[License-review] Request for Approval : Modular Open-source Software License (MOSL)

[John Cowan]

Thorsten Glaser scripsit:

> I don't think arbitrary terms can be added – only those that don’t
> contradict the original provisions, such as that access to the source
> code to a recipient of the program in any form cannot be denied.

You can't add arbitrary terms that contradict the terms of the original
license *which specify what terms a derivative work can have*.  If there
are no such terms, or you don't step on them, your derivative work can
have any license you want.

It's known that Microsoft's command-line network tools like 'ftp'
and 'ping' have BSD code in them, as does the Windows kernel stack.
Windows is published under fully closed terms, which "contradicts"
the BSD license.  But there is no actual contradiction, because the
BSD license does not impose any specific terms on downstream licensees.
The same is true of most permissive licenses.

-- 
But you, Wormtongue, you have done what you could for your true master.  Some
reward you have earned at least.  Yet Saruman is apt to overlook his bargains.
I should advise you to go quickly and remind him, lest he forget your faithful
service.  --Gandalf             John Cowan <cowan at ccil.org>