Return-Path: Received: (majordomo@vger.kernel.org) by vger.kernel.org via listexpand id S264051AbUCZPFB (ORCPT ); Fri, 26 Mar 2004 10:05:01 -0500 Received: (majordomo@vger.kernel.org) by vger.kernel.org id S264052AbUCZPFB (ORCPT ); Fri, 26 Mar 2004 10:05:01 -0500 Received: from bay16-f37.bay16.hotmail.com ([65.54.186.87]:65295 "EHLO hotmail.com") by vger.kernel.org with ESMTP id S264051AbUCZPE6 (ORCPT ); Fri, 26 Mar 2004 10:04:58 -0500 X-Originating-IP: [12.2.144.2] X-Originating-Email: [mattreuther@hotmail.com] From: "Matt Reuther" To: linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org Subject: Re: Binary-only firmware covered by the GPL? Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 10:04:53 -0500 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Message-ID: X-OriginalArrivalTime: 26 Mar 2004 15:04:53.0882 (UTC) FILETIME=[B1BBADA0:01C41343] Sender: linux-kernel-owner@vger.kernel.org X-Mailing-List: linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org Content-Length: 774 Lines: 18 I think the real question is this: if this binary blob is not GPL, then how can it be in the kernel? It should be pulled out and put in a separate file, which can be loaded with the firmware mechanism. If it is firmware, then would it be legal to reverse engineer the assembler, assuming one can find the instruction set for the chip? Matt _________________________________________________________________ Get rid of annoying pop-up ads with the new MSN Toolbar ? FREE! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200414ave/direct/01/ - To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in the body of a message to majordomo@vger.kernel.org More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/