GPLv3, LGPLv3 Review (WAS: License Committee Report for July 2007)

[Chris Travers]

I have am somewhat new to these lists.  I do have something to add but I 
am not sure where the process is with regard to approving the GPL and 
LGPL v3.

Unfortunately I am *not* convinced that these licenses meet the OSD. In 
particular, I have concerns over how well it fits in with sections 6 (no 
discrimination against fields of endeavor) and 10 (must be 
technology-neutral).

Section 6 of the GPL v3 contains anti-Tivoization provision which may 
effectively discriminate against fields of endeavor where through 
legislation or cartel contracts (DVD CSS license terms), the software 
component of the device may not be user-serviceable.  This is a specific 
intent of the license and should not be ignored.  Similarly, one might 
argue that these provisions in the license are made specifically to 
target the embedded space, thus raising the question of whether they are 
technologically neutral.

I am not saying that the licenses should not be approved.  I am saying 
that *if* they are approved, I think that the Board should also explain 
how they define these clauses and *why* they feel that these licenses 
meet these specific terms.  There is no question in my mind that these 
licenses erode the established OSD, but the question ought to be is this 
sufficiently within the spirit of the OSD to be acceptable.

Best Wishes,
Chris Travers
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