[ubuntu-uk] The genius of FSF

[Mark Harrison]

Mac wrote:
> As I understand it, GPLv3 is not a contract;  it's a waiver of copyright 
> that passes to those who also waive copyright.  This is what's so clever 
> about it - it just doesn't work like a contract or licence.  I think 
> this is why patent/copyright lawyers have such trouble with it:  it's 
> anti-matter!
>
> Best wishes
>
> Mac
Mac,

Thanks for that.

It's hard to see, however, how any legal document written on 1st July 
could retrospectively apply to a contract signed on the 30th June unless 
the contract made specific provision for itself to be modified. Not even 
the government can (normally) pass laws that apply retrospectively.


Oh, and I have (finally) blogged about why I'm not a member of the FSF - 
you are strongly encouraged to visit http://planet.ubuntu-uk.org/ for 
all your Ubuntu-UK related needs :-) My blog is one of many syndicated 
there.

M.