MS-PL/GPL compatibility, was Re: For Approval: Microsoft Permissive License

[Matthew Flaschen]

Alexander Terekhov wrote:

> And my I just note that GNUish "derived work" (A work + B work =
> "derived work") is certanly NOT consistent with the definition in the
> U.S. Copyright Act, as applicable to computer software. For more
> details, see:
> 
> http://www.usfca.edu/law/determann/softwarecombinations060403.pdf

The GPL only applies to derivative works under U.S. copyright law.  If
you interpret "derivative work" differently from the FSF (and are
prepared to defend your interpretation), you don't have to apply the GPL
to code you don't consider a derivative work.

Matt Flaschen