subject: Re: Gauntlet Set NOW!
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On Sat, Jan 04, 2003 at 12:56:53PM +1300, Andrew McGregor wrote:

[snip]

> Linus has made it quite clear in the past that his position on binary 
> modules is that they are explicitly allowed, but that the maintainers of 
> such a thing 'get everything they deserve' in terms of maintenance hassle. 

I *really* think you need to do some searches on this list to verify
this statement.

Let me summarize what I remember from past discussions of this nature.

Linus put his code under the GPL.  Contributions came in, under the same
license.  At some point, the first binary only module showed up.  When
asked about the legality, Linus said something to the effect of, "I
think they're ok."

Note the lack of clarification from the other (miriad) copyright
holders?

In summary - If you want to write binary only modules, you need to talk
to a lawyer that understands the issues involved.  "Linus said they were
ok" doesn't even begin to encompass the number of copyright holders
involved.


-- 

Ryan Anderson
  sometimes Pug Majere
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