how much right do I have on my project, if there are patches by others?

[Arnoud Engelfriet]

Nick Moffitt wrote:
> Arnoud Engelfriet:
> > Ben Tilly wrote:
> > > Bad example.  If you've followed the FSF recommendations for how to
> > > apply the GPL (the ones that are written into the GPL), then no
> > > permission is needed to go from GPL v2 to v3.
> > 
> > Those recommendations are not part of the GPL, fortunately.
> 
> See the "How to Apply These Terms to Your New Programs" section, which
> suggests that you use the wording "either version <N> of the License, or
> (at your option) any later version."  

That heading is directly below the "END OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS"
notice, which is why I said they are not part of the GPL.

Linus Torvalds is probably the most famous author that chose
not to use this wording when applying GPL version 2 to his software.

> These recommendations are not
> related to assignment of copyright, and reasonable people differ on the
> relative benefits of licensing software in this manner.

Indeed. But you can guess in which camp I am. :)

Arnoud

-- 
Arnoud Engelfriet, Dutch & European patent attorney - Speaking only for myself
Patents, copyright and IPR explained for techies: http://www.iusmentis.com/
              Arnoud blogt nu ook: http://blog.iusmentis.com/