[License-discuss] FAQ entry on CLAs

[jonathon]

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On 20/01/15 14:14, Engel Nyst wrote:

> CLA stands for contributor *license* agreement. It's a non-exclusive
> license, plus some stuff. A non-exclusive licensee doesn't have standing
> for license enforcement. One needs to be copyright holder or exclusive
> licensee to pursue legal action. (in US)

a) If that CLA includes the appropriate legal terminology and phrasing,
the organization can pursue legal action, as the _agent_ of the
copyright holder;

b) If the CLA grants either full ownership of the copyright, or
co-copyright owner status to the organization, using the appropriate
legal terminology and phrasing, then the organization has the standing
to pursue legal remedies on its own.

>It creates a nebulous feeling that maybe CLAs "help" too. I don't think
they do.

How helpful CLAs are, depends upon the specific legal issue(s) that are
being addressed.

jonathon
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