linux-kernel - RE: [PATCH] 2.6.25-rc2-mm1

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Date:	Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:19:42 -0800
From:	"David Schwartz" <davids@...master.com>
To:	<khc@...waw.pl>
Cc:	<Valdis.Kletnieks@...edu>,
	"Andrew Morton" <akpm@...ux-foundation.org>,
	"Ingo Molnar" <mingo@...e.hu>,
	"Arnaldo Carvalho de Melo" <acme@...stprotocols.net>,
	<linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>, "Alan Cox" <alan@...hat.com>
Subject: RE: [PATCH] 2.6.25-rc2-mm1 - fix mcount GPL bogosity.

> "David Schwartz" <davids@...master.com> writes:

> > I don't know who told you that or why, but it's obvious nonsense,

> Correct.

> > Exports should be marked GPL if and only if they cannot be used
> > except in a derivative work. If it is possible to use them
> > without taking
> > sufficient protectable expression, they should not be marked GPL.

> This isn't very obvious to me.

It may not be obvious, but it is the design and purpose of marking exports
GPL.

> The licence doesn't talk about GPL or non-GPL exports. It doesn't
> restrict the use, only distribution of the software. One is free to
> remove _GPL from the code and distribute it anyway (except perhaps for
> some DMCA nonsense).

That's true. The DMCA doesn't prevent it, since marking symbols is *not* a
license enforcement mechanism.

> If a code is a derivative work it has to be distributed (use is not
> restricted) under GPL, EXPORT _GPL or not _GPL.

Of course.

> One may say _GPL is a strong indication that all users are
> automatically a derivative works, but it's only that - indication. It
> doesn't mean they are really derivative works and it doesn't mean a
> module not using any _GPL exports isn't a derivative.

Of course. (The only people who argue otherwise are the 'linking makes a
derivative work' idiots.)

> I think introducing these _GPL symbols was a mistake in the first place.

Perhaps, since people seem to be trying to refight the same battles again.

The agreement made when the feature was added was that EXPORT_GPL was not a
license enforcement mechanism but was an indication that someone believed
that any use of the symbol was possible only a derivative work that would
need to be distributed under the GPL.

> Actually I think the _GPL exports are really harmful - somebody
> distributing a binary module may claim he/she doesn't violate the GPL
> because the module uses only non-GPL exports.

Anyone can argue anything. That would be an obviously stupid argument.
Perhaps clearer documentation might be helpful, but the GPL speaks for
itself.

> OTOH GPL symbols give
> _us_ exactly nothing.

They serve as a warning and, as a practical matter, may make it a bit more
difficult to violate the license.

DS

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